British clubs face big tests, Milan seek favourites validity

PARIS, Nov 5: British clubs are facing a tough scrap for points in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, while European heavyweights AC Milan host Portuguese outfit Braga looking to justify their tag of tournament favourites.

Tottenham welcome Dinamo Zagreb, Manchester City take on former England manager Steve McClaren’s FC Twente and Aston Villa travel to Slavia Prague.

Spurs, revitalised under new coach Harry Redknapp, have began to turn their season around, a 2-1 win over league leaders Liverpool on Saturday the feather in the cap of their recent revival.

And the London club’s Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes believes that result has sparked a renaissance just in time for the crunch Zagreb match.

“I think the key is belief at the moment. The team is playing with more confidence now and we have picked up three very good results,” said Gomes, whose side sit bottom of Group ‘D’.

He added: “We went through a difficult period but worked hard in training to put things right, so now this is a good time for the team.”

Mark Hughes may opt for attacking experience against FC Twente, after the Eastlands side drew blanks in recent defeats at Middlesbrough and Bolton.

With Benjani and Darius Vassell both deemed fit after a reserve-team outing against Liverpool on Tuesday, Hughes may be tempted to hand the duo a start to take the pressure off record signing Robinho.

“They will come into the equation. It is important that they got some game time under their belts, but they impressed and Benji scored into the bargain,” Hughes said. “We have enjoyed the games in Europe. FC Twente are a decent team, who are very well organised and it’s going to be a good test.”

Villa will receive the Czech Republic stamp on their passports knowing they are in pole position to qualify from Group ‘F’ after a win over European giants Ajax on Oct 23.

It is the second time Martin O’Neill has put a hoodoo on the Dutch side, the first being with Celtic in 2001, but the northern Irishman will be wary of a Slavia shock, especially after his side’s 2-0 slump against Newcastle on Monday.

But all eyes will be on the San Siro as the Milan maestros take on Braga with the Italians riding high after a 1-0 win over Napoli at the weekend propelled them to the top of Serie A.And David Beckham’s future team-mate Clarence Seedorf sent a chilling message to the Portuguese opposition.

Thursday’s fixtures (group stage):

Group A:

Manchester City v FC Twente

Racing Santander v Schalke 04

Group B:

Benfica v Galatasaray

FC Metalist Kharkiv v Hertha Berlin

Group C:

Standard Liege v Sevilla

Vfb Stuttgart v Partizan Belgrade

Group D:

Spartak Moscow v Udinese