The European adventure continues for England’s top two clubs although not in the competition that either would have liked as they get their Europa League campaigns underway on Thursday, while surprise package Stoke are also in action, looking to put their poor domestic run behind them.

Big spending Manchester City head the outright betting at 5/1 for Europa League glory in Bucharest in May, which is hardly a surprise given the riches at manager Roberto Mancini’s disposal.

However, the question is how seriously will the Premier League leaders be taking this competition, given the way their season has gone so far.

When they were banging in goals for fun and thumping title challengers Manchester United and Spurs away, the talk was about winning every competition they were in.

However, they have been knocked out of the Champions League at the first opportunity, albeit from a tough looking group, were knocked out of the FA Cup (again as early as possible) while they fell at the semi-final stage in the Carling Cup.

Despite a magnificent start to the Premier League campaign, the Citizens have not run away with it as yet, particularly as they have been far from consistent in 2012.

Mancini’s men take on defending champions FC Porto in the first leg of their last-32 clash at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday, with the Portuguese giants as, if not more, disappointed that they failed to make it further in the Champions League.

Porto’s home form was the principal reason for their failure to get out of Group G, just one win and two draws to finish behind APOEL FC and Zenit St Petersburg.

This is perhaps reflected in the match betting with both sides available at 13/8 to take a first-leg advantage, while the draw is on offer at 23/10.

Mancini will have the Toure brothers back from African Nations Cup duty to bolster the ranks, while Mario Balotelli is available despite his domestic ban.

But whether the Italian tactician decides to go with his fringe players remains to be seen, although his squad is arguably the strongest in Europe.

However, indifferent away form has been the problem of late and Porto are likely to go all out for the win to maintain the defence of their trophy, with Hulk (6/1 First/Last Goalscorer) leading the charge up front.

United, 7/1 outright second favourites, have named a strong-looking squad as they make their bow in Europe’s second tier competition, although Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra have been left at home.

The Red Devils did not appear to have the toughest of groups in the Champions League but still failed to progress with a 2-1 defeat in Basel condemning them to a place in the Europa League.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take on another Champions League drop-out, although Ajax were far from disgraced in their failure to progress, only losing out on goal difference to Lyon in a group which also included Real Madrid.

The betting suggests that this is a foregone conclusion with United odds on favourites at 5/6 to win at the Amsterdam Arena, with Ajax available at 10/3 and the draw at 5/2.

United have improved their form of late to remain in Premier League contention but it is still taking something of a chance backing them at the prices, given only one away victory in Europe this year – and that was 2-0 at group whipping boys Otelul Galati.

Ajax are not the force they once were but, with the draw of United, the players will no doubt be up for this one and it is set to be a tight affair.

Stoke have surprised a few in getting this far and their reward is a tough draw against Spanish giants Valencia, who consolidated third place in La Liga with a 4-0 demotion of Sporting Gijon.

Stoke’s form has been poor of late, losing their last three games, but they did enjoy dominance at the Britannia in Europe before Christmas, winning two and drawing one in Group E.

Valencia’s form on their travels in the Champions League cost them progression but they have enjoyed previous success in this competition and, as the third best side in Spain, obviously are no mugs.

It will be a real contrast of styles and although Valencia have been installed as the 6/4 favourites in the match betting, Stoke (7/4) can take something into the second leg – albeit a draw, priced at 23/10.

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