Operation Europe: A test of British this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fenerbahce v Manchester Utd
Shrouded by Juventus defenders in Turin last month, the English champions failed to register a shot on target in their last European match away from the home comfort of Old Trafford. A point would suffice, though proving one would greatly enhance United's Continental stock. Their last success on foreign soil, a 3-2 victory against Kispet Honved, dates back to September 1993.
Ajax v Rangers
David Murray, the Rangers chairman, would gladly swap a ninth successive Scottish championship for success in Europe this season. Anything less than victory against Louis van Gaal's troubled Ajax team, though, would make Celtic's record run of domestic titles the main target this season at Ibrox. Van Gaal considers the howitzer free-kicks of Jorg Albertz present a greater threat than Paul Gascoigne.
FC Sion v Liverpool
As well as giving us the cuckoo clock, and those fearsome Swiss Army knives (do they go over the top wielding tooth-picks?), Switzerland gave Marc Hottiger to Everton. The fact that the defensively challenged right-back arrived, via Newcastle, from Sion suggests Liverpool's Cup-winners' Cup opponents might not be strong enough to keep European nights off the bill on the red side of Stanley Park.
Ferencvaros v Newcastle
Newcastle were last over the moon, as major trophy winners, the month before Neil Armstrong actually stepped on to the thing when they played in Budapest in June 1969. They return to the Hungarian capital, scene of that Fairs' Cup triumph against Ujpesti Dozsa, to test their defensive mettle. The striker Igor Nichenko is the man most likely to leave Kevin Keegan's Magpies suffering from acute parrot sickness.
Aberdeen v Brondby
Brian Laudrup will be quids in this week, with or without Euro bonus bucks in Amsterdam. Brondby's trip to Pittodrie has been arranged by his travel agency. The Danish champions, who delivered a stunning KO punch at Anfield last season, are coached by Ebbe Skovdahl, uncle of the Rangers wide-boy. Roy Aitken's Dons will look to lead from the front with Dodds and Windass, the most potent strike-force in Scotland this season.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments