| Borusija Dortmund - Sevilja | 3+ | 1.83 | |
| Pari Sen Žermen - Karpati | 0-2 | 1.76 | |
| Atletiko Madrid - Bajer Leverkuzen | 3+ | 1.60 | |
| Soccer | 5.64 | ||
Thursday, September 30, 2010
30.09.2010. Tiket
30.09. (Thu) 21:05 Manchester City - Juventus
Manchester City started the 2010-11 campaign on a rather slow note but they have started to pick momentum. At the weekend Roberto Mancini's side defeated Premier League champions Chelsea 1-0 at Eastlands and are in hugely confident mood ahead of the visit of Juventus to the city.
City have won three of their last five matches and are gathering momentum. Furthermore, the Citizens will be looking forward to picking up their second win in the group stage of the competition after having won 2-0 against Salzburg in Austria a fortnight ago.
Midfielder Patrick Vieira, who is himself a former Juventus player, believes that the Bianconeri can be beaten and enthuses, "We have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea who are seen to be part of the big four. That just shows how strong we are. There is still a long way to go but we believe in ourselves. "We know how good we are. Now we have to win games week in, week out. We have to show it on the pitch.''
Repairing The Damage
Juventus' start to the 2010-11 season in all competitions has been very disappointing but Luigi Del Neri's side seem to be picking up momentum. The Bianconeri hammered Cagliari at the weekend and there is a suspicion that the former Italian and European champions have turned the corner.
However, Juve striker Alessandro Del Piero knows that a win against Manchester City at Eastlands is not an easy task but remains optimistic. The former Italy international says, "Manchester City are in excellent shape and it will be very hard for us. It always is when you are in England. They have invested heavily and one of the reasons they can be successful is that they have a great squad of players.''
Juve were held to a 3-3 draw by Polish side Lech Poznan in Turin in their opening game of the Europa League a fortnight ago and are desperate for all three points.
TEAM NEWS
Manchester City
Jerome Boateng is fit and could start on Thursday evening. Micah Richards too could be available although Shaun Wright-Phillips is doubtful with a knee problem while Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are out.
Juventus
Jorge Martinez is ready to return to action and this will increase the options for coach Del Neri.
Prediction
Manchester City will go into the match as slight favourites but should know that Juventus are not a bad side. Although the Italian giants have been struggling so far this campaign, they do have the quality. A narrow win for the Citizen looks to be the most likely outcome.
Man City 2-1 Juventus 
30.09. (Thu) 21:05 Atletico Madrid - Bayer Leverkusen
Anyone who had the impression that the Europa League group stages would be a breeze for Atletico Madrid was made to think again after los Colchoneros travelled back from Greece on the back of a 1-0 defeat a fortnight ago. Defeated by Aris, there is now a very real need for the Primera Division club to earn a positive result against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday if they are to maintain hopes of defending the title they won against Fulham last season.
Los Rojiblancos started the campaign in terrific form, getting the better of Inter in the European Super Cup and then beginning La Liga with a blast. The Aris loss rather halted the momentum of Quique Sanchez Flores’ side, who would then lose the following Sunday against Barcelona. They have since mounted a recovery of sorts, earning a fine point away to Valencia and then defeating Zaragoza 1-0 at home, but already their European lives are starting to disappear.
“We suffered an unexpected setback in Greece, but tomorrow we will go all out for the victory,” president Enrique Cerezo told the press. “The Germans are not going to give anything away. They are a complicated team, who have scored eight goals in their last two matches, and will certainly be very dangerous to us. Atletico Madrid are the defending champions, though, and so we have to prove it.”
Meanwhile, Raul Garcia also lamented the loss against Aris when previewing the forthcoming tie. “The truth is that if we had won in Aris, we would not have the obligation to win, but now we must get the first victory,” he explained to the media.
Last season’s successful tilt was characterised by strong away form on Atleti’s part, but it’s at the Vicente Calderon they now need to shine.
