Champions League Preview

The UEFA Champions League group stage begins with FC Barcelona hosting AC Milan in a classic tie while Manchester City FC v SSC Napoli represents the hopes of the new guard.

Exactly 110 days since the UEFA Champions League trophy left Wembley festooned in blue and red ribbons, a new campaign kicks off on 13/14 September with the first round of group stage games – and holders FC Barcelona taking top billing with their home showdown against AC Milan.

Among Tuesday's other standout fixtures, Vítor Pereira's UEFA Europa League winners FC Porto host last term's quarter-finalists FC Shakhtar Donetsk, while 24 hours later an intriguing-looking Group A gets under way with big-spending Manchester City FC making their UEFA Champions League bow against SSC Napoli and Villarreal CF welcoming FC Bayern München. It is in Munich that the road to the final ends on 19 May 2012 but first things first: matchday one.

Heavyweight clash

Milan left an indelible mark on the UEFA Champions League with their 4-0 final crushing of Barcelona in 1994 yet, almost two decades on, the Catalans set the benchmark. Josep Guardiola's holders launch their trophy defence at home to Massimiliano Allegri's team, aiming for a tenth victory in 11 home games in the competition. It is a fixture which may serve as a barometer for the prospects of the Rossoneri, who have not been beyond the last 16 since landing their seventh European crown in 2007.

Back in the spotlight

Both wear sky blue shirts and both have known falls from grace in recent times with spells in their domestic third divisions. Those dark days will be forgotten when Manchester City and Napoli meet in Group A in what signals the Italian side's return to Europe's elite after 21 years and ends an even longer exile for City, absent from the European Cup since 1968. Who will Diego Maradona be supporting? The Napoli outfit he led into the European Cup or son-in-law Sergio Agüero's City?

Steeled for action

Oţelul is the Romanian word for 'steel' and Oţelul Galaţi FC will need it in their debut campaign among the continent's finest. No Romanian club have recorded a top-two finish in a UEFA Champions League group and it would send a seismic shock around Europe if Dorinel Munteanu's squad – featuring one player with experience of the competition – were to survive a section including Manchester United FC, SL Benfica and their first opponents FC Basel 1893.

One to watch

There are several reunions taking place on matchday one: Tomáš Rosický goes back to Borussia Dortmund with Arsenal FC; Milan's Gianluca Zambrotta, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Mark van Bommel face their old club Barcelona; Michael Ballack returns to Chelsea FC with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Arguably the spotlight will shine most intensely on André Villas-Boas who becomes the fifth Chelsea manager to set out on the annual quest for owner Roman Abramovich's holy grail: a UEFA Champions League trophy. The Portuguese claimed the UEFA Europa League last term with Porto but now bids to succeed where six predecessors – Claudio Ranieri, José Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Avram Grant, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti – failed in what is Chelsea's tenth tilt at the title.

Perfect ten?

The limelight is never far away from Mourinho and he begins his own quest to deliver Real Madrid CF's tenth European Cup a decade after they last won it. A semi-finalist in his first season with the Merengues, he knows too that a Madrid triumph would set him apart in the history books as the only man to have led three different clubs to the trophy, following his successes with Porto and FC Internazionale Milano.

The stat

Manchester United has not conceded an away goal in the UEFA Champions League for 540 minutes. Indeed, 541 if you count the final minute of added time in their 2-1 loss to Bayern in the April 2010 quarter-final in Bavaria.

Did you know?

Czech newcomers FC Viktoria Plzeň hail from the home of Pilsner beer and have also exported a pair of fine footballers in their time, as the club where Pavel Nedvěd and Petr Čech started out.

Modric Will Sign New Spurs Deal - Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expects Luka Modric to be offered a new contract after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy rejected several bids from Chelsea during the transfer window.

Modric was keen to leave Spurs in the summer but Levy insisted the Croatian playmaker would not be sold at any price and, true to his word, turned down increasingly large offers - reportedly of £22 million and £27 million - from Stamford Bridge. Redknapp said there was a final offer of £40 million on deadline day.

Redknapp feels Modric can now focus on playing for Spurs and although the 26-year-old is already tied to a long-term contract, is anticipating an improved contract for Modric.

"Luka will just get on with it - the chairman will sit down and discuss his contract and make a deal," said Redknapp. "We are looking to make him a good offer. The transfer window being shut now makes my job easier because he has to just get on with playing."

Arsenal Continue £25m Spanish Chase

Arsenal are reportedly ready to step-up their interest in Thiago Alcantara ahead of a bid for the player.

