Champions League Recommendations (Matchday 1 - September 14, 2011)

Villareal (Spain) vs Bayern Munchen (Germany)

Ángel López remains sidelined for Villareal by the cruciate ligament injury he sustained in January, but coach Garrido said Jonathan De Guzman is available, also maintaining that the absence of the suspended Borja Valero was no disaster. "I wish he could play, but we have a quality squad which gives us plenty of options," he said.

Bayern's Philipp Lahm was replaced against Freiburg as a precaution having picked up a knee injury. Ivica Olić has not played since injuring his hip scoring in a 5-0 win against Hamburger SV on 20 August; Arjen Robben (pelvic problem) has been out since the same game. Breno has not featured since undergoing knee surgery on 11 May.

It is ten years since Bayern last won away to Spanish opposition – 1-0 at Real Madrid CF in the 2000/01 semi-finals. The Bavarian side subsequently beat Valencia CF in the Milan final but have since suffered one draw and five losses in Spain, where their overall record reads: W4 D4 L9. Jupp Heynckes, the visiting manager, has coached three teams in Spain but is still working out a way to better Villarreal, who beat his previous club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, twice in last season's UEFA Europa League. It will be a tight affair and expect both team to score in this one with a lot of quality attackers for both side. Prediction 1-1 or 2-1 to Bayern Munchen.

Inter Milan (Italy) vs Trabzonspor (Turkey)

Inter Milan suffered defeat in their opening Serie A league match 3-4 to Palermo. Thiago Motta (thigh), Iván Córdoba, Emiliano Viviano, Maicon (knee) and Andrea Poli (unspecified) are all ruled out through injury but back-up goalkeeper Luca Castellazzi is available after shaking off a knock.

Trabzonspor are doing welll in their domestic league and are 16 league games unbeaten, since a 2-0 loss at Fenerbahçe SK on 30 January. They have also kept six clean sheets in their last nine league games. Onur Kıvrak, out of action since mid-March with a cruciate ligament injury, has resumed training. Barış Ataş has not featured since tearing a hamstring during a 2-1 friendly win against Orduspor on 2 September. Adrian Mierzejewski (one game), Senol Günes (two games) and Burak Yilmaz (three games) are all suspended.

The clubs crossed paths in the 1983/84 UEFA Cup first round, the Turkish team triumphing 1-0 at home thanks to Tuncay Soyak's late strike, but Inter went through after winning the return 2-0. Expect a careful approach by both teams in order to avoid defeat in their opening game. Inter to nick it by 1-0 or 2-0. Under 2.50 goals will be my choice.

Benfica (Portugal) vs Man Utd (England)

Manchester United FC begin their 16th consecutive UEFA Champions League group stage campaign away to familiar rivals in SL Benfica. Last season's runners-up beat Benfica to lift the first of their three European Cups in 1968 and will travel to Lisbon aiming to extend their 18-month unbeaten away record in the competition. Benfica will have other ideas as they bid to improve on recent UEFA Champions League disappointments, their last three campaigns having ended in the group stage. United have prevailed in six of the clubs' seven encounters, starting with a quarter-final triumph in the 1965/66 European Champion Clubs' Cup and continuing with their 4-1 final success at Wembley two years later. When Benfica beat United 2-1 in Lisbon in December 2005, they eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's team at the group stage for the first time since 1994. The only survivor in Benfica's squad is Luisão while Rio Ferdinand, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and unused substitute Darren Fletcher remain for United. That was the last time Benfica reached the tournament's knockout stages. United avenged that defeat when Louis Saha secured a 1-0 win in Lisbon in September 2006. Their subsequent 3-1 home victory at the end of the group stage consigned Benfica to an early exit.

United's away record against Portuguese opposition now reads: W5 D1 L4. Benfica's record at home to English teams is: W6 D2 L4. I predict a draw in this game. Small wager on Draw or Benfica +1/2 on the Asian Handicap.

Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) vs Real Madrid (Spain)

Dinamo have suffered just one defeat in 13 matches this season, the 2-0 loss to Malmö FF in the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg. Igor Bišćan, out since April, is expected to miss the first half of the season following surgery on his left ankle. Defender Leandro Cufre has been rulled out with adductor problems after pulling up in training on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who struck a Liga record 40 goals in 2010/11, has scored seven goals in his last four appearances, 19 in 11 stretching back to last season. Hamit Altıntop (back) and Nuri Şahin (left knee ligament strain) are yet to make their Madrid debuts while Khedira has not featured since suffering an adductor injury in the Spanish Super Cup second leg on 17 August.

