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Curtain up on the Champions' League by

Alex Hayes,Phil Gordon
Sunday 14 September 2003 00:00 BST
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Tuesday: Group E

Manchester Utd v Panathinaikos

Sir Alex Ferguson's team have become regulars in the quarter-finals, having never failed to progress beyond the group stages since 1996. Early matches, particularly at home, tend to be formalities. These teams met at a similar stage three seasons ago, United drawing 1-1 away and winning 3-1 at Old Trafford. The Greeks have made a poor start to their league campaign, so the potential absences of Paul Scholes, who will see a knee specialist tomorrow, and Rio Ferdinand, still troubled by a kidney complaint, should have littleeffect on the Premiership champions.

Tuesday: Group E

Rangers v Stuttgart

Alex McLeish spent Wednesday night watching Germany's new striking sensation Kevin Kuranyi (left). The youngster, born in Brazil, has the height to worry a Rangers defence stripped of the departed Lorenzo Amoruso (to Blackburn) and injured captain Craig Moore. The absence of Barry Ferguson (also gone to Blackburn) and Ronald de Boer (out after knee surgery) has robbed Rangers of quality in midfield, and a great deal will fall on the shoulders of their young Spanish playmaker, Mikel Arteta. Steven Thompson's height and Michael Mols' pace could be Rangers' best assets.

Tuesday: Group G

Sparta Prague v Chelsea

This is Chelsea's return to Europe's élite tournament, following three years of embarrassing Uefa Cup exits. Having worked so hard to earn their place in the competition at the expense of Liverpool on the final day of last season, the players will be keen to make an impression. Having spent some £110m on transfers, Claudio Ranieri will hope his side do not make a poor start in the Czech Republic. The squad ooze talent, but the question remains whether they can all gel. Equally, everyone wants to know how the team on European duty will differ from the domestic one.

Wednesday: Group A

Bayern Munich v Celtic

It looks as if Paul Lambert will be denied the chance to return to the Olympic Stadium where he won the Champions' League in 1997 with Borussia Dortmund. An ankle injury will rule out the midfielder, and while few are giving Martin O'Neill's side a chance - even the Celtic manager says a revitalised Bayern are contenders - Henrik Larsson will scare Bayern's defence. His partner, Chris Sutton, won on this ground with Norwich City a decade ago.

Wednesday: Group B

Arsenal v Internazionale

Inter reached last season's semis and, like all Hector Cuper-managed teams, will be difficult to break down. Arsenal must capitalise on the fact that the Italian league has not kicked off. Their squad look a little thin to mount an assault on Europe and the Premiership, but there are no injuries, and with Thierry Henry scoring freely and both Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole (right) rested, the Gunners should secure the win. Cole will need to be at his sharpest against Emre, the winger he will meet again in Turkey next month.

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