The Sunday People claim the Gunners will continue to monitor the Barcelona midfielder in the coming weeks, before making their move for the player in either January or the summer.

The report goes on to claim Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger requested 'first refusal' on the £25 million-rated Spaniard, who made his international debut in midweek for Vicente del Bosque's side.

However, the clause as part of the Cesc Fabregas transfer to the Nou Camp was rejected, although that isn't expected to stop Arsenal from approaching Pep Guardiola once again for the player in the future.

Alcantara was linked with a move to the Emirates this summer, but rejected talk of a possible move to Arsenal and insisted he was keen to further his career in La Liga.

Also speculatively linked with a move to north London as part of a swap-deal for Fabregas, the interest of Arsenal remains strong and Alcantara could yet make a move to the club.

Gomes Set For Spurs Exit

Heurelho Gomes' career at Spurs appears to be over after Harry Redknapp admitted he would be on his way in the New Year.

The former PSV Eindhoven number one is looking for regular first-team football somewhere else, after being replaced between the sticks by Brad Friedel at White Hart Lane.

Carlo Cudicini was on the bench in the win over Wolves on Saturday with the Brazilian nowhere to be seen, and although Redknapp claims he has not frozen him out, he does think he'll be on his way in January.

Redknapp told the Mirror: "I've not bombed Gomes out and made him No.3 that's for sure. He's trained hard but, in all honesty, he's looking to move on in January. If the opportunity comes for him to play, I'm sure he will take it.

"But this guy (Friedel) is fantastic. He made a fantastic save from Karl Henry."

Arsenal Rival Chelsea For Wing Wizard Signing

Arsenal failed in a deadline day swoop for Fiorentina forward and Chelsea target Stefan Jovetic reports talkSPORT.

The 21-year old starlet, who has been likened to Italian legend Roberto Baggio spent the whole of last season on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but returned to fitness at the start of the 2011-12 campaign.

After joining the Serie A from Partizan Belgrade in 2007 in a £7million deal, Jovetic has scored just eight goals in 58 appearances for Fiorentina, but is still widely regarded as a player with great potential.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of promising young talent, and was undeterred by the Montenegrin striker's injury-plagued past, making a deadline day attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

"It's not only Chelsea who wants Jovetic, but Arsenal also," former coach and advisor Roberto Galbiati told TV station Italia 7. "Arsenal, on the last day of the summer transfer market, submitted a bid to Fiorentina but the club refused."

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was also rumoured to be interested in bringing Jovetic to Stamford Bridge this summer - but the signing of Juan Mata, Raul Meireles and Romelu Lukaku has significantly increased the Blues' midfield and attacking options that it is unclear whether the west Londoners will renew their attempts at a later date.

Juventus Plan January Raid For Manchester City Star

Juventus are hoping to tempt Manchester City left-back Aleksandar Kolarov back to Italy in January.

The Serbian joined City from Lazio in July 2010 but suffered an injury-hit first season in the Premier League.

And Kolarov now finds himself behind both Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta in the running for City’s left-back position and could be ready to leave in order to secure first-team football.

Reports in Italy have claimed Juventus are lining up a January offer for the 25-year-old, who cost City £16m just over a year ago.

Kolarov played arguably the best football of his career during his time in Serie A and might favour a switch back to Italy in order to secure his place in the Serbia team, who are still in the hunt for a place at Euro 2012.

AC Milan Consider Move For Chelsea Star

AC Milan are monitoring Fernando Torres situation at Chelsea, according to Inside Futbol.

The Italian giants could not afford to sign the out-of-form Spaniard on a permanent basis and are instead considering a loan move for the former Liverpool striker.

The 27-year-old is could be dropped by manager Andre Villas-Boas for the sides forthcoming games with Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United

The Blues boss could be willing to allow Torres to leave on loan in if the players slump continues as reports from Italy suggest that AC Milan are interested.

Torres' continuing run of bad form and the rise of Daniel Sturridge, who scored during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday, has led Andre Villas-Boas to consider starting the youngster for tomorrows Champions League tie with Bayer.

The troubled forward has yet to complete 90 minutes for Chelsea this season, finding himself substituted in the clubs first three games,

Capello Linked With Big-Money Move

England manager Fabio Capello will be targeted by Russian big spenders Anzhi Makhackala after Euro 2012, according to the Daily Mail.

The Italian is out of contract after the championships next summer, but had previously stated his job with England would be his last.

However, the wealthy Russian side, who has already signed Samuel Eto'o from Inter Milan, could tempt the England boss for a final hurrah.