In Spain To Win
Atletico might have started their Europa League campaign with a distinct stumble, but that certainly wasn’t the case with Bayer Leverkusen, who hit their stride immediately in the competition, smashing the challenge of Norwegian outfit Rosenborg 4-0. Patrick Helmes was the undoubted star of that encounter, striking a fine hat-trick.
Helmes’ efforts rather sparked a goal glut for die Werkself, who have moved themselves up to fifth in the Bundesliga, aided by some solid away form that has seen them claim two victories and one draw on their travels. Coach Jupp Heynckes hope his side’s unbeaten run continues in the Spanish capital, though he has specifically targeted maximum points.
“We’ve come to Madrid to win. My team has the technical abilities to make the running,” he explained to the media, before warning of los Colchoneros’ ability. “The team is well organised, plays creatively and defends well. Things weren’t always like that for Atletico.”
Boasting a team of players in rich goal scoring form, Bayer will certainly travel to Spain with genuine hope of deepening Atleti’s European woes, though the Germans must be careful to balance an attacking approach with strong defence as their hosts have some pretty handy players in front of goal themselves.
TEAM NEWS
Atletico
Key central defender Diego Godin picked up a knee injury at the weekend that will keep him out for the best part of a month. Diego Costa also acquired a slight issue, but he’s expected to be involved on Thursday.
Coach Quique Sanchez Flores is likely to implement a rotational system in his side, with Sergio Aguero potentially in line to start after playing a reduced role of late due to injury. Flores said on Thursday afternoon that he was unsure whether the Argentine would start or not.
Bayer
The quality rather than the quantity of Bayer Leverkusen’s injuries could pose coach Jupp Heynckes problems. Michael Ballack is just about to start his rehabilitation from a tibia fracture, while Stefan Kiessling and Gonzalo Castro are out too.
Prediction
This should be an exciting all-action affair as neither Atletico nor Bayer are especially noted for their defensive capabilities. There can be little doubt that los Colchoneros have tightened up their rearguard significantly since last term, but their German foes have been strong on the road this season. A high scoring affair is in order, though the guests will be the happier side if things end all square.
Atletico Madrid 2-2 Leverkusen 
30.09. (Thu) 21:05 Rosenborg - Aris
Rosenborg are one of the regulars in European club competitions but the Norwegian giants suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in their opening game of the Europa League a fortnight back.
Rosenborg are not expected to progress from this group that also comprises of Spanish side Atletico Madrid but starting on a note of disaster is not going to help their confidence. However, coach Nile Arne Eggen has urged his players to forget the past and concentrate on the task at hand, that is, to defeat Aris at home.
"We are not going to be like we were against Bayer Leverkusen,'' said Eggen. "Now we have Aris at home and Rosenborg have to go on the pitch at Lerkendal to run over them.
"We must take our first points, and preferably three. I have asked the players to forget, as quickly as possible, the Leverkusen game.''
Aiming For Yet Another Win
Greek side Aris Salonika conjured up arguably the most shocking result of the first matchday of Europa League action earlier this month when they defeat holders Atletico Madrid 1-0 at home. It was indeed a deserved win for the Grecian side and one that now puts them in a favourable position to qualify for the second round.
However, Aris are still searching for a first group stage success on their travels in the UEFA Cup/Europa League and will face stiff opposition against Rosenborg in Norway. But even a point will be good for the Thessaloniki-based side as that will keep them unbeaten in Europe.
Furthermore Aris have avoided defeat in their two European away fixtures so far this season and will themselves not be easy pushovers.
TEAM NEWS
Rosenborg
There are no reported major injury concerns for the Norwegian side.
Aris
Danijel Cesarec, Darcy Dolce Neto and Juan Toja are back into contention after sitting out the last match because of suspension.
Prediction
This promises to be an interesting clash as Aris will be looking forward to their second win of the competition. The Greeks will make it tough for their Norwegian hosts, but Rosenborg should prevail in the end.
Rosenborg 2-1 Aris Thessaloniki 
30.09. (Thu) 19:00 Utrecht - Liverpool
Liverpool travel to the Netherlands to take on FC Utrecht in the second round of fixtures in the Europa League on Thursday night, with both side's European form considerably better than their results on domestic duty.
