BBC SPORT | Football | Champions League | British trio begin Euro quest

Listen to live commentary of Man Utd's match on BBC Sport Online and watch video highlights afterwards. Also live on BBC1 and Radio Five Live.

Celtic live on BBC Scotland/Radio Scotland.

Manchester United, Newcastle and Celtic kick off their chase for the biggest prize in European football on Wednesday.

The three play the first match of their two-leg qualifying campaigns for the Champions League.

How will British trio fare? Have your say

Their opponents are hardly the biggest names in European football - but the stakes are very high.

Failure to progress into the first group phase would mean losing at least �10m in revenue.

And for Manchester United it would be hugely embarrassing after they failed to win a trophy last season.

Manchester United

Zalaegerszeg v Man Utd team news

The richest club in Britain face little-known Hungarian champions Zalaegerszeg and will aim to establish a healthy lead.

Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson is forcing his players to focus

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who reached the semi-finals last year, have not had to go through the qualifying stages since the 1998-99 season, when they went on to lift the trophy.

And the United manager admitted their early appearance in the competition is something his players could have done without.

"It is a round we didn't really want to be playing in, but we are here now and we have to be focused," said Ferguson.

"We have seen them a couple of times on tape, but the most important thing is we play to our potential.

"You can play sides of any standard, but if you don't play well they're all capable of beating you."

United travel to Budapest without their record signing Rio Ferdinand and goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, both of whom are injured.

Newcastle United

Zeljeznicar v Newcastle team news

Newcastle enter uncharted territory when they take on Zeljeznicar Sarajevo of Bosnia.

Sir Bobby Robson's men will go into the tie as clear favourites, but Peruvian midfielder Nolberto Solano is taking nothing for granted.

"For me, this match is as important as a World Cup qualifier," he said.

"Now I don't play for Peru, the Champions League is my one chance to play against the best in the world.

"We have given ourselves a great chance to qualify for the Champions League.

"We are not about to let that opportunity slip through our hands. We have to try to come away with a draw at the very least."

Newcastle will be without influential midfielder Gary Speed after damaging an ankle in training.

Celtic

Celtic v Basel team news

Celtic take on FC Basel and defender Johan Mjallby believes the Swiss side could be even trickier opponents than taking on Ajax last season.

"It is more pressure and a bit trickier than last season's qualifier in that we knew a bit more about Ajax than Basel," said Mjallby.

Celtic defender Johan Mjallby
Mjallby is relishing the challenge

"But if you play for Celtic or Rangers you always have expectations.

"We really have to respect them. It's really going to be a stiff test.

"We all are really eager to go into the Champions League again. It was a joy to be there last year and we have to aim even higher this season."

Celtic winger Didier Agathe is battling to be fit for the game, so Momo Sylla is expected to deputise.