Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
UEFA Champions League Group F preview: Bayern go to Belarus
1 October 2012
Bayern Munich will travel to Belarus for the first time to take on Group F leaders BATE Borisov in Champions League action on Tuesday.
The German giants have won all of their competitive matches so far this season, including six Bundesliga matches - conceding just two goals in the process - one DFP Pokal clash, and their opening European game against Valencia 2-1.
BATE are flying in their own way, dominating the less-heralded Belarusian top-flight, and being unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions - with one of those results being their first win in the Champions League group stage at their 13th attempt.
Viktor Goncharenko's men beat Lille 3-1 away in France, scoring three times, all in the first-half, to put the result beyond doubt.
They again displayed their scoring prowess with a 5-1 thrashing of Neman Grodno domestically at the weekend, which included a run of four goals in the space of 19 minutes.
This, however, was in a league below what Bayern ply their trade in every week, and the German club will still be expected to beat their lesser experienced opponents in Minsk.
But the hosts at Dynamo Stadium will be full of confidence their game plan can at least see them score, and be competitive against one of the favourites for the European title.
Despite Jupp Heynckes' side having not played at the ground as a unit, his players are not completely foreign to the surface, with Franck Ribery featuring there for France against Belarus in a Euro 2012 qualifier in June 2011.
Ukrainian international and Bayern midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk also featured in Minsk for his country in a World Cup qualifier in 2009, while star Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic also played at the ground for Croatia in that same qualifying campaign - meaning the Bayern squad will also have a sense of familiarity with the venue.
At least one of Valencia or Lille will open their Group F account when they clash in Spain, in a battle of the two matchday one losers.
Valencia have struggled to 10th spot in La Liga through six games, most recently recording a 2-0 win at home to Real Zaragoza to break a two-game losing streak in all competitions.
However, that form pales in comparison to Lille's horror run of results, which sees them sitting 15th in Ligue 1 with seven points from as many matches, and winless in their past five matches.
And Lille will need to turn around recent form and history to win in Spain as Valencia have a perfect record against Ligue 1 opponents in European competition, conceding just three times in seven wins while helping themselves to 18 goals in the same stretch.
UEFA Champions League Group G preview: Barca, Benfica set to clash
1 October 2012
Barcelona can build on their lead atop Group G in Champions League, when they visit Benfica in Portugal.
The Spanish giants - who have made the semi-final stages in Europe five seasons in succession, winning the illustrious trophy twice in the process - will hope to continue that run under new coach Tito Vilanova when go to the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica.
Barcelona have had a perfect start to their domestic and continental campaigns, with six wins from six in Spain and their 3-2 home win over Spartak Moscow on matchday one.
That win was the first of a run of three that saw Barcelona score critical goals in the 80th minute or later, in a sign of the spirit the Nou Camp squad have to fight on late in games to earn the full three points.
However, Benfica - albeit in an inferior league - have arrested a deficit on three separate occasions in their past two domestic clashes to earn four points and sit top of the Liga Sagres, in a clear sign Jorge Jesus' men also have that 'never give in' ethic drummed into them.
They will need it in droves, though, to defeat the star-studded Barcelona outfit, who have made the European competition their own in recent times.
Spartak Moscow will be ready to reap some rewards from their admirable loss to Barcelona in their opening group-stage game, when they host Celtic at the Olympic Stadium in the Russian capital.
Moscow coach Unai Emery saw his side lead at the Nou Camp with less than 20 minutes remaining, only for a Lionel Messi brace to break Spartak hearts.
Three wins since - two in the league, and one in the cup - has seen the Russian side continue their good form, however a worrying trend for Emery's men is they have not kept a clean sheet in their past 12 matches.
Celtic, meanwhile, have won three of their past four - drawing the other with Benfica in the group stages - keeping clean sheets in three matches, and conceding only in the Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers.
UEFA Champions League Group H preview: Cluj await United test
1 October 2012
Manchester United travel to Romania to play Cluj in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as Braga face an intimidating trip to Galatasaray.
United will be looking to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday, their first home loss against Spurs for 23 years.