In both their previous two group stage campaigns Dinamo began with goalless draws, at home to AFC Ajax in 1998/99 and again the following season away to then holders Manchester United FC. In the first participation they were unbeaten at home, drawing two games and winning one, while in 1999/2000 they lost twice and won once. Dinamo Zagreb will have all men behind the ball for this one to try and stop Real's attacking talents from creating easy chances in this game. Take under 3 1/4 for this one as I can only see one team scoring in this game.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari Owners Ponder Arsene Wenger & Jose Mourinho

Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners are considering swooping for Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho as they bid to move the French side forward.

Current PSG coach Antoine Kombouare has already come under significant pressure this season, but is likely to retain his post until the end of the current campaign, by which time the capital city club could well have lined up a very big name to take over.

And according to Djamel Belmadi, an advisor to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the power behind the Qatar Investment Authority which owns PSG, Wenger and Mourinho are names in the frame.

"Whether it is Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho, they are both important figures in football", Belmadi, who is also coach of Qatari side Lekhwiya SC said to Canal+.

"The Sheikh wants what is best for his club", continued Belmadi.

"These are certainly names that have been in his thoughts."

Mourinho has already admitted coming close to taking over at the Parc des Prince before opting to join Inter in 2008. A switch to the French capital therefore has appealed in the past and, with vast riches at his disposal, could surely do so again.

Wenger meanwhile is enduring the most troubling time of his reign as Arsenal boss, making the possibility of a switch back to his native France more realistic than at any time since 1996.

Chelsea & Tottenham Face Transfer Competition From Juventus For England International

Juventus have joined Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the race to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill, according to Italian website Tutto Mercato Web.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas revealed earlier this summer that he wanted to sign a British centre back, while Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said publicly a bid had been rejected.

Fellow Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool are not thought to be in the running for Cahill though, having already signed Per Mertesacker and Sebastian Coates respectively.

Competition to sign Cahill in the January transfer window will likely be fierce though, as the central defender will then only have six months left on his contract – unless of course Bolton boss Owen Coyle can convince him to extend his deal.

Tutto Mercato Web report that Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has personally identified Cahill as the man to marshall the club’s defence, having been impressed with his performances on international duty.

Cahill himself has admitted his desire to prove himself in Europe.

“As a professional footballer in general you want to strive and be the best you can and try to get to the highest level you can,” said the Bolton centre half during the international break.

“Playing European football would be fantastic but as it is at the minute I’m not doing that so all I can do is put my performances in for Bolton Wanderers.”

Liverpool, Arsenal And Chelsea In Transfer Battle For Serie A Forward

Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are on high alert after hearing Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic has delayed signing a new contract with the club.

The Montenegrin forward was the subject of a bid from Arsenal in the summer transfer window that was eventually rejected, and now it appears that he is considering his future.

“It’s not only Chelsea who want Jovetic, but Arsenal also,” former Fiorentina defender Roberto Galbiati told Italian television station Italia 7.

“Arsenal, on the last day of the summer transfer market, submitted a bid to Fiorentina but the club refused.”

Liverpool have watched Jovetic since he scored both goals against them in a UEFA Champions League match in 2009, and are thought to be considering their options for January.

The 21 year-old missed the whole of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but is looking to get his career back on track.

Now Jovetic’s agent Fali Ramadani has revealed that with Fiorentina not in Europe this season, he is in no hurry to sign a new deal.

“He still has two years left to run on his present agreement,” Fali Ramadani told Calciomercato.it.

“I have no meetings set up with the club about this matter.”

The versatile forward – who is capable of playing up front, on the wing or in attacking midfield – is most often compared to Roberto Baggio, and would be an asset to any Premier League club.

Betting Recommendation for Champions League Matches (14 September 2011)

APOEL (Cyprus) vs Zenit (Russia)

APOEL's midfielder Tijani Belaid has been on an individual training programme as he seeks to gain match fitness, but Jovanovič said "all the players are at my disposal". Defender Christos Kontis retired after a heart attack late last month.

Zenit's midfielder Sergei Semak has not featured since breaking his fifth metatarsal in July; however, winger Vladimir Bystrov is back after a knee ligament injury sustained in March and Spalletti was due to make a decision on his involvement after training on Monday.

