As the dust settles on Liverpool's epic 2-0 win over Manchester United, it promises to be another exciting week around planet football.

United have a chance to get back to winning ways at lowly Barnsley in the Carling Cup, whilst Liverpool travel to play Arsenal.

It would be safe to assume that there will be reserves galore on show in north London, but nevertheless, expect some high drama in a competition that is - rather refreshingly - synonymous with shocks. What price a Barnsley win against United's youngsters?

One of Europe's most underrated cup competitions (in my opinion at least) - Spain's Copa del Rey - also resumes this week, with Real Madrid packing their suitcases for a trip to Alcorcon, while Barcelona will be hosted by Cultural Leonesa.

Watch out for an upset by the seaside as struggling Atletico Madrid, now coached by Quique Flores, face Marbella.

There is also a full set of fixtures in Italy. Jose Mourinho's table-topping Inter Milan face high-flying Palermo, although the pick of the games must surely be Juventus versus Sampdoria - a match that pits third against second.

Next weekend, there's more Barclays Premier League action with the small matter of the north London derby, as well as Chelsea's game at Bolton and Blackburn's visit to Old Trafford to play Sir Alex Ferguson's men - talk about lambs to the slaughter.

Finally, let's not forget the second legs of the AFC Champions League semi-finals - where Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad and Korea Republic's Pohang Steelers are closing in on a spot in the November 7 final in Tokyo.

As usual all the action and every news snippet will be covered by the team here at www.espnstar.com. Enjoy!

Ian Griffiths
Senior Editor - www.espnstar.com