UEFA Cup: Assessing Britain's Chances

With attention turning to the Champions League, I feel it is important to keep this week’s UEFA Cup action in the spotlight.

The so-called lesser European competition saw some great performances last week, most notably Bolton's fine 1-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid and Aberdeen’s impressive 2-2 draw against a traveling Bayern Munich.

This week, though, is make-or-break time for the two Scottish sides, who both travel away looking for results.  The English sides should have a much easier time.

Panathinaikos vs. Rangers

After Rangers failed to score in last Wednesday’s 0-0 draw at Ibrox, the Scottish side faces an uphill struggle to secure the result they need to progress.  A 1-1 draw would be enough for the Gers.

Panathinaikos will fancy their chances, having done the hard bit by getting a result at Ibrox.  They will, however, need to win at home to knock out the Glasgow giants.

Rangers to go through on away goals.

Bayern Munich vs. Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s sensational performance at Pittodrie will do nothing for them, unfortunately, in Munich.  Bayern’s two away goals are more than enough to match what the Scots can offer.

It will be a great experience for the young Aberdeen players, who have already traveled to Madrid for this campaign.

Bayern will be confident of overpowering the Dons at home and may even rest a few players.

Bayern to win comfortably, 2 or 3 nil.

Atletico Madrid vs. Bolton Wanderers

Bolton did fantastically well to get a 1-0 win at the Reebok, and may even be sure of getting a draw in Madrid.

Atletico will come out firing, as they must win by two clear goals.  They do have a talented squad at their disposal, but the slightest slip up and a goal for Bolton would make the home side’s task very tricky indeed.

Bolton to get the away goal they need and advance on away goals.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Slavia Prague

Tottenham won 2-1 in Prague to all but guarantee their place in the last 16, and I can't see Slavia shocking Spurs at home—simply because they won't score three away at White Hart Lane.

So a second win for Spurs and a comfortable aggregate victory.

Everton vs. SK Brann

Everton's 2-0 win in Norway means they are already safely through to the next round as the chances of Brann getting the result they need is basically zero.

Everton may even rest a few players again as the battle for Champions League qualification goes on.

Everton to win 1-0!

So I'm backing four of the five British teams for a place in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.  If the Aberdeen squad gets through, I'd love to say I'll eat my hat...but stranger things have happened!