Capello would be able to take charge for the beginning of the new season, with the Russian season changing to an autumn start next season.

At his disposal, Capello would have businessman Suleyman Kerimov's £5 billion fortune to help build a team capable of competing on the European stage.

Feruz Agrees Chelsea Deal

Celtic starlet Islam Feruz has agreed to join Chelsea, his agent has confirmed to skysports.com.

Feruz has just turned 16, but instead of signing a first professional contract at Parkhead he is instead moving south to England.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers have all been linked but Chelsea have always been leading the chase and they have secured a deal.

The Somalian-born forward, who has been capped by Scotland at youth level, has agreed terms with Chelsea and Celtic will be due training compensation.

"It is a massive step for Islam and for Scottish football," his agent Rui Alves told skysports.com.

"Now for him personally it is the beginning of a major adventure, he will have to work, work and work and raise his own level.

"Playing for a top club like Chelsea, where the major word in the squad is quality, will oblige him to show his own quality and deliver his best and convince the staff that he is more than just a major prospect."

Alves admits that there was little doubt he would join Chelsea after they impressed him so much.

"The first impression was extraordinary, it is a feeling that the whole club is behind him, they will support him on a daily basis and give him total trust and make him believe," he continued.

He confirmed that Chelsea fended off interest from around Europe to land Feruz, adding: "It was not just every club in the Premiership but also most big clubs in Europe who were tracking him. He is the one serious player in Scotland at the moment."

Feruz has been described as the Scottish 'Wayne Rooney' but Alves insists those comparisons are not accurate.

"Islam is a totally different player than Rooney - he is explosive with an amazing strength and good strike, but due to his speed he can also play on both wings," he said.

"But like Rooney, Islam doesn't cheat, you won't see him crying on the floor begging for cards or arguing with referees and I believe he will raise his level very, very fast."

Alves did, though, confirm Feruz will continue to pledge his international allegiance to Scotland and will not forget what Celtic did for him.

"He is looking forward to starting his career with Chelsea, but he would love to thank Celtic for all they did for him and his parents, he is Scottish and will one day score goals for Scotland."

Betting Recommendation for BPL Match (12 September 2011) Between QPR and Newcastle

QPR (12th) vs Newcastle (6th)

New signing Joey Barton is set to make his QPR debut in Monday night's Barclays Premier League match against former club Newcastle. The 28-year-old could be joined by five other debutants, with fellow recent signings Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jason Puncheon, Luke Young and Armand Traore also vying for starts. QPR manager Neil Warnock admits several players have niggles but can call upon Clint Hill after suspension and DJ Campbell, who has recovered from a virus.

Newcastle new-boy Davide Santon is unlikely to go straight into the starting eleven. The former Inter Milan full-back headed off on international duty with Italy's Under-21s after completing his move to St James' Park and, as a result, has had little time to be integrated into the Magpies squad and is set to feature from the bench at best at Loftus Road. Steve Harper (knee), Danny Guthrie (ankle) and Shola Ameobi (hip) have returned to training after missing the 2-1 win over Fulham last time out, a game in which Haris Vuckic broke his hand, while Mehdi Abeid (knee) has also joined Mike Williamson (broken arm) and Hatem Ben Arfa (ankle) on the injured list, although the latter has resumed light training.

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last four games against Queens Park Rangers, winning three of those matches and there has never been a league meeting between these sides which has finished goalless. Newcastle is enjoying their best start since 2005/2006 season and is currently unbeaten from their opening three games. However, tonight’s game will not be as straightforward for Newcastle as history has suggested. QPR, under their new Chairman, Tony Fernandes, has brought in a dozen new players that have certainly strengthened its team. Anton Ferdinand, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Luke Young, Armand Traore and former Newcastle player, Joey Barton are all quality premiership players that will make the difference. QPR has also just signed a two year sponsorship deal with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. With all the positives that are going on in the club, I expect a positive performance from QPR and to get their first premiership win this season. My prediction is QPR to win by a goal margin of 1-0 or 2-1.

FA Could Make Approach For Redknapp To Coach England

FA chiefs are hatching an emergency plan to install Harry Redknapp as England manager for the Euro 2012 finals.

Top brass have been working to find Fabio Capello’s long-term successor and Tottenham chief Redknapp is the red-hot choice to step into the job.

And People Sport can reveal that an official approach could be made to Spurs for their manager before Capello’s contract runs out next summer.

The possibility of Redknapp managing England at the finals is now being openly discussed in the corridors of power – and is rated ‘probable’ by top sources.