Goals from Jan Vertonghen, Gareth Bale and Clint Dempsey sealed the hosts' fate at Old Trafford, with Nani and Shinji Kagawa netting in vain.
United manager Alex Ferguson is battling a defensive injury crisis early in the 2012/13 campaign - Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all sidelined, leaving Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans as the club's only fit centre-backs.
The outlook is healthier further forward, with Wayne Rooney returning to Premier League action against Tottenham.
The England international will compete with star signing Robin Van Persie, as well as Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, for a place in the forward line.
Attacking midfielder Ashley Young is out with a knee injury, while an ankle knock could keep Nani on the sidelines.
Cluj, United's hosts at the Stadionul Dr Constantin Radulescu, are level with the English club on three points in Group H courtesy of an impressive 2-0 win away to Braga on matchday one.
It is the second season in succession United have travelled to Romania in the Champions League after they were drawn against debutants Otelul Galati in the 2011/12 competition.
The other match in Group H sees Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray host Portuguese club Braga, with both teams seeking their first points in the pool.
Galatasaray were unfortunate to come away from Old Trafford empty-handed last month, as Michael Carrick's early goal consigned them to a 1-0 defeat despite the Super Lig side enjoying numerous chances.
Braga, meanwhile, have become a familiar face on the European scene, last appearing in the Champions League group stage in 2010/11.
They fell at the first hurdle on that occasion, and went on to lose to compatriots Porto in the final of the Europa League.
They are third in the Liga Sagres after five matches played, just one point behind joint leaders Benfica and Porto.
But after losing at home to Cluj, coach Jose Peseiro has it all to do if his team are to progress beyond the group stage.
Platini clear over 2020 vision as UEFA chief insists tournament would be a one-off
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 15:43 GMT, 1 October 2012 | UPDATED: 15:43 GMT, 1 October 2012
UEFA president Michel Platini has stated that his idea of playing the Euro 2020 finals in 12 European cities across the continent would be a one-off for that tournament only. Platini said UEFA were waiting from feedback from the 53 European member associations before making a decision - in the past the European Championships have been in just one or two countries. The Football Association have already registered their interest in hosting the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium should the new format be brought in.
Making his point: UEFA president Michel Platini
Platini told a news conference in St Petersburg: 'It is an idea that will be discussed by all national associations within their relevant meetings. 'It is an idea and that concerns the 60th anniversary of the Euros in 2020, and to carry the game further than just played in one country but extend it to 12 European cities. 'Sometimes it is a bit costly and some countries cannot host the Euros because of the forbidding cost. 'We are waiting for feedback to say whether they like it or not and whether in 2020 we can organise a Euro in several European cities - but only 2020 mind you.'
Looking ahead: The FA want to put Wembley forward as the host stadium for the Euro 2020 Final
BATE have the advantage over Bayern, claims Heynckes
The Bayern Munich coach is adamant that travelling to Minsk to face a team with superior fitness levels makes his side underdogs for Tuesday's clash
Oct 1, 2012 4:49:00 PM
By Enis Koylu
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has insisted that BATE will be the favourites heading into Tuesday's Champions League match between the two sides.
The Bavarians have won all nine of their matches so far this season, including victories over the likes of Schalke, Borussia Dortmund and Valencia.
However, due to the long-haul nature of their trip to Minsk, and with the hosts having had more playing time this season, the veteran trainer feels his side are at a disadvantage.
"BATE will have a slight advantage as they play at home, and with BATE's season in full swing, Bayern have no advantages," the Borussia Monchengladbach legend explained at a press conference.
"I must say I was impressed by BATE's performance and victory at Lille. BATE played a great game in France, so we must take them seriously.
"BATE have become Champions League regulars in recent years and perform with relative success. They are a unique team. As for our side, we have big targets, but it is too early to speak of them.
"First of all we have to successfully qualify from our group. Playing in the Champions League is a big challenge for our side."
Former Barcelona midfielder Aliaksandr Hleb plies his trade for the Borisov outfit, and Heynckes went on to voice his admiration for the 31-year-old.
"I have a lot of respect for Hleb, who I remember playing in the Bundesliga. He is perhaps BATE's key player, and he has found his Stuttgart form."
