EPISODIUM
The winners of last season's Champions' League, Manchester United, take on European Cup Winners' Cup heroes Lazio in the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco. The Red Devils' amply stocked silverware cabinet could be augmented if the likes of David Beckham, Dwight Yorke and Ryan Giggs are on peak form. Their fanbase will also hope new goalkeeper Mark Bosnich , who has filled the yawning gap left by Peter Schmeichel , adapts quickly to continental competition in United's first night of European action this season. Lazio lost striker Christian Vieri to Inter Milan in a world-record deal in the close season, but their side is still one of Europe's strongest, with the Argentinian duo of Diego Simeone and Juan Veron providing midfield inspiration. Coach Sven Goran Eriksson's side narrowly missed out on the Italian league title last season, but clinched the last ever Cup Winners' Cup when they beat Real Mallorca at Villa Park in May.