Utrecht will have been pleased with their start to Europe League competition. Having overturned a two-goal deficit to eliminate Celtic 4-2 on aggregate in qualifying, the Dutch side started life in Group K with a resolute goalless draw against Napoli in Italy to secure a valuable away point.
Ton du Chatinier's side have not begun the new Eredivisie campaign looking like a Europa League side, losing four of their first seven games and kicking their heels in the bottom half of the table, 12th in a league of only 18 teams. They were overcome by AZ Alkmaar most recently, and also needed a penalty shootout to get the better of fellow strugglers De Graafschap in cup competition.
Utrecht made the home advantage count against Celtic however, and have proved difficult to beat at the Galgenwaard Stadium in domestic competition. They will be hoping to pile on the misery for Thursday's visitors.
Liverpool Look For Landmark Win
The Reds have suffered an awful start to the season by their own high standards. Out of the League Cup at the hands of Northampton last week and sitting 16th in the Premier League after six games, the suggestions that manager Roy Hodgson is out of his depth have, perhaps prematurely, already begun.
Having bossed clubs around Europe, Hodgson knows his stuff on the continent, and the Reds will be hopeful of putting all their problems behind them in Holland on Thursday night, in their 300th Uefa club competition fixture.
All the omens are good for Hodgson's side, too. Having beaten Steaua Bucharest 4-1 in their opening fixture after a shaky spell, they now face a Dutch side and boast a fine record against teams from the orange nation, losing only once in 12 games, to Ajax back in 1966.
TEAM NEWSUtrecht
The hosts are carrying no new knocks following their loss to AZ Alkmaar, and could even opt to field a three-man attack, such is their positive outlook at home.Possible starting XI: Vorm; Nesu, Wuytens, Schut, Cornelisse; Asare, Lensky, Silberbauer; Duplan, Van Wolfswinkel, Danso.
Liverpool
Hodgson will be without Paul Konchesky, who limped out of the 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday, and with Fabio Aurelio still struggling for fitness, Daniel Agger is set to deputise at left-back.The Reds boss has also suggest Raul Meireles, Dirk Kuyt and Fernando Torres could all start on Thursday, meaning David Ngog may miss out despite his goalscoring form in the competition this season.
Possible Starting XI: Reina; Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger; Poulsen, Meireles; Kuyt, Gerrard, Joe Cole; Torres.
Prediction
Utrecht 2-2 Liverpool 
30.09. (Thu) 19:00 Borussia D. - Sevilla
Europa League Group J was considered to be one of the most intriguing when the draw was initially made, though Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla were certainly favourites to overcome Paris Saint-Germain, with Karpaty expected to end the pool bottom. In the first round of matches, BVB recovered from a scare to win in Ukraine, but los Nervionenses didn’t have the strength to overcome PSG at home, setting up a vital second game in Germany.
Second in the Bundesliga at present, Juergen Klopp’s side are certainly living up to their pre-season billing as potential winners. Having engineered a seven point advantage over Bayern Munich in the opening six weeks of action, they are well placed to make a real tilt for the title.
European success would not seem to be outside the reach of the Ruhr side, though their opening gambit in the group stages was not especially convincing. With three minutes remaining in Lviv, BVB trailed 3-2, yet by full-time Lucas Barrios and Mario Goetze had struck to seal a dramatic 4-3 success.
That victory accounts for only one match of the club’s six-game winning streak, which has been characterised by Klopp’s men scoring with great regularity. Should such a high level be maintained then Sevilla will certainly have their hands full when they visit the intimidating Signal Iduna Park on Thursday evening.
Alvarez No More
In contrast to their hosts’ smooth getaway for the season, Sevilla have already hit severe turbulence in their campaign. Even before the Primera Division campaign started los Nervionenses were out of the Champions League, and though they initially started their domestic campaign well, one victory in four has left the Andalucians in problems.