Silvestre back training with Manchester United... and will Fergie fancy a return amid his defensive crisis?
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 10:45 GMT, 1 October 2012 | UPDATED: 11:02 GMT, 1 October 2012
Mikael Silvestre is back training with Manchester United - over four years after quitting the club. The veteran Frenchman was put through his paces on Monday morning at Carrington before the squad jetted out to Romania for their Champions League game with Cluj.
Old face: Mikael Silvestre takes part in training drills at Carrington on Monday morning
Remember me? Silvestre battles with Wayne Rooney for the ball during their session
With captain Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling all out injured - and United conceding three goals in the home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday - boss Sir Alex Ferguson could be tempted with a surprise swoop. Silvestre, 35, is available on a free transfer after being released by Werder Bremen at the end of the season. He spent almost 10 years at United after signing from Inter Milan in 1999 and was always regarded highly by Ferguson.
Keeping pace: Silvestre is on the lookout for a new club after leaving Germany
First time around: Silvestre in action for United during his playing days with them
He eventually lost his place to Patrice Evra and eventually joined rivals Arsenal on a free transfer. West Ham recently considered signing Silvestre but boss Sam Allardyce eventually declined the chance to bring him in. Vidic is ruled out until the end of November with a knee injury, while Smalling and Jones are yet to appear this season.However, there is some good news with Jonny Evans able to train on Monday morning after being helped off at the end of United's 3-2 defeat to Tottenham. Ferguson claimed the Northern Ireland international was only suffering from a dead leg.
Evans travels for CFR Cluj tie but Scholes, Giggs, Carrick & Valencia miss out
The Red Devils have been handed a boost after the centre-back was passed fit enough to train on Monday morning but four first team players have been left out of the away trip
Oct 1, 2012 11:45:00 AM
By Oliver Platt
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans will travel to Romania for the Champions Leaguematch against CFR Cluj but Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggsare all missing from the Red Devils' squad.
Evans had been a fitness worry for Sir Alex Ferguson, having needed to be helped off at the end of the 3-2 defeat against Tottenham on Saturday, but the Scottish manager later claimed that the Northern Irishman was only suffering from a dead leg.
The centre-back trained on Monday morning at the club's Carrington complex but both Carrick and Valencia missed the session, with the latter having missed the match against Spurs with an ankle injury.
Veteran midfielders Scholes and Giggs, meanwhile, appear to have been rested despite Ferguson's insistence that he would select an experienced side.
Youngsters Scott Wootton and Michael Keane both worked out with the first team on Monday, as did new signing Alexander Buttner, but Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones face lengthy absences.
Ashley Young, meanwhile, did not take part in the main session but worked with fitness coaches away from the rest of the squad having suffered a cartilage injury in late September.
Former United defender Mikael Silvestre was also present and training, with the former France international searching for a new club after leaving Werder Bremen. The 35-year-old is working with the Red Devils to maintain his fitness levels.
Manchester United squad to face CFR Cluj: De Gea, Lindegaard, Buttner, Evans, Evra, Ferdinand, Michael Keane, Rafael, Wootton, Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher, Lingard, Nani, Powell, Tunnicliffe, Hernandez, Kagawa, Rooney, Van Persie, Welbeck.
Do not underestimate CFR Cluj, Romania legend Hagi warns Manchester United
The former Real Madrid and Barcelona player insists that Ioan Andone's team will not fear their more illustrious opponents in the Champions League clash on Tuesday evening
Oct 1, 2012 10:20:00 AM
By Oliver Platt
Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi has warned Manchester United not to underestimate CFR Cluj when the two clubs clash in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
United sneaked past Galatasaray at Old Trafford in their opening match of the group stage, winning 1-0, but have not looked too convincing in recent European competition and failed to progress to the tournament's knockout stages last season.
Cluj beat Basel, who consigned United to the Europa League in 2011-12, over two legs to qualify for the first round proper and saw off Braga in their opening fixture.
"Manchester United should be careful," Hagi told the Manchester Evening News. "CFR are a very good team and they've won all five of their European games so far this season."
