Valencia prepare to repeat title charge in Spain while McManaman makes rare appearance for Real and Bayern close in on German championship

Valencia supporters are hoping history will repeat itself after a record of four wins in five games has seen the Spanish champions creep up to third place in La Liga, just two points adrift of the long-time leaders Real Sociedad and behind second-placed Real Madrid only on goal difference.

At the same point last season, Valencia lay fourth after a spluttering start but then lost only one match in the last 16. Ironically, that loss was a 2-1 reverse at Rayo Vallecano, their opponents away from home tomorrow. Coach Rafa Benitez is expected to field his first-choice strikeforce of John Carew and Pablo Aimar, who played in the 1-0 Champions' League victory over Roma in Italy after being kept on the bench during Valencia's 2-0 win over Malaga last Saturday.

Sociedad, undefeated in the first half of the season, have picked up only a point from their last three games and tomorrow face Osasuna, who beat Real Madrid 1-0 last Sunday.

Real host Valladolid this evening with the suspended Luis Figo likely to be replaced by Steve McManaman as the Englishman makes only his third league start of the season.

In Italy, the title challengers Milan travel to Torino tonight to face a side desperately needing a win to keep alive their hopes of avoiding the drop, having slipped nine points adrift of safety. Piacenza, who face second-placed Internazionale at San Siro tomorrow, are also in need of points and will hope their opponents, beaten at Chievo last weekend, are still shell-shocked after their 3-0 Champions' League humbling in Barcelona.

Bayern Munich, eight points clear of the defending German champions Borussia Dortmund, could all but secure their 17th Bundesliga title with a victory at home against Nuremberg today, while, in France, Monaco, unbeaten in 11 matches, face fourth-placed Auxerre tomorrow. The leaders Marseille play struggling Lille today.