EUROPEAN STAGE BECKONS AGAIN BUT WILL THE CURTAIN FALL ON ENGLISH HOPES?

This week sees the return of European action, and there are some mouth watering clashes to mull over.

Firstly on Tuesday, the Champions League 'newcomers', Tottenham look to continue their dream campaign so far when they travel to Milan for the second time this year, but this time to face the red and black of AC Milan.

Spurs will be encouraged by their last performance in this wonderful city when they lost 4-3 to the current Champions League holders, Inter. There will however be different circumstances this time around though, firstly the opposition, Inter were struggling under Benitez at the time and were never convincing in their performance.

AC Milan will prove a much tougher test, Spurs will face a side that will be confident off the back of a 4-0 demolition over Palermo at the weekend, also AC possess a lethal front line as Ibrahimovic will partner Robinho in attack.

As if the trip is not difficult enough it will be made tougher by the abscence of winger Gareth Bale, the hero last time Spurs visited. Bale scored a remarkable hat-trick at the San Siro last time Spurs visited and his abscence will no doubt harm Tottenham's chances of progressing.

On Wednesday, Spurs's rivals Arsenal welcome Spanish giants Barcelona to the Emirates, and again the test could be just one too many for Arsene Wenger's men. Despite league form being relatively good this season, the 4-4 against Newcastle when leading 4-0 at half time is proof that Arsenal are vunerable.

Barcelona's form is quite incredible going unbeaten in their previous 16 league games, however Saturday saw them only grab a point against Sporting Gijon.

Arsenal know all to well from last season how much damage can cause when they play to their maximum potential and I believe that Barcelona will progress to the next round.

So with both English side's facing tough tests this week, maybe English hopes of European glory should rest with the 'other' two English sides left- Manchester United and Chelsea.

As always, let me know what you think. Can you see either Spurs or Arsenal progressing to the next round and possibly going on to win the Champions League?