Back to business in Germany

Early test
There will be no smooth re-introduction to the results business for defending champions BV Borussia Dortmund, however. Matthias Sammer's team visit Hertha BSC Berlin needing three points to stay in touch with leaders FC Bayern München. "In Berlin we will see if we are ready to fight for the title," Dortmund president Dr Gerd Niebaum said.

Advantage Bayern
Bayern have a six-point lead over Dortmund, and will look to carry on where they left off in December against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Olympiastadion. "The first match back is always important because it sets the tone," midfield player Michael Ballack said.

Relegation worry
Germany's third UEFA Champions League representatives, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, are by contrast struggling at the wrong end of the table, in 14th place. Klaus Toppmöller's men will want a restorative result at home against bottom club FC Energie Cottbus. "This is going to be a hard fight against relegation," the coach said. Jens Nowotny should return after a cruciate ligament injury but Leverkusen must do without several key performers including Lucio, Yildiray Bastürk and Bernd Schneider.

Karpin blow
In Spain pacesetters Real Sociedad will also have reduced options in their match at Club Atlético de Madrid. Playmaker Valeri Karpin misses out with a knee injury, although the home side have their own problems with captain Carlos Aguilera sidelined after needing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during the midweek Copa del Rey defeat by RC Recreativo de Huelva.

Tracksuit president
Three points behind the San Sebastian outfit, Real Madrid CF will hope for a favour from neighbours Atlético as they make the trip to Athletic Club Bilbao. Elsewhere in the Primera División, Real Racing Club Santander travel to Club Atlético Osasuna with controversial new team owner Dimitri Piterman set to share coaching duties with trainer Chuchi Cos. RC Celta de Vigo welcome FC Barcelona for what the papers claim could be Louis van Gaal's last game in charge, while champions Valencia CF host Sevilla FC.

Milan momentum
The goal for Serie A leaders AC Milan in Italy will be to maintain their advantage, which currently stands at three points, over S.S. Lazio and Internazionale FC. The Rossoneri have a tough-looking assignment at Udinese Calcio, while their nearest rivals host Reggina Calcio and Empoli FC respectively. Inter could give a debut to new signing Gabriel Batistuta while Francesco Coco, Iván Córdoba and Hernán Crespo are all out injured.

Comeback kid
Meanwhile, Juventus FC will try to make amends for Thursday's Italian Cup quarter-final defeat against AC Perugia when they take on Piacenza FC in Turin. Perugia themselves are at home to AC Chievo Verona, who have the Brazilian Luciano, formerly known as Eriberto, back after a lengthy suspension for assuming a false identity.

Cup of plenty
In England, the Premiership gives way to the fourth round of the FA Cup. David meets Goliath as non-league Farnborough Town FC play holders Arsenal FC in a tie switched to the Londoners' Highbury stadium. The other non-league team left in the draw, Dagenham & Redbridge FC face first-division Norwich City FC. Meanwhile, Everton FC's conquerors, third-division Shrewsbury Town FC will hope to continue their giant-killing spree against Chelsea FC.