Liverpool

The Reds eased to a goalless draw against Sparta Prague in the Czech Republic last week and should have really taken a lead back to Anfield for the next clash (Liverpool 4/11, draw 7/2, Sparta 17/2).

Striker David Ngog had a couple of decent opportunities to score but could not find the back of the net on a freezing night in the Czech capital.

With slightly more moderate temperatures currently on Merseyside, Liverpool will fancy their chances of progressing on home soil.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish has named captain Steven Gerrard in the squad but it’s unlikely the England midfielder will be risked for the Europa League game.

Defenders Martin Kelly and Martin Skrtel are set for a return to the side to keep the Sparta attackers at bay.

Liverpool should progress to the latter stages of this tournament, and with Sparta looking pretty average on home soil, they may struggle on a European night at Anfield.

As for Manchester City, they too failed to hit the back of the net in their first leg game against Aris Salonika last week (City 2/9, draw 5/1, Aris 12/1).

The Blues fielded a strong side in the clash in Greece with Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and David Silva spearheading the attack.

Roberto Mancini is likely to go with a similar attack, with possibly Italian striker Mario Balotelli coming into the line-up.

Salonika were a stubborn proposition on home soil but against a star-studded City side at Eastlands, who are determined to win some silverware this season, the Greek club may struggle.

If City do go with a strong attacking formation then they should win this one by two or more goals.

Scotland’s last representatives in Europe, Rangers, have the most difficult task ahead of them.

After a 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon at Ibrox, the Gers now have to get a goal in Portugal if they don’t want to be knocked out on away goals (Sporting 8/13, draw 14/5, Rangers 9/2).

Walter Smith’s men put in a fine display in Glasgow in the first leg and looked like they would take a lead into the second leg but the SPL champions conceded an 88th-minute goal, leaving them with plenty to do on Thursday night.

With bigger concerns in the SPL, Rangers may struggle against Sporting and the Portuguese side should progress on home soil.

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Aston Villa

The former Leeds United academy player has been linked all summer with a move to Eastlands and there have been suggestions that the attacking midfielder wants to leave Villa.

City had an initial £20m bid for Milner turned down as the Midlands club believe the player to be worth at least £24m.

Villa manager O’Neill has stated that the two clubs are at a stalemate over the player and is uncertain of what might happen in the future.

He said: “The latest state of play is Manchester City have gone as far as they want to.

“We’ll wait with baited breath on that one, myself included.”

Milner had an excellent season last year at Villa Park and was reported to have attracted interest from other Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United.

Villa will be desperate to keep hold of the England international who was one of only a few players to impress in the Three Lions’ dismal World Cup tournament.

O’Neill is keen to see the goalscoring midfielder as Villa (16/1 to win the FA Cup) continue to push for cup honours and compete in the top half of the Premier League.

He said: “I think obviously the overriding opinion of all Villa fans is that they would love James to stay at the football club.

“But as I speak here now at this minute, my honest opinion, I cannot guarantee that, but we will see.”

Villa have not yet made a move in the transfer market this summer and fans will be hoping the club can keep hold of their best players and add to the squad.

O’Neill is aiming to ensure that the likes of Ashley Young and Milner stay, but he does appreciate why players move on to the big clubs.

He said: “I can understand totally that players would be affected by offers from Manchester City, particularly in this day and age where it looks as if they can get who they want.”

Villa begin their Premier League campaign when they take on West Ham United at Villa Park on August 14.

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