Football rolls the dice in Monte Carlo

It's Super Cup time in Monte Carlo so the European season must be upon us. With so much happening around the world in what used to be called the 'silly season', football hardly got a break this year.

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It seems only last week that Manchester United kept their nerve in a penalty shootout against Chelsea in Moscow in May to clinch their third European Cup/Champions League title.

But then came the European Championships, Asia's World Cup qualifiers and the Olympic Games that were laced with the drawn-out player transfer sagas that kept the hungry media happy.

On Saturday morning (AEST), in the luxurious surroundings of the boutique Louis 11 Stadium in Monaco, the Red Devils face Zenit St Petersburg of Russia in the annual curtain-raiser to the European season between the winners of the Champions League and UEFA Cup.

European club football has a lot to live up to this season after those unforgettable nights of Euro 2008, which was regarded by many as a better and more entertaining spectacle than the 2006 World Cup.

The magnificent Spaniards showed in no uncertain terms that it is still possible to win in style in an age when more than ever success is everything.

Hence the challenge for Europe's top clubs to do the same in the Champions League.

We all know about United's cavalier attitude and this gala night should tell us if the rampant Russians are really a new force in European football or just a Sergei-come-lately side that enjoyed a rare moment in the sun last May.

It's a shame that two of the most talked about footballers in the northern summer won't be lining up against each other in Europe's playground of the rich and famous.

United's Cristiano Ronaldo was the subject of intense speculation about his immediate future after Real Madrid flagged an interest in him.

The Portuguese superstar who played a key role in United’s 'double' season will miss the game because he is still recovering from ankle surgery.

And Andrei Arshavin, the extravagantly gifted striker who rose to fame with a string of magnificent performances for Zenit in the UEFA Cup and Russia at Euro 2008, might not play either.

Arshavin still dreams of playing in the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur after his club lowered the asking price of $A42million.

Zenit coach Dick Advocaat even said he did not expect Arshavin to be in the squad to face United in the Principality.

The Super Cup weekend in Monte Carlo has become an important part in UEFA's calendar.

The draw for the first phase of the Champions League will take place on the eve of the match.

Several high-profile teams still have a bit of work to do to reach the competition proper.

Liverpool must beat Standard Liege at Anfield to be sure of qualifying after a laboured 0-0 draw in Belgium.

Galatasaray, Harry Kewell's new club, are risking elimination after a 2-2 draw with Steaua Bucharest in Istanbul.

And Atletico Madrid have a job on their hands after falling 1-0 to Schalke in Gelsenkirchen.

Greek champions Olympiacos have the toughest task because they have to overcome a shock 3-0 deficit suffered at the hands of Cypriot side Anorthosis in Famagusta.

So what can we expect from Europe's 'big three' leagues in the coming season?

Will English clubs continue to reflect the high quality of the Premier League by leading the way on the continent?

Will Real Madrid and Barcelona finally get their act together and perform at a level expected of them?

And will Serie A overcome its domestic problems and once again be a force to be reckoned with?

It is very hard to tell at this stage of the season but a look at the nominees for this year's UEFA awards might shed some light as to where the balance of power lies at the moment.

All but three of the 20 players named in the shortlist for UEFA's five major individual awards come from the Premier League. Significantly there are no nominees from Serie A or Real Madrid.

The favourites to win the awards that recognise excellence in the Champions League are goalkeeper Pepe Reina of Liverpool, defender Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United, midfielder Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal while striker Cristiano Ronaldo of Man Utd is tipped to land the best striker and player of the year awards.

The five winners will be announced on Friday.

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