Redknapp could even be offered the post on a part-time basis this season, amid fears that the Three Lions will flop in Poland and Ukraine.

The only question is when Redknapp takes charge, as the FA await the verdict on the Spurs boss’ forthcoming tax issue trial before making a move.

Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to manage England and he might get his chance after the Montenegro qualifying showdown next month.

Capello is already a ‘dead man walking’ as he is leaving next summer, and it would not cost the FA much to let the Italian’s deal run down, or pay him off early.

Barcelona Chiefs To Fly To Brazil & Close Deal For Neymar

A delegation of Barcelona directors are expected to arrive in Brazil on Friday as they continue their pursuit of Santos forward Neymar.

Estadao.com reports a meeting is scheduled between Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro and representatives from the Spanish club.

Barcelona's mission is to find a definitive agreement with the Brazilian outfit over a transfer.

The Catalan club is willing to wait for the in-demand forward, who stayed at Santos in the summer in order to participate in December's Club World Cup, in which he may come up against the European champions.

Real Madrid are also interested in the 19-year-old and it is believed the capital club have signed a pre-contract with the player.

Officially Santos have always denied they have an agreement with either Spanish side, while Neymar recently said he did not want to be involved in a transfer "war" after learning of the interest in him.

The Brazil international, who has also been linked with Chelsea, has a contract until August 2015, but has a release clause of €45 (£39) million.

Mancini Confirms Man City Was Interested In De Rossi & Gago

Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Manchester City was interested in signing Daniele De Rossi and Fernando Gago during the summer transfer window.

The Real Madrid man eventually joined De Rossi at Roma by agreeing to a season-long loan.

"Gago is a player who we liked a lot. In the end we couldn't spend any more money due to the financial fair play rules," Mancini said, according to The Sun.

"But De Rossi is one of the best midfielders in the world. I have always thought that.

"But he is Roman and a Roma fan so I don't believe he will ever leave them."

City eventually signed former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves on a free transfer, and coach David Platt believes that his signing is a calculated risk.

"For a few weeks we have understood, from a business perspective, that after signing Samir Nasri, there wasn't going to be a big name coming in," Platt said.

"You have to get creative. The owners and the board have been terrific in saying, 'We know you need a midfield player but we have to be creative about it'.

"I think gamble is too strong a word. When you put all the things into the mix it's a calculated risk, and one we feel is well worth taking."

Chelsea Unlikely To Bid For Luka Modric Again In January

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed Chelsea is unlikely to make another approach for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric in January.

The Blues failed with several bids for the Croatian over the summer which their final offer reaching up to £40 million according to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp.

It now appears Chelsea have given up on trying to lure the playmaker to Stamford Bridge as they will now look to pursue other targets.

When asked in a press conference about the possibility of another bid for the Croatian, Villas-Boas replied: "No I don't think so. The market is closed and I won't speculate what happens in January."

The Portuguese also admitted the Blues failed in a bid to sign full-back Alvaro Pereira from Porto as the two clubs failed to agree a fee for the Uruguayan.

He said: "We were very far from meeting Porto's demands for Alvaro. I am happy with Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand."

Manchester City Plan £35m Transfer Raid On Barcelona In January

Manchester City will bid £35m for Barcelona defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets in January, according to a report in Italy by Tutto Mercato.

They claim Busquets is the “dream signing” for Man City boss Roberto Mancini, but convincing him to leave Camp Nou would likely be immensely difficult.

The Spain international has won three La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues in the last three years at Barcelona – as well as the World Cup with his country last season.

However, the way that Manchester City are currently playing, there is certainly an argument that Busquets is not required at the Etihad Stadium – even though Mancini admitted he was pursuing a top class defensive midfielder in the summer.

With financial fair play restricting the club from making more huge signings in January, Owen Hargreaves was signed after his Manchester United contract expired.

Perhaps Busquets’ acquisition will depend on how Hargreaves settles in.

Pardew Eyes Swiss Striker Derdiyok

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew insists he will bolster his attack in January, amid reported interest in Swiss international Eren Derdiyok.

The north east side has been seeking a striker since Andy Carroll's £35million move to Liverpool in January.

Te club's hierarchy insisted the money raised from his sale would be reinvested into the squad, but Newcastle did not manage to secure a forward in the summer window.

Pardew admits he tried to find a forward but a financial deal could not be reached and his targets, including Bryan Ruiz and Gervinho, opted to move elsewhere instead of St James' Park.