Brazilian midfielder Rafael Bastos scored twice in the triumph against Braga and Hagi identified the 27-year-old as one to watch at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Radulescu.
"He's an example of one of their strong foreign players and of their confidence," Hagi claims. "CFR were not a big club in Romania until five years ago when they started winning trophies.
"They've played in the Champions League before and held Chelsea at home so they won't be afraid of Manchester United."
"They're well organised by an experienced coach, Ioan Andone, and while they're not at the top of the league because of injuries and the responsibility of playing in the Champions League, they're a very strong side."
Hagi, who is one of a select group of players to have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, had fond memories of facing United in European competition during the 1990s and revealed his admiration for talismanic forward Eric Cantona.
"Cantona played for the crowd," Hagi explained. "That's what I tried to do because the crowd is the most important thing in football.
"It was a shame that he couldn't play for Manchester against Barcelona when I was there in 1994, because Barca won 4-0. [Peter] Schmeichel had to sit in the stands too. He was the best goalkeeper of the 90s, so strong and flexible for a man of his size."
The 124-time Romania international's respect for Sir Alex Ferguson's team has not faded since then.
"Ferguson is an example to every coach in the world," Hagi enthused. "[Ryan] Giggs is a wonderful player who is about skill and imagination, not power. He isn't like a typical British player.
"United are very respected in Romania, as a team who usually reach the Champions League semi-finals or finals should be."
Pirlo deserved to win Ballon d'Or, claims Shakhtar boss Lucescu
The Romanian previously coached the playmaker at Brescia and believes his former charge should have been rewarded for his efforts in helping Juventus lift the Scudetto last season
Cech wants early Champions League progression for Chelsea
The Czech Republic shot-stopper is hoping to dominate the group early on so the club can concentrate on other matches, but warns they will not be taking their opposition lightly
Evans looking to rebuild partnership with Rio Ferdinand
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his defensive numbers dwindle through injury in recent weeks but the Northern Irishman is eyeing a regular spot alongside the 33-year-old
Teams are beginning to work out Barcelona, admits Vilanova
The Blaugrana coach says wins are becoming increasingly harder to attain due to rivals now adopting tactics which attempt to stifle their possession-based style of play
Celtic boss Lennon expecting tough Spartak Moscow test
The Hoops' boss believes Tuesday's opposition are a significant step up from their previous games, but has faith his team can give a good account of themselves in Russia
Oct 1, 2012 8:45:00 PM
By John Christodoulou
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is expecting a tough encounter against Spartak Moscow in theChampions League, but believes his side can cause the Russian side problems of their own.
The Celtic Park outfit recorded solid victories over HJK Helsinki and Helsingborgs to qualify for the group stages of Europe's elite club competition, but the Northern Irish coach conceded that their next opposition would be a step-up in class.
Lennon saw his side grab a draw with Benfica in the Hoops' opening group tie at Parkhead and is keen to build on that performance to improve their away record in Europe.
"Those questions aren’t asked as much now, but away from home in the Champions League is the toughest game you can get in football," Lennon told reporters.
"We are aware our record is not so great – but records are there to be improved upon. We played well in Helsinki and Helsingborgs and it's given us a lot to be encouraged about.
"We know it's going to be very tough. Spartak Moscow are an excellent side with an excellent coach. Going forward, they have players who are very quick, strong and skillful. They are very rigid in the way they play.
"But we are coming into the game in good form. Our away form in Europe has been pretty good recently, but this is a real step-up for us in terms of class and competition. "
Lennon admitted that the pressure is off his side after merely making it to the group stage, but called for a run of good performances to build expectation levels back up among fans after beating Motherwell 2-0 in a table-topping SPL clash on Saturday.
"We have touched on this before," he added. "All the pressure was in the qualification and the games against Helsinki and Helsingborgs.
"Now the expectation is less than it would have been but I suppose if you are playing well - and we got off to a decent start in the group - then the expectation levels start to build again.
"Our performance at the weekend was probably our best of the season so if we can build on that going into this game, who knows where it can take us. "
The Celtic boss also played down suggestions the artificial surface in the Luzhniki Stadium could have a detrimental effect on his side's game, and pointed towards previous experience of playing on plastic pitches that will help them adjust.