A 2-0 defeat against Hercules at the weekend ultimately accounted for Antonio Alvarez’s head, with former Mallorca boss Gregorio Manzano stepping into the void. Given that Manzano had been linked with the role even before the summer, this move was little surprise, and indeed the only shock was that it took so long to come about.
Manzano will take to the dugout under the flag of Sevilla for the first time on Thursday, and he will certainly be seeking a better outcome than his predecessor achieved at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Matchday 1, when an under-strength PSG side quickly undermined los Rojiblancos’ place in the competition by stealing away with a 1-0 victory.
There may be a talented squad at the coach’s disposal, but tidying up the mess will not be a job that can accomplished quickly. La Liga will be his immediate priority, though a run in Europe would clearly be a welcome distraction to the difficulties the domestic game is presently posing los Nervionenses.
TEAM NEWS
Borussia
The big players missing for the home side include Mohamed Zidan, Sebastian Kehl and Tamas Hajnal, who is less a regular that the aforementioned duo.
Coach Juergen Klopp is liable to deploy a strong side for Thursday’s match.
Sevilla
Gregorio Manzano named his first squad on Wednesday afternoon. He was able to welcome back a number of figures who missed out at the weekend, including Jesus Navas, Frederic Kanoute and Martin Caceres, meaning that he effectively has a full panel of players to select from.
Long-term absentee Sergio Sanchez has started training with the first team squad again after a heart scare effectively wiped out last season for him.
Prediction
Simply appointing a new coach is often a trigger for sides to perform well, so that plays into the hands of Sevilla, but present form suggests that Borussia Dortmund should scoop all three points on offer. This should be an exciting affair with plenty of goals; expect BVB to have the edge though.
Borussia 3-1 Sevilla 
30.09. (Thu) 19:00 Steaua - Napoli
Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest commenced their Europa League campaign on a note of disaster as they were hammered 4-1 by Liverpool at Anfield a fortnight ago. Steaua are the outsiders to progress from this group but that heavy defeat indeed was a massive blow.
However, Steaua are looking for a fresh new start under new coach Marius Lacatus, who returned for a third spell at the club after Ilie Dumitrescu stepped down last week following criticism from the supporters of the club.
At the moment Steaua are fifth in the league standings in Romania and lost 1-0 at Otelul Galati at the weekend and Lacatus knows of the task at hand. He says, "I watched Napoli's game at Cesena. They played a fantastic game and showed great football.
"I fear not just one or two Napoli players, but the whole group. We will have to step up our game if we are going to surprise Napoli.''
Stepping Up Their Game
Napoli have a brilliant team and are expected to make it through from this group along with Premier League giants Liverpool but so far they have been under par. A fortnight ago the former Italian champions were held to a goalless draw by FC Utrecht in Naples and now know that they have to get a point at least in Bucharest on Thursday evening.
Napoli have started to gather momentum in Serie A and came from a goal down to defeat Cesena 4-1 at the weekend. Coach Walter Mazzarri hopes that his team can pick up the thread from there and enthuses, "This is a high-level Napoli. I don't think we can play any better. I have complimented all my players and especially the new signings - they have surpassed expectations.
"This is a group victory and I would like to underline that this team always play good football whether they are at home or away.''
The Azzurri will aim to collect maximum points on Thursday evening given their firepower in the attackline.
TEAM NEWS
Steaua Bucharest
There are no major injury concerns for the Romanians although Lacatus may like to shake things a little bit after their weekend loss in a domestic league fixture.
Napoli
Defender Paolo Cannavaro is a suspected injury concern with a muscle problem.
Prediction
Napoli are a good side but perhaps are not that equipped to win away from home. A draw, though, is not out of the picture.
Steaua 2-2 Napoli 
30.09. (Thu) 19:00 Paris Saint Germain - Karpaty
Though Paris Saint-Germain finished last season firmly in the bottom half of the Ligue 1 table, les Parisiens have started this campaign in a bright style, taking advantage of the struggles of France’s big names to leap into the top six. Antoine Kombouare’s men have also been doing well in Europe and meet Karpaty Lviv in the French capital with some confidence.
Only victory in the Coupe de France last season, which led to this European adventure, was enough to save PSG’s face last term, and potentially Kombouare’s job. Yet they are making up for lost time by proving a stronger force against Ligue 1’s lesser lights, enjoying a three match unbeaten domestic run, during which they’ve yet to leak a goal.
In Europe, they’ve overcome the challenge of Maccabi Tel Aviv to reach the group stages, and with president Robin Leproux pushing for les Rouge et Bleu to succeed on multiple fronts they’ve also started confidently on the continent, surprising Sevilla 1-0 with a severely rotated side.
Against Karpaty, PSG will hope to affirm their status as a potential presence in the knock-out stages by recording a victory and maintaining a 10 match unbeaten run in Europe that has seen them go more than 450 minutes at the Parc des Princes without conceding.
Underdogs
Karpaty’s start to the Europa League was nearly glorious. Against a much fancied and highly rated Borussia Dortmund side they cut themselves a 3-2 advantage going into the closing stages but were undone in the final three minutes as they twice conceded.
Having defeated Galatasaray in the play-off round on away goals, the Ukrainians were already aware that they could stand toe-to-toe successfully with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but drawn against BVB, PSG and Sevilla, qualification for the knock-out stages was always likely to be a tough ask.
Home form was likely to be crucial to Oleh Kononov’s side, who now face a severely uphill task if their objective of the top two is to be met.
With striker William Batista recently ruled out for the next month due to a knee injury, that only adds to the problems of the Group J minnows, who are presently occupying fourth position in their domestic top flight. Nevertheless, this group of players cannot be underestimated.
Prediction
PSG 2-0 Karpaty Lviv 
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
30.09.2010. UEFA - Europe League preview (English teams)
FC Utrecht v Liverpool
- FC Utrecht have never met an English side, though one of their predecessors, DOS, played against Sheffield Wednesday and West Brom, losing three times and drawing once.
- Liverpool lost their first-ever game against a Dutch side in 1966, but are unbeaten in 11 meetings with them since, winning the last five.
- FC Utrecht have lost five of their last six games in European competition.
- The Reds have drawn none of their last 11 matches in Europe, winning seven and losing four.
- Liverpool have lost their last three European matches away from home (not including qualifiers).
- In all competitions, the Reds have won just three of their last 13 away games, one at Burnley and two in Europa League qualifying.
- Liverpool were one of only five teams not to find a team-mate with a single cross or corner in the first round of Europa League games this season.
- Utrecht have won their three games at home in the Dutch league this season, but lost the four on the road.
- The Dutch side are on a run of eight consecutive home wins in all competitions.
- Having netted five goals in Europa League matches (including qualifiers), David Ngog is the joint-top scoring Premier League player in all competitions this season (seven).
Manchester City v Juventus
- City have never lost at home in 23 matches in European competition (excl. qualifiers) against non-English sides, and have won their last four.
- The Citizens have won their two previous matches at home to Italian opponents: beating Juventus 1-0 in 1976 and AC Milan 3-0 in 1978.
- Roberto Mancini's men have kept seven clean sheets in their 10 matches in all competitions this season.
- Mancini won just one of his five home meetings with Juve as a manager in Serie A.
- Juventus have won none of their last nine matches in England in European competition, losing eight, including the 4-1 defeat at Fulham last season.
- Juve won their two Europa League qualifiers away from home, though aside from that have lost seven of their last nine competitive matches on the road in all competitions.
- Carlos Tevez is the only City player to have scored more than once this season (four goals in all competitions).
- City made more successful passes than any team in the opening round of Europa League matches (465).
- The Citizens were also the only side not to concede a single shot on target.
- No player created more chances (6) or had more shots on target (4) than Alessandro Del Piero in the opening round of matches.
