"Liverpool may not be at the top of the Premier League this season but that can work in their favour in Europe," said Mancini.
"It means they will probably be more focused on the Champions League now, which can make it harder for Inter when we play them.
"Liverpool's current form is misleading. It will be hard to beat them. We know they are a great team with quality players and a great coach in Rafael Benitez.
"I expect both games to be very difficult at Anfield and also in the San Siro.
"Does it work in our favour that we go to Anfield for the first leg? I'm not so sure. We are talking about two very strong teams so I don't see the order of the games being so important."