"We will have a look at the pitch tonight but I don´t think it will be a problem because we played in Helsinki and that experience will benefit us going into the game tomorrow," explained Lennon.
"We will have to stop their forward players getting in between the lines and hurting us. We will have to defend well and counterattack as best we can."
Carrera: Shakhtar Donetsk clash is a crucial test for Juventus
The caretaker coach has spoken of the perils that await his side, urging them to not take the Ukrainians lightly given their recent unbeaten run and mix of flair and solidity
Oct 1, 2012 11:25:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Massimo Carrera has warned his Juventus players that they must play at their very best when they host Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stage of the Champions League on Tuesday.
The Bianconeri have won all but two of their eight matches this season, one of which was a 2-2 comeback draw at European champions Chelsea a fortnight ago, to kick off their campaign on the continent.
And with the clash against the Ukrainians looming large, the interim boss issued a rallying cry, claiming that his side are conscious of what is needed to overcome Mircea Lucescu's troops.
"We have got to beat them and we know what we have to do," Carrera said at a press conference. "It is a crucial game, but before we start thinking about the future we have got to beat them.
"It is going to be a difficult game and we are going to have to suffer. We have to play like Juve."
Carrera then analysed Shakhtar's strengths and warned his team to anticipate a mix of Brazilian flair and defensive solidity, both of which have contributed to the side embarking on a 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
"They are a very strong team technically, coached by a coach who knows Italian football well," he added.
"They have plenty of Brazilians so we are going to have to be careful as they are technically strong and know how to play football.
"We know they have a strong defence. They have not lost in 25 games and deserve full respect and, I repeat, it is going to be a very difficult game to play."
Big test for the latest Laudrup as Michael's son prepares to face Chelsea
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI and SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 21:00 GMT, 1 October 2012 | UPDATED: 21:00 GMT, 1 October 2012
In the spotlight: Laudrup Jnr
Michael Laudrup’s father played for Denmark for 12 years, but that is nothing compared to the shadow that stalks his son Andreas. The latest in the Laudrup line plays for FC Nordsjaelland against Chelsea on Tuesday night as the only familiar name at the club.
The 21-year-old is the youngest of the Swansea manager’s two footballer sons, a tricky, two-footed winger with pace. Comparisons with his father, and his famous uncle Brian, are not as frequent as they were when he was a teenage prospect at Real Madrid, but that does not make them any less annoying.
‘The name has been a burden - everyone knows the Laudrups here,’ said Morten Wieghorst, the former Celtic midfielder who signed Andreas in 2009 for Nordsjaelland but left last year to manage Denmark Under 21s.
Wieghorst played with Michael and Brian for Denmark in the Nineties and under Michael at Brondby, where Andreas was the scrawny kid always at pitchside with a ball. Wieghorst told Sportsmail: ‘Even then he was compared to Michael.’
Great Dane: Michael Laudrup enjoyed a glittering career for club and country
In 2007-08 Andreas was in the youth ranks at Real Madrid, where his father won a league title. ‘He used to carry only his first name on his shirt and insisted on being known as Andreas on the team sheet.’ When his father left Getafe in 2008, Andreas followed his family back to Denmark. After his son had a short spell at Lyngby, Michael called Wieghorst.
Tough ask: Nordsjaelland welcome Chelsea on Tuesday night
‘His father was one of the truly great players,’ said Wieghorst. ‘People will always judge him against that.’ Meanwhile, Roberto Di Matteo wants Frank Lampard, who is in the final year of his contract, to sign a new Chelsea deal but admits the 34-year-old can no longer be the club’s all-action man. ‘Nobody likes to be on the bench or not playing,’ said the Chelsea manager. ‘But I hope that he will spend the rest of his career with us.’
Barcelona are not perfect, insists Jorge Jesus The Eagles coach is adamant that his side's forthcoming opponents can be exploited, using Sevilla and Spartak Moscow as examples of teams who successfully employed counter tactics
Oct 1, 2012 6:45:00 PM
By Livio Caferoglu
Jorge Jesus has stoked the fires ahead of Benfica's Champions League group clash withBarcelona on Tuesday by claiming that their Iberian counterparts are not "perfect".
