Hamburg - Manchester United and Barcelona are strong favourites to progress from their respective quarter-final ties in the Champions League Wednesday, setting up the prospect of a mouthwatering clash between the pair for a place in the final.

Barca are at home to Schalke 04 having won 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen while United are in an even stronger position ahead of their clash with Roma at Old Trafford, having defeated the Italians 2-0 in the first leg.

While United are still going strong in the Premier League - holding a three-point lead over Chelsea with five games remaining - Barcelona are desperate to reach the semi-finals in order to get some relief from their domestic problems.

Sunday's tedious 0-0 draw at home to Getafe has left Frank Rijkaard's team seven points behind Liga leaders Real Madrid and the final whistle was greeted with white handkerchiefs in the Camp Nou demanding the departure of club president Joan Laporta and Rijkaard.

Although United also slipped up at the weekend, drawing 2-2 at Middlesbrough, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are still odds on favourites to retain their league title.

Roma and United met in the group stage of the current edition, with United winning 1-0 at home and drawing 1-1 in Italy. The two sides also met at the same stage of the competition last season when United hammered Roma 7-1.

Roma and the 3,500 fans expected to follow them still hope for a miracle at Old Trafford despite the injury layoff of captain Francesco Totti.

Coach Luciano Spalletti, however, has Brazilian Juan again fit to play as central defender and midfielder Simone Perrotta back from suspension.

United may be weakened in defence as Rio Ferdinand is almost certain to miss the game due to a foot injury.

He joined Nemanja Vidic on the team's injured list, making Gerard Pique the man most likely to play alongside Wes Brown, who is set to move into the centre of the defence from right back.

Barca will be without injured South Americans Deco, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi for the game against Schalke.

Around 2,000 Schalke fans are planning to make the trip to Barcelona, in the hope of seeing their team pull off a shock.

On Saturday, Schalke beat Hansa Rostock 1-0 at home, a result which leaves them in second place in The Bundesliga, nine points behind runaway leaders Bayern Munich. (dpa)