* PLEASE NOTE ALL FACTS EXCLUDE QUALIFYING GAMES UNLESS STATED
29.09. (Wed) 20:45 Inter - Werder
Italian and European champions Inter sit joint-top of the Serie A table but are coming off a 1-0 loss to rivals Roma on Saturday. The Nerazzurri failed to win their opening game in the Champions League as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dutch champions FC Twente and will be looking for a win against Werder Bremen to boost their morale.
Inter will be confident of progressing to the last-16 as Group A winners and their job will be easier if they can secure all nine points at home. The Beneamata didn't lose a single game in the Champions League last season at San Siro and to accomplish their European feat again they will have to maintain that record.
However, Inter have problems of their own as under Benitez they haven't looked as reassuring and defensively sound as they were under Jose Mourinho.
Nevertheless, club legend Sandro Mazzola is confident that Inter can win it again this year and exclusively told Goal.com, "Can Inter defender their Champions League crown? Yes, they have the team to be able to do it. I think they will get through the group and then we have to see what conditions they arrive in in February, but I am sure they can do it. It will be tough though."
Work Needs To Be Done
Werder Bremen qualified for the Champions League proper amidst enthralling circumstances as they defeated Sampdoria over two legs in the play-offs.
The German Bundesliga side needed some second half heroics again in their opening game of the group stage as they fell behind by two goals before storming back to salvage a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Werder will now travel to Milan with hope and ambition. A win against Inter will not be easy but given the problems that the Italians are embroiled in at the moment the Germans will fancy their chances.
The 3-2 win against Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday will have certainly given them more confidence as midfielder Marko Marin enthuses, "It is always difficult playing against a side like Inter, but the victory against Hamburg has given us confidence. We are taking on Inter, at the Meazza, and we will try our best to get a result."
TEAM NEWS
Inter
Striker Diego Milito is doubtful with a thigh injury but has resumed training. Goran Pandev sat out Tuesday's session with a knee problem. Centre-back Walter Samuel didn't train with his team-mates on Tuesday but is likely to regain full fitness to start on Wednesday evening.
Midfielder Thiago Motta and defenders Marco Materazzi and Javier Zanetti have already been ruled out.
Werder Bremen
Both Naldo and Sebastian Boenisch had already succumbed to knee injuries and after Saturday's game against Hamburg Clemens Fritz, Torsten Frings and Claudio Pizarro have joined them on the sidelines. Petri Pasanen has travelled with the squad to Milan but he might not start.
Prediction
Inter will be the favourites to win this match but Werder are a tricky opposition and will do their best to make it tough for the Nerazzurri defenders even with a number of players suffering from injuries. However, Benitez's side have a strong record at home and they will pick up the win.
Inter Milan 2-1 Werder Bremen 
29.09. (Wed) 20:45 Tottenham Hot. - Twente
As Tottenham welcome the visit of FC Twente on Wednesday night, it will be a truly special occasion for fans of the club.
For the first time in 48 years, Spurs fans will witness a tie in Europe's elite club competition at their home ground. The last time that a European Cup game took place at north London club’s home was in 1962, when Bill Nicholson’s Spurs were dumped out of the tournament by eventual winners Benfica - after the second leg in London saw the hosts succumb to a 4-3 aggregate.
Fast forward almost half a century, and Spurs have a point from their first game – against Werder Bremen - in a fiercely competitive Group A. With defending champions Inter yet to take on the hosts, a victory at White Hart Lane will likely be required if Harry Redknapp’s charges are to make their way into the last 16.
Tottenham have also been inconsistent with getting the right result in recent times, as they only have one victory – against Wolves – in their last six games in all competitions. And coming off the back of two losses in the form of a League Cup defeat to rivals Arsenal and a Premier League loss to West Ham United, anything less than a win over Twente will have a detrimental effect on the morale of the players.
Dutch champions arrive with confidence
Twente boast a rags to riches story as they have risen from being or the brink of extinction in the early part of the decade to being crowned Dutch champions for the first time in their history last season.
Under the guidance of former England manager Steve McClaren, they rewrote their history books. But the gaffer has since departed to join Wolfsburg while a few of the players moved on to pastures new, but the team isn’t particularly weaker than when compared to last season.