The Portuguese side go into matchday two with a point to their name, having opened their European campaign with a goalless draw at Celtic a fortnight ago.
Looking ahead to his team's upcoming meeting with the Catalan giants, Jesus acknowledged their opponents' ability in possession of the ball but felt recent performances against Sevilla and Spartak Moscow highlighted their flaws.
"They are the best team in the world when it comes to planned attacking," said the Benfica coach. "But they had some problems against Spartak and Sevilla which prove that they are not perfect.
"The coaches studied them well and you could see why Barcelona were losing those matches. When they lose the ball, their opponents counterattacked sometimes with danger and managed to score.
"It will be a big European night like past seasons, with the big difference this time being that the opponents are Barcelona. The atmosphere will be great and we want to perform well against them, if possible, by earning a point.
"In the Champions League, simply not losing these matches is a good result."
Meanwhile, midfielder Nolito spoke of his anticipation at facing his former side, having left Barcelona in the summer of 2011 due to a lack of first team opportunities.
"It’s a special game for me as I played for Barcelona most of my career," said Nolito ahead of the match. "It will be a pleasure to play them.
"We have [more] tough opponents after Celtic but, despite that, we want to earn all three points. It's just 11 players on each team at the end of the day.
"To beat them we know that we have to run and fight a lot. Barcelona are the favourites but, if we play to the best of our abilities, winning is possible."
Manchester United must respect CFR Cluj, insists Sir Alex Ferguson
The Red Devils' manager has stated his side will have to be aware of the Romanians' attacking threat after seeing his charges fall to defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday
Oct 1, 2012 7:35:00 PM
By Tom J Doyle
Sir Alex Ferguson has called for Manchester United to tighten up in defence ahead of their Champions League clash with CFR Cluj on Tuesday night.
The Red Devils slipped to a shock 3-2 defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday, conceding two goals in the first-half.
And the 70-year-old wants more concentration from his team as they travel to Romania for what could prove to be a tricky clash, following the hosts' impressive 2-0 away win at Braga in the opening round of the group stages.
"I hope the first-half on Saturday was [an issue of] awareness," he told reporters.
"When Jonny [Evans] and Rio [Ferdinand] played consistently every week last season [from December when Nemanja Vidic was injured], we got better.
"As part of our preparations we have to assess the opposition and we saw their performance in the last game against Braga.
"[Before that] they knocked out Basel, beating them twice. We know from our own experience last season that Basel knocked us out. That gives us every respect for Cluj because it tells you they’re a good team.
"Cluj defend quickly and get plenty of bodies behind the ball. Their main strength is counterattack, as they showed against Braga."
United will be short of numbers in midfield for the trip to Romania with the experienced trio of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick all remaining in Manchester.
"Carrick didn't report today, he's in bed with a virus," Ferguson added.
"Ryan [Giggs] also felt rough this morning and we sent him home. We left Paul Scholes behind.
"Those three players are missing - two with a virus and Paul Scholes because, although he looked great this morning and played great on Saturday, at 37 years of age I can't expect him to play three games [in a week]."
UEFA Champions League Group A preview: Porto host pricey PSG
2 October 2012
Paris Saint-Germain's bid to compete with the elite of European football continues with a trip to face Porto in the Champions League.
Funded by their wealthy Qatari owners, PSG have spent big to bring a host of star names to the Parc de Princes.
Ezequiel Lavezzi, Javier Pastore and Marco Verratti are among the recent arrivals, with Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a double capture from AC Milan, the most audacious acquisitions yet.
Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has already begun to provide a healthy return on the investment, netting nine goals in eight appearances to date this season.
A slow start in Ligue 1 means PSG are three points behind leaders Marseille, but they hit the ground running in Europe, registering a comprehensive 4-1 win at home to Dynamo Kiev on matchday one.
Their next challenge is a trip to Estadio do Dragao, where seasoned European campaigners await in the form of Porto.
Regular participants on the global stage, Porto failed to escape the group stage of the Champions League last term, before bowing out of the Europa League at the hands of Manchester City.
