BBC SPORT | Football | Chasing the European dream



By Alex Trickett BBC Sport Online

Europe beckons for nine English clubs and ambitions vary wildly.

Send us your Champions League predictions

For some, continental supremacy is the order of the day, but for the smaller sides a trip to Brussels or Belgrade will offer welcome - if all too brief - relief from the weekly grind.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Manchester United:

Those who say that Manchester United have been found out in Europe dismiss too easily the best midfield outside Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United
Fergie wants European success above all

If Roy Keane stays out of trouble and Ryan Giggs and David Beckham keep whipping in crosses, goals will flow like water for Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The problem - as last season - lies in defence.

Unless Sir Alex Ferguson finds a dependable partner for Rio Ferdinand, United will fall just short of the biggest prize in club football.

Prediction: Semi-finals or better

Arsenal:

The Gunners need to learn how to travel without creative inspiration Dennis Bergkamp, who refuses to fly.

Arsenal add to silverware

When Robert Pires and Freddie Ljungberg return, Arsene Wenger will have the classy squad to go a long way.

But question marks still hang over the performances of Thierry Henry at the very highest level and, without Bergkamp for away games, goals may dry up.

Prediction: Heartbreak in quarter-finals

Liverpool:

Gerard Houllier has built a squad that thrives in Europe.

Sami Hyypia is now the club captain of Liverpool
Hyypia: Liverpool's rock

Its success depends on two ingredients: the continued impregnability of defensive pair Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz and explosive counter-attacking, led by Michael Owen.

But if Liverpool can add midfield guile and a fully-fit Steven Gerrard to their list of assets, they will be a match for any side in the competition.

Prediction: Another trip to the quarters

Newcastle:

Leeds surprised everyone by making the semi-finals on their Champions League debut and the Toon Army hope their talented team can make a similar impact.

Newcastle's quest begins

Pushing forward from midfield, Newcastle will be as good as any, but Bobby Robson's defence struggled in the Premiership last season and will ultimately be found out.

Prediction: Exciting exit in second group stage

UEFA CUP

Leeds:

Under Terry Venables, Leeds have a realistic chance of going far in Europe's second club competition.

World class performers like Harry Kewell, Robbie Fowler and Mark Viduka will serve up plenty of goals and, if the defence can perform without Rio, prospects are good.

Verdict: Possible finalists

Chelsea:

Cash-strapped Chelsea should do well if they can hold on to prolific strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Chelsea's dynamic duo

A solid defence, which combines youth with experience, will hold its own. But an unspectacular midfield may struggle during the latter stages of the competition.

Prediction: Semi-finalists at best

Blackburn:

Graeme Souness' side promise some 'Jekyll and Hyde' antics in Europe.

Andy Cole will taste a return to European action
Cole will lead an exciting Blackburn attack

With Damien Duff, Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, they should be as entertaining as any team on view and may score a hatful of goals.

But Blackburn's defence will let them down and their European adventure could be over by Christmas.

Prediction: Toppled before the quarters

Ipswich:

Beneficiaries of Uefa's fair-play place, sportsmanship alone will not be enough for the Nationwide League's only representative.

Hreidarsson snubs Baggies

Ipswich still have some quality players, but plying their trade outside the Premiership will hurt their chances when faced with Europe's elite.

Prediction: Early exit

Fulham:

If the Intertoto Cup finalists make it to the main draw, Fulham's defensive style could buy them some time.

Fulham force draw with Bologna

Steve Marlet and John Collins celebrate a rare Premiership goal for Fulham
Fulham need goals

Edwin van der Sar is a tough target to pass in goal, but his efforts may not be rewarded by those ahead of him.

If Louis Saha, Steve Marlet and company struggle to score in the Premiership, they are unlikely to make the grade abroad.

Prediction: Early exit


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