SPORTS BETTING: United have nothing to fear from Fiorentina

FIORENTINA, ONLY 10th in Serie A following Saturday's unimpressive 1-0 home victory over moderate Perugia, could be held to a draw by Manchester United in tonight's opening Champions' League phase two Group B encounter in Florence.

With Predrag Mijatovic, the Yugoslavian striker, injured and Enrico Chiesa, the Italian forward doubtful, the veteran Abel Balbo may partner Gabriel Batistuta in attack. La Viola look sure to pose the European Cup holders problems at the back, but no more than the Purple Princes' fragile defence are likely to encounter from Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.

Chelsea may be held to a draw by Feyenoord at Stamford Bridge in their Group D encounter tomorrow night. Chelsea are having a lean time and Feyenoord, who drew 3-3 at Maastricht at the weekend, are fair value to get a point.

Spartak Moscow, exiled to the Uefa Cup from the Champions' League, may be held to a draw by Leeds in the first leg of their third-round tie on Thursday. Impressive both domestically and in Europe, Leeds appear set for a long run in the competition.

Rangers, also Champions' League refugees, could be held to a draw by visitors Borussia Dortmund. Rangers will find the 1997 European Cup winners, third in the Bundesliga, a sterner test than Saturday's 2-0 victims, Hibernian.

Following the draw for the third round of the FA Cup it is worth including Arsenal - already in the fourth round after drawing Second Division strugglers Blackpool at home - Leeds - also hat-bound after getting to entertain First Division also-rans Port Vale - and Tottenham - home to Newcastle - in an ante-post portfolio. Premiership and European Cup chasing Chelsea may end up facing a tricky trip to Hull, while Liverpool will find First Division Huddersfield no pushover.

n Suggested bets: pounds 1 Fiorentina to draw with Manchester United at 9-4 with William Hill or Ladbrokes; pounds 1 Chelsea to a draw with Feyenoord at 11-4 with Ladbrokes, Stanley or the Tote; pounds 1 Spartak Moscow to draw with Leeds at 9-4 with William Hill, Ladbrokes, Stanley or the Tote; pounds 1 Rangers to draw with Borussia Dortmund at 12-5 with Stanley or the Tote; pounds 1 Arsenal to win the FA Cup at 9-2 with Stanley; pounds 1 Leeds to win the FA Cup at 15-2 with William Hill; pounds 1 Tottenham to win the FA Cup at 14- 1 with the Tote. (pounds 7 staked).

n Scotland (6-1) was a winner for sports betting last week.