It could be a long season for Gareths Southgate's men as they face life in the English Championship. Neither Lille, who have started their season poorly in France, nor Benfica, who won their first Portuguese title in over a decade last season under Giovanni Trapattoni, only to see the Italian boss jump ship in the summer, can be expected to offer too much competition in Group D. So, if you're planning to oppose United, it would be best to back Vifiarreal before the Reds head to the Madrigal Stadium for their opening group stage fixture on September 14th. They may be somewhat overpriced at the moment, but that won't last if United f~! to get a result in Spain.

England were well beaten in Copenhagen a fortnight ago, but don't let that put you off backing them against Wales - memories of that game may even counteract the effect of patriotic money on the exchange prices. England have never lost a qualifier under Sven Goran Eriksson - Wales have already lost to England, Austria (twice) and Poland in this World Cup qualifying campaign with their only points coming from draws against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan. Eriksson'S side haven't always been totally convincing but they have produced results when necessary, including the 2-0 win over Wales at Old Trafford, where Welsh keeper Paul Jones had to work hard to keep the score-line respectable.

This Welsh attempt at qualification has not been characterised by the occasional heroics that were the hallmark of their efforts to reach Euro 2004, and since John Toshack replaced Mark Hughes last November they have taken just a point from three competitive internationals. There will be no Michael Owen (suspended) but Eriksson has some exceptional strikers who should be able to put the Welsh defence under pressure.