And under the guidance of Michel Preud'homme, they have continued to play a similar kind of football that McClaren used to win the domestic title last season.
It comes based on the principle of having a miserly defence, as they have conceded only three league goals this season – lesser than any other club in the Dutch top-flight.
Twente are also on an unbeaten run in all competitions this season, and even held defending European champions Inter to a 2-2 draw in Enschede on matchday one.
With all this in mind, the travellers will touch down in London with utmost confidence, as they are yet to lose this season.
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has concerning issues as several injuries have decimated his squad - particularly his defence - in recent weeks.Younes Kaboul (hamstring) remains a doubt, while William Gallas (groin) sustained his injury in a recent training session. In the meantime, Ledley King is also thought to have pulled up with a problem, but could yet feature as reports point towards the player having returned to training.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) was injured during the League Cup clash with Arsenal and missed the weekend defeat to West Ham United, but could return for this fixture. Michael Dawson (knee) is a long-term absentee, while Jermain Defoe (ankle) also remains sidelined.
Possible starting XI: Cudicini; Hutton, Corluka, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Huddlestone, Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart; Crouch.
Twente
Bart Buysse (ankle) is expected to be out for six weeks, while fellow defender Dwight Tiendalli (leg) is a doubt having picked up a knock against Capelle last week. But otherwise manager Michel Preud'homme should have no problems.Possible starting XI: Mihaylov; Rosales, Douglas, Wisgerhof, Kuiper; Brama, De Jong, Janssen; Ruiz, Janko, Chadli.
Prediction
Tottenham 2-1 Twente 
29.09. (Wed) 20:45 Hapoel Tel Aviv - Olympique Lyonnais
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Champions League debut ended ultimately in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Benfica in Lisbon, but the Israeli champions did their reputation no harm at all with a competitive performance against os Aguias. Back on home soil, coach Eli Guttman will be aware that at least a point is needed against Olympique Lyonnais to keep their dreams of progression seriously burning.
The Red Demons have started the defence of their domestic title in an inauspicious manner, picking up just four points from their opening four matches and suffering a humbling 4-2 reverse at the hands of Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona at the weekend.
On the continent they have shown a very different face since starting their Champions League campaign in the second qualifying round against Zeljeznicar, who were dispatched 6-0 on aggregate. A fancied Aktobe unit were then edged out 3-2 before Salzburg were surprisingly eliminated in the play-off stage 4-3.
Guttman’s side have been tearing up the formbook in the Champions League thus far, and after losing their only two previous home ties against French opponents, they will have to do exactly the same once more if they are to upset les Gones.
Underachieving
Few teams can match the European pedigree that Olympique Lyonnais boast since the turn of the millennium. Participants in every Champions League group stage since 2000, les Gones hit a high water mark last term when they scrambled their way to the semi-finals of the competition where they were eliminated by Bayern Munich.
Although Schalke were defeated by a Michel Bastos goal to nil at Stade Gerland a fortnight ago, the signs are already that the Rhone Valley club will fail to match that success. Les Gones’ form domestically has been lamentable, and they sit 18th in Ligue 1, having lost their fiercely competitive Derby du Rhone encounter against Saint-Etienne last Saturday.
Opposition in the stands to general manager Claude Puel is growing, with the fans staying behind until after midnight on Saturday for president Jean-Michel Aulas to address them. Additionally, there are reports that the squad is unsettled behind the scenes, with Puel’s man management techniques having been questioned to such an extent that substitute goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre is now charged with creating a good atmosphere in the dressing room.
A greater emphasis is set to be placed on pleasure and fluidity as opposed to Puel’s more traditional values of organisation and defence, though of course there will be no immediate wholesale change.
Anything but three points in Israel will place the coach’s head even more firmly on the chopping block and increase the pressure on stoical president Aulas to make changes.
TEAM NEWS
Hapoel
Mahran Lala is the big injury concern for Hapoel as he is set to miss the entire season due to knee ligament damage. Meanwhile, Eran Zahavi broke his nose on September 11 but hasn’t let that prevent him from taking part in regular action.
