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Football Ticket Pad takes a look at this weekends main talking points from the Premier League which includes a twist in the title race, return to form of an England striker, plus the battle for survival as Sunderland and Newcastle secure wins.

Liverpool: The Merseysiders are many people’s favourites to win the competition following their dramatic victory against Borussia Dortmund as fans love for their charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp grows. Liverpool will have their tails up and will be brimming with confidence after their dramatic late comeback ensured their passage into the semi final as they remain unbeaten in their twelve matches in the competition.

France striker Karim Benzema has been omitted from the French national team due to the ongoing investigation into his involvement in a sex tape scandal. The striker, who denies any wrongdoing, broke the news through his official Twitter account confirming that the French Football Federation will not select him for Euro 2016 this summer. Benzema posted: “Unfortunately for me and for all those who have supported me. I am not selected for our Euro in France.”

Let’s take a look at the last four sides remaining in the UEFA Champions League as Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich join Manchester City and Real Madrid in the hat for Friday’s draw. The draw for the semi-finals will make made at 11:30GBT on Friday morning with the ties will be played on 26th/27th April and 3rd/4th May before the Champions League Final in Milan on 28th May 2016.

Barcelona undoubtedly have the best forward line in world football and are still gunning on all fronts with a treble in sight. Copa Del Rey finalists, Champions League semi finalists and heading towards their seventh La Liga title in ten years. Many would think Barca would sweep the board, but recent form suggests otherwise.

Chelsea Football Club announced earlier this week the appointment of Antonio Conte as First Team Head Coach. The Italian is set to take over the reigns in London following Euro 2016 this summer where he will lead Italy before moving to Chelsea on a three year contract. With plenty of squad alterations, a busy summer transfer window beckons.

Europa League contenders Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund will lock horns at Anfield for their second leg with the tie level at 1-1. Jurgen Klopp will be looking to knock his former side out of the competition and continue his quest for European glory in his first campaign in English football.

Manchester City welcome Paris St-Germain to the Etihad Stadium tonight in the Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg with the tie evenly poised at 2-2 following the first leg in Paris. Manuel Pellegrini’s side are hoping to reach the semi-final stage for the first time in their history and with two vital away goals at the Parc Des Princes the English side appear favourites to progress.