They had won the Europa League in some style the previous season, but have since lost the services of coach Andre Villas-Boas, as well as star forwards Falcao and Hulk.
Vitor Pereira is now in charge of the Liga Sagres title holders, who will rely on the likes of Portugal international midfielder Joao Moutinho and lively Colombia forward James Rodriguez as they seek to advance in the competition.
Porto registered a 2-0 win away to Dinamo Zagreb on matchday one, and will pose the sternest test yet of Carlo Ancelotti's expensively assembled PSG.
In the other Group A match on Wednesday, Ukrainian powerhouse Dynamo Kiev are at home to Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb.
Kiev are second in the Ukrainian Premier League, six points behind leaders Shakhtar Donetsk after 10 matches of the domestic season.
Retired club favourite Oleg Blokin serves as head coach of both Dynamo and the Ukraine national team, coaching several of his charges at club and international level.
Home-grown talent in the Dynamo squad such as Andriy Yarmolenko, Artem Milevskiy and Denys Harmash are complemented by Croatia playmaker Niko Kranjcar, Nigeria forward Ideye Brown and Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso.
As for Dinamo Zagreb, the Croatians are seeking to avoid a repeat of the embarrassments they suffered in the competition last term, losing 7-1 at home to Lyon and 6-2 at Real Madrid, ultimately finishing bottom of their group without a point.
UEFA Champions League Group B preview: Arsenal await in-form Greeks
2 October 2012
Olympiakos are the visitors to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday as Arsenal bid to recover from their first defeat of the season.
In a sharp contrast to their shambolic performances early last term, Arsene Wenger's team have made a solid start to the 2012/13 campaign.
They won two and drew three in the English Premier League, including a credible 1-1 draw away to champions Manchester City, while beating Ligue 1 title-holders Montpellier away from home in the Champions League.
But the first defeat arrived at home on Saturday, with Chelsea registering a 2-1 win at the Emirates thanks to goals from Fernando Torres and Juan Mata.
Former Lille forward Gervinho and Germany international Lukas Podolski were preferred in attack to misfiring close-season signing Olivier Giroud.
And after losing star striker Robin Van Persie to Manchester United, Arsenal's lack of options up front were painfully apparent against Chelsea.
Midfielder Abou Diaby has impressed greatly since returning from injury during the first weeks of the campaign.
But the powerful Frenchman is now back on the sidelines again after picking up a thigh problem early in the match against Chelsea.
Nevertheless, Greek side Olympiakos are not expected to pose their Premier League hosts a significant problem in north London.
Coached by Portuguese Leonardo Jardim, Olympiakos are three points clear at the top of the Greek Super League after five matches of their domestic season.
They will bring with them a face familiar to fans of English football, with former Manchester United and Derby County goalkeeper Roy Carroll between the sticks, as the Northern Irishman enjoys an unexpected late career revival with the Athens giants.
Also in Group B, German club Schalke await the visit of Montpellier to the Veltins-Arena.
Surprise Champions League semi-finalists in 2010/11, Schalke had to settle for the Europa League last term, which they exited at the hands of beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao in the last eight.
Huub Stevens' side are fourth in the Bundesliga, level with defending champions Borussia Dortmund but already seven points back from leaders Bayern Munich.
Their opponents, Champions League debutants Montpellier, staged a considerable upset to beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 crown last term.
But their early efforts in defence of the title have been unconvincing at best, with Montpellier 13th on the table, already 10 points adrift of leaders Marseille.
And with domestic matters proving a challenge for Rene Girard's men, the Champions League may quickly be deemed an unwanted distraction at the Stade de la Mosson.
UEFA Champions League Group C preview: Zenit squares off with Milan
2 October 2012
Group C of the UEFA Champions League appears wide open as Zenit St Petersburg and Malaga seek to capitalise on the decline of AC Milan.
Malaga have experienced two rollercoaster years following the arrival of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani as owner in 2010, spending their way to fourth place in La Liga last season, just three points behind European regulars Valencia.
After previously stating his intention to break the hegemony of Barcelona and Real Madrid, Al-Thani performed a bizarre U-turn in the close-season, apparently pulling the plug on his investment and leaving the club in limbo.