The Newcastle boss has revealed he voiced the fans' concerns to managing director Derek Llambias and Pardew hopes the club can now move forward and bring in a new frontman in the January transfer window.

He said: "I think Derek is the type to call a spade a spade and so am I.

"We've exchanged those words and we have to put it right and make sure we work together to move forward. That's where we are.

"I think it's important that Derek hears from me the message from the fans. I made that perfectly clear to him, how important it was."

Pardew watched Switzerland take on Bulgaria in midweek, and speculation suggests Bayer Leverkusen's Swiss forward Eren Derdiyok is his target as he bids to bring a new forward to the club in January.

The Toon boss would not be drawn on names but admits he has a specific target in mind.

He added: "I wanted to go straight to a particular game to target someone who I think would be great for the football club. That's what I did."

Bolton Hand Trial To Chilean Youngster

Bolton Wanderers have offered Chilean teenager Stefano Magnasco a trial at the club, with the Universidad Catolica right-back set to arrive in England on Monday.

Magnasco only made his debut for Universidad earlier this year but after tying him down to a first professional contract, the Chilean Primera Division side is happy for him to move as they will now be due a fee.

The 18-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea, but insists he is relishing the opportunity to test himself at Bolton.

"I have to seize this chance, and if I am not ready they will tell me," Magnasco told Chilean radio station Bio Bio. "It never hurts to take advantage of this situation.

"Everything is done with the club, I signed a contract with the club to keep everybody happy, and everybody is happy. The idea was to get on well with them and then hopefully everything will work out."

Barca Confirm Sanchez Blow

Barcelona have confirmed summer signing Alexis Sanchez will be out for eight weeks due to the thigh injury suffered against Real Sociedad.

The winger, who joined Barca from Udinese, was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian and he is now facing a lengthy lay-off.

The Chilean is expected to miss the next 13 games with Barca pencilling in the clash with Real Zaragoza on the weekend of November 19/20 as a date for his possible return.

His absence will be a blow for a Barca side still reeling from throwing away a two-goal lead at the Estadio de Anoeta.

Goals from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas had Barca cruising after just a quarter of an hour before Sociedad hit back and midfielder Sergio Busquets has spoken of the need to "correct the mistakes".

He said: "Last year we also began with problems, losing to Hercules, but it's no good worrying about it.

"We have to take note of it, correct the mistakes, and think from now onwards about the Champions League and AC Milan (on Tuesday night).

"At half-time we didn't think at all that the game was won, and it turned out like that.

"It's a fact that away from home winning is always tough and will get increasingly tougher. We haven't had the chance to talk about what happened yesterday but we will."

Most of the Barca squad were away on international duty last week, and Spain international Busquets believes that may have been a contributing factor.

He added: "It's always tricky. You come back from another setting, another team, and different team-mates.

"It's not easy to get back to what we do well, but we can't let it happen again."

Juventus Could Buy More Players In January - Giuseppe Marotta

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta admits the club may find itself spending more equity during the winter transfer window after seeing a flurry of players arrive in the summer.

Players such as Eljero Elia, Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Vidal, Marcelo Estigarribia and Emanuele Giaccherini were just a handful of stars to arrive during an active market.

But, Marotta has hinted there could be more as he wants his squad to be competitive with the rest.

"We had a satisfying transfer campaign, but we must always improve, and so we will operate in January if we need to," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"We did well, but in Italy you cannot spend €50 million on one player."

Arsenal Plot Move For Real Madrid’s Esteban Granero

Arsenal is plotting a move for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero when the transfer window reopens in January.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is an admirer of the 24-year-old Spaniard and has noted with interest is situation at the Bernabeu.

Granero, who is a product of Los Blancos’ youth academy and had a two-year spell with Getafe before returning "home" has slipped down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho.

The midfielder watched Real Madrid add Nuri Sahin and Hamit Altintop in the summer, while Portuguese defender Fabio Coentrao could be used in the engine room Mourinho has confirmed.

And with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Kaka, Mesut Ozil, Sahin and Altintop all vying for spots in Real Madrid’s starting eleven, Granero’s chances of first team football look bleak.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Arsenal are planning to take advantage of the situation, well aware that by the time 2012 dawns the midfielder could be looking for the exit door in search of regular first team football.

Real Madrid would not be likely to stand in Granero’s way, though they could insist on a buy-back clause in any deal, similar to that which allowed them to bring the schemer back to the Bernabeu for just €4M in 2009.

Arsenal would have to pay substantially more than that to snap up the Spaniard however.