by GIANFRANCO PANIZO

This week's soccer spotlight may be focused on the UEFA Champions League action today, but Thursday boasts some quality matches as the UEFA Cup also kicks off its quarterfinal round.

After an eventful fourth round of UEFA Cup action, Thursday's first-leg match-ups look to be no different.

According to Giscard Gourizro at Sky Sports News, Marseille midfielder Benoit Cheyrou admitted that he has not had any "contacts" despite being linked with Aston Villa. He said,

"My contract with Marseille runs until June 2011, so after a difficult season I am currently a Marseillais .

Olympique de Marseille emerged triumphant against FC Zurich on Matchday 3, and Matchday 4 was no different, as the Ligue 1 side comfortably eased past their opponents on home soil. Silvan Aegerter scored an own-goal to begin the proceedings, while Fabrice Abriel, Mamadou Niang, Hilton, Benoit Cheyrou, and Brandao added one each to showcase the dominance.

Derby games are always passionate affairs and they generate a lot of excitement but the match itself tens to disappoint the viewers, mostly because the managers are always too cautious and they prevent the players from giving their attacking best. The games between Lyon and Marseille have not been exception to this rule in the past and no wonder nobody expected too many goals when these sides met on Sunday, but we saw a remarkable match and no less than 10 goals, five on each side.

Sir Alex looking to pick up two of Ligue 1's top stars.

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Reports in France suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bring in Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh and Marseille's Benoit Cheyrou.