Financial uncertainty triggered a host of high-profile departures, chief among them the sale of playmaker Santi Cazorla to Arsenal for a reported fee of 19 million euros.
But they have defied expectations to remain competitive, shrewdly recruiting the likes of Javier Saviola, Oguchi Onyewu and Roque Santa Cruz in a combination of loan moves and free transfers.
Sitting third in La Liga after six matches played, they thumped Zenit 3-0 at home on matchday one.
This week coach Manuel Pellegrini, who guided similarly unfancied Villarreal to the Champions League semi-finals in 2005/06, takes Malaga to Anderlecht.
The Belgian side managed a credible 0-0 draw at struggling Serie A giants Milan last month, but may have a tougher task containing their in-form visitors from Spain.
As for Milan, they have struggled badly early in 2012/13 after being shorn of key men Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who were sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the close season.
Operating under strict budgetary constraints, coach Massimiliano Allegri, who led Milan to the Serie A title in 2010/11, has seen his team manage just two league wins in six attempts to date this term.
On Wednesday they go up against a club enjoying life at the opposite end of the financial scale, with Zenit, funded by Russian state energy company Gazprom, now among European football's biggest spenders.
They stole the headlines last month with an audacious swoop for Porto forward Hulk and Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel, the pair reportedly costing a combined total of 100 million euros.
They join a squad already boasting Portuguese pair Bruno Alves and Danny, as well as several stars of the Russia national team, including striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev, and midfielder Igor Denisov.
Reigning Russian Premier League champions under Italian coach Luciano Spalletti, Zenit have struggled early in the season, managing just one cup victory from their last five matches in all competitions.
Regardless of the disparity in resources at the clubs' disposal, a victory for either team at the Petrovsky Stadium is likely to prove significant in their bid for European progression.
UEFA Champions League Group D preview: City welcome dogged Dortmund
2 October 2012
Every match appears crucial in the Champions League's 'Group of Death', with Manchester City hosting Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
The undisputed toughest pool of the 2012/13 competition, Group D features the title-holders of four major European leagues, with City (English Premier League) and Dortmund (Bundesliga) joined by Ajax (Eredivisie) and Real Madrid (La Liga).
City were placed in a similarly unforgiving group last season, and finished third behind Napoli and eventual runners-up Bayern Munich.
Last month they came close to making a stunning start to this campaign, leading 1-0 and then 2-1 away to Real, but conceded late on to lose 3-2 in arguably the match of the tournament so far.
Dortmund also endured a disappointing return to elite competition in 2011/12, finishing bottom of a group containing Arsenal, Marseille and Olympiakos.
Like City, Juergen Klopp's men went on to claim their domestic title, and will be determined not to suffer a repeat of continental disappointment.
Dortmund made a solid, if unspectacular, start on matchday one, beating the weakest team in the group - Ajax - 1-0 at home.
A tougher challenge looms this week, with Klopp taking his players to face Roberto Mancini's expensively assembled squad at Etihad Stadium.
A host of stars are in contention to grab the spotlight, with the likes of City's Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Carlos Tevez going up against Dortmund stars Marco Reus, Mario Goetze and Robert Lewandowski.
City triumphed 2-1 away at Fulham in the league on Saturday, courtesy of a late winner from substitute Edin Dzeko.
Dortmund warmed up for the clash in far more impressive fashion, hammering Borussia Moenchengladbach 5-0 at home.
In the other Group D fixture, Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid renew acquaintances with Dutch side Ajax, after the two clubs were also drawn together at this stage of the tournament last season.
Real defeated Ajax 3-0 home and away last term, and any result other than a winner for the Spanish champions would be a surprise.
Mourinho's men have been shaky early in their title defence, but they finally found form with a 5-1 hammering of Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday, star man Cristiano Ronaldo netting a hat-trick in the romp at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Ajax also enjoyed a morale-boosting victory last weekend, downing Eredivisie leaders Twente 1-0 at home to move three points off the top of the table.
But they must surely produce an extraordinary performance if they are to interfere with Real's intended march to the latter stages of Europe's elite club competition.