APOEL have never played a Russian side in UEFA competition and likewise this is Zenit's first European game against Cypriot opposition. Russian side will be tough for the Cypriots, expect Zenit to win this game. Zenit -1/4 on the Asian Handicap will be my choice.

Viktoria Plzen (Czech Rep) vs BATE Borisov (Belarus)

Plzen will be without goalkeeper Roman Pavlík until the end of September after injuring his knee at Rosenborg BK on 27 July. Plzeň signed Marek Čech, 35, as cover. Petr Jiraček shook off an ankle problem to start at Sigma on Friday and Vrba has no fresh injury worries.

BATE's Vitali Rodionov will miss the group stage after rupturing knee ligaments and is expected to be out until at least April. Evgeni Kuntsevich has been ruled out until the new year after undergoing knee ligament surgery in July; midfielders Dmitri Likhtarovich (muscular problem) and Aleksandr Pavlov (torn adductors) are also sidelined. Artyom Kontsevoi (groin) and Aleksandr Yurevich (torn ankle ligament) are back in training.

This is the first time Plzeň have reached the group stage of a European club competition, having won the 2010/11 Czech title in their centenary year. BATE are competing in the UEFA Champions League group stage for the second time. They finished bottom of their section in 2008/09. The sides have never met in UEFA competition. Plzeň are playing Belarusian opposition for the first time, and this will be BATE's first encounter against a Czech side. With Barcelona and AC Milan in the same group, this is a six-pointer game which is vital to finish 3rd in the group and qualify for the Europa League. Expect a good match with both team to score. 1-1 or 2-1 to the home side.

Barcelona (Spain) vs AC Milan (Italy)

Carles Puyol, who had knee surgery on 1 June, was an unused substitute on Saturday and could return according to Guardiola. Alexis Sánchez went off with a torn hamstring and will be missing for six to eight weeks. Gerard Piqué has not figured since tearing his left calf in training on 23 August. Ibrahim Afellay is also absent with a thigh injury sustained in late July.

Barcelona old boy Ibrahimović did not travel after injuring his right thigh in training, while Robinho misses out after failing to shrug off a groin problem. Gennaro Gattuso (three games) and Philippe Mexès (back on matchday two) are suspended. Mathieu Flamini sits out the group stage after knee surgery in late August while Taye Taiwo is sidelined by an ankle complaint.

The sides have met 11 times in UEFA competition, recording four wins each and three draws. Barcelona's record in five home games against Milan reads W2 D2 L1. With injuries to key attacking players of AC Milan and the suspension of Gattuso and Mexes, it is not surprising to see the bookies giving Barcelona a 1 3/4 ball favorite over their opponent. AC Milan is a good team and can frustrate Barcelona by defending and will try to catch Barcelona on the counter. Take the generous 1 3/4 handicap given by Barcelona and Under 3.50 goals.

Borrussia Dortmund (Germany) vs Arsenal (England)

Lucas Barrios is yet to play this season after tearing a thigh muscle during Paraguay's Copa América final defeat by Uruguay. Also yet to appear are Marvin Bakalorz (Achilles), Patrick Owomoyela (hip) and Julian Kock (knee ligament tear).

Tomáš Rosický is out with a knee injury suffered on international duty, Aaron Ramsey also did not travel after picking up an ankle injury in training, while Jack Wilshere (ankle, out since 4 September) and Thomas Vermaelen (left ankle, 24 August) are both sidelined. Abou Diaby has not played since 9 June and underwent surgery on an ankle injury at the start of the summer. Sébastien Squillaci has not featured this season due to a calf problem.

While 1997 winners Dortmund are ending a nine-year group stage absence, Arsenal are competing for a 14th straight season. In Dortmund's last participation they faced Arsenal, losing 2-0 away but winning 2-1 at home with two Rosický goals. Dortmund have a habit of beating English opponents in important ties. They overcame Liverpool FC 2-1 in the 1966 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final in Glasgow having removed West Ham United FC from their path in the semi-finals with a 5-2 aggregate victory.

The goal against in a 3-1 home win was the only time they conceded in their first four home games against English visitors before Henry's strike. Dortmund also knocked out Manchester United FC en route to victory in the 1996/97 UEFA Champions League, winning both legs of their semi-final 1-0. Tough one for Arsenal who needed a blunder by Swansea keeper to get the winner in their last game. The Arsenal team has not look convincing as yet and for that, expect Dortmund to get a win here.

