European Week: EPL Focus Turns to UEFA Cup

European action returns this week as the final 32 clash in the UEFA Cup.

The ties to be played on Wednesday (13th) and Thursday (14th) contain a few British sides, all of whom will be looking to progress.

The UEFA Cup often gets bad press, but in reality it's an essential part of the football calendar. It gives a chance for lesser teams to gain European experience and form reputations.

Mainly though, it's a European trophy that any club would be proud to win...

SK Brann versus Everton

Everton have been in fantastic form this season and find themselves sitting pretty in the EPL's final Champions League spot. They may though be one of the few teams who won't welcome the European distraction.

However I feel a slightly weakened Everton side will have what it takes on Wednesday night to avoid defeat in Norway, and therefore set up a comfortable home tie next week.

SK Brann will however, feel they are no pushovers and will be relishing the prospect of playing a top EPL side!

Rangers versus Panathinaikos

Rangers have a seriously tough UEFA Cup draw, with the prospect of one of Greece's finest clubs, visiting Ibrox on Wednesday.

Rangers were well beaten (3-0) the last time Panathanaikos came to town, but will take heart from this year's Champions League form and a great seven-game winning streak in the Scottish league.

Rangers will however, be without Jean Claude Darcheville who has had a three game suspension upheld by UEFA.

Panathinaikos and South Africa center back Nasief Morris has claimed in the press that he is confident of a Greek win over the two legs.

I conclude that it will be pretty tight, but I'll be hoping the Scots pull through and take a lead to defend in Greece.

Aberdeen versus Bayern Munich

Aberdeen have a real glamour tie at Pittodrie, as they welcome European giants Bayern Munich. Aberdeen are a proud European side, who in the '80s won the European Winners Cup and also reached the semifinal the following year.

They beat Real Madrid 2-1 after extra time in the '82-'83 final and went on to lift the European Super Cup (beating Hamburg 2-0 on aggregate) in what was a great decade in Europe for Scotland’s other sides.

Aberdeen’s manager at the time? A certain Alex Ferguson.

Bayern will be desperate to avoid this potential banana skin with a committed performance. Aberdeen will be without a few key players through injury as well as a few players who moved on during January.

Bolton Wanderers versus Athletico Madrid

EPL strugglers Bolton face a tough test with the Spanish powerhouse visiting the Reebok. Bolton will be glad of the distraction however, and will hope to shock their more illustrious counterparts.

Athletico are one of the favorites for this tournament and will be confident of beating Bolton over the two legs. The likes of Luis Garcia and Diego Forlan will offer great experience and won't be worried about Bolton's tough physical style. Athletico also have a ton of match winners in their side like Sabrosa Simao, Miquel Mista and Maniche.

Slavia Prague versus Tottenham Hotspurs

The rejuvenated Tottenham and Jaunde Ramos will have the UEFA Cup high on their list of priorities. I can see an inform Spurs challenging for the title but they'll be without Alan Hutton for the entire tournament as he is cup tied.

Ramos has an incredible record in this competition from his time with Sevilla and a European Trophy for Spurs this season is definitely not out of the equation.

Slavia Prague will be hoping for a good run in this competition after dropping down from the Champions League.

So I can't see all of Britain’s teams reaching the last 16, but three would keep Britain’s head held high, in Europe's other great competition!