Manchester United Target Dinamo Zagreb Duo

According to reports Manchester United are to have scouts watching Dinamo Zagreb in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Spanish sources say United are following two of Dinamo's brightest talents, Mateo Kovacic and Mario Situma.

Kovacic has attracted enquiries from United and Arsenal this year, while Situma has come to the attention of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson via his East European scouting network.

17-year-old Kovacic has played five games this season scoring twice, while 19 year-old striker Situma struck four goals in five games for Croatia in the summer's Under-21 European Championships.

Arsenal Agree Deal For Promising Young Midfielder

Henri Lansbury has signed a new contract with Arsenal, dispelling rumours he was set for a transfer away from Emirates Stadium.

The England U21 international has been in remarkable goalscoring form in recent weeks, netting in the international break and on his debut for current loan club West Ham United.

“Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Henri’s continued contribution with the Club in the coming seasons,” read an Arsenal statement.

Many were surprised at Lansbury being allowed to leave on loan in the summer, with Arsenal quickly short on midfielders with Jack Wilshere injured and Alexander Song and Emmanuel Frimpong earning early suspensions.

However, perhaps regular first team football with West Ham United is his best route to success, with quick development the hope with an eye on an Arsenal squad place next season.

AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan Tracking Torres

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is attracting the attention of three Serie A clubs as his dismal time at Stamford Bridge continues.

The £50m signing was dropped to the bench for the narrow 2-1 win over Sunderland at the weekend and was given just 16 minutes of action, during which Steve Bruce's men scored their consolation goal.

The 27-year-old has scored just once for the Blues in 22 appearances and exciting young goalscorer Romelu Lukaku was added to the squad in the summer to add further competition.

Now AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan are upping their interest in the Spanish forward who has World Cup and European Championship final wins on his CV.

According to Milan News, AC are the club with the greatest intent to land the former Liverpool hero, with Juve and Inter also closely monitoring Torres' increasingly desperate situation in west London.

Man United After Juventus Ace

Manchester United is hoping to beat Chelsea and Russian club Anzhi in the race to sign Juventus winger Milos Krasic.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been strongly linked with a move for the Serbian midfielder, who has been outstanding for the Italian club in Serie A.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport has reported this morning that talks have already taken place between the Premier League champions and the agent of Krasic to discuss the possibility of a deal being agreed in January.

Krasic is certainly a player in demand as Chelsea and Russian side Anzhi have also been tracking his progress.

Chelsea is reported to be considering offering Alex in part-exchange as Juventus are keen on signing the Brazilian defender.

But United are hoping that they can win the race to clinch his signature and a deal can be agreed in the near future.

Zamparini: Balzaretti Will Join PSG

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has revealed that full-back Federico Balzaretti will join Paris Saint-Germain next season.

Balzaretti has been linked with a move to the French giants ever since Leonardo's appointment as general manager at PSG earlier this summer.

''Federico asked me to be transferred to PSG and I would like to make him happy,'' said Zamparini. ''Leonardo has already asked me about signing him for some time but I told him that, until the end of the season, he will remain with us. Meanwhile, we will begin to search for his replacement.''

The Italy international joined Palermo from Fiorentina in 2008 and is under contract with the Sicilian giants for a further two years.

Raul Eyes Real Future

Raul has been assured by Real Madrid that he will have a role at the club when he has ended his playing career, according to the Spanish striker's agent.

Raul, 34, is under contract at Schalke until next summer after rejecting the opportunity to experience the Premier League with Blackburn during the transfer window.

Schalke have indicated that Raul could be offered another deal but, at this stage of his career, the player is already starting to think about life after he hangs up his boots.

And Raul's representative, Gines Carvajal, has revealed that his client is planning to return to the Santiago Bernabeu following his retirement.

"Raul is turning 35 years of age and he is under contract until June 2012. He needs to know how the current season will turn out," Carvajal told the Spanish-based Terra media.

"We have agreed that the end of the season is a perfect moment to discuss the future.

"It is agreed that he will be given a role at Real Madrid when he hangs up his boots and has retired from the game."

Raul began his career at Real and achieved legendary status before leaving for Schalke on a free transfer 12 months ago.