Lyon
Hamstring injuries have been a hot topic of conversation around the Rhone Valley, with Cris, Cesar Delgado and Ederson all missing from this fixture due to such problems of varying severity.
Perhaps crucially, ace striker Lisandro Lopez is missing once again due to a thigh problem, while Jean Makoun hasn’t travelled because of a similar ailment.
Prediction
Though Lyon have been struggling for wins, they didn’t play too badly at the weekend and cannot continue to be so luckless in front of goal. Additionally, les Gones command the kind of Champions League experience that is completely alien to Hapoel, so even in front of an intimidating home crowd the French underperformers should be able to best the Red Demons.
Hapoel 1-2 O. Lyon 
29.09. (Wed) 20:45 Rangers - Bursaspor
After managing to hold group favourites Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford, Walter Smith’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on Champions League new boys Bursaspor at Ibrox.
Confidence should be high for the SPL champions as they made a dramatic comeback to overcome rivals Aberdeen to go top of the league, coming from two goals down to see themselves past Mark McGhee’s side at Pittodrie.
So the Ibrox faithful will be expecting their side to win comfortably, especially against a side that lost four goals at home to Valencia in their first group game.
The major problem that faces Walter Smith this week is that he will be without influential midfielder Steven Davis, who went off injured in the game at Aberdeen.
Rangers fans will also be fearful about the visit of the Turkish side, as the Scottish giants have only won one out their last nine Champions League games at the Glasgow venue, with last season including painful defeats to both Unirea Urziceni and Sevilla.
Turkish side are an unknown quantity
Bursaspor have made their first appearance in Europe since 1986, other than a series of Intertoto Cup appearances. They made their return to the European arena with a devastating four-goal defeat at home to Valencia.
The Green Crocodiles, as they are nicknamed, will be hoping to pile more misery on Rangers boss Walter Smith after they defeated Smith in the Cup Winners' Cup 36 years ago, when Smith was a central defender a Dundee United side that lost by one goal over two legs against the Turkish side.
Ertugrul Saglam, the coach of Bursaspor, will be looking for a better result than the last time that he took a side to Britain, when his Besiktas side were humiliated by Liverpool, succumbing to an eight goal defeat in the Champions League .
TEAM NEWS
Rangers
Steven Davis is set to miss the clash for the Ibrox men after picking up an injury at the weekend, while summer signing Nikica Jelavic is ineligible. Steven Whittaker is also a doubt for the Scottish champions after also leaving the field injured at the weekend.
Possible starting XI: McGregor; Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac; Weiss, McCulloch, Edu, Naismith; Lafferty, Miller.
Bursaspor
The Turkish side will recall experienced trio Dimitar Ivankov, Volkan Sen and Federico Insua, after all three were rested for the side’s one goal victory over Bucaspor on Friday. The only injury worry for Bursaspor is Ivan Ergic, who was rested also on Friday as he has been carrying a hamstring injury.
Possible Starting XI: Ivankov; Vederson, Erdogan, Tandogan, Stepanov; Cimsir, Sen, Batalla, Insua; Yıldırım, Nunez.
Prediction
Rangers 2-0 Bursaspor 
29.09. (Wed) 20:45 Panathinaikos - FC Kobenhavn
Panathinaikos thought that they were up for a shock win at Camp Nou in Barcelona a fortnight ago when they took the lead against the 2009 Champions League winners but didn't realise what was going to hit them. Lionel Messi turned on the style and destroyed the Greek champions as the Catalans registered a 5-1 victory - arguably the most impressive on Matchday One.
However, Panathinaikos are doing will in the domestic arena as they are just a point behind leaders and arch-rivals Olympiacos in second place. The Shamrock warmed up to their match against Danish champions Copenhagen on Wednesday evening with a 2-1 win against Panionios at the Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium.
Panathinaikos are a tough nut to crack at home and will be under pressure to garner maximum points against Copenhagen.
Going Strong
Danish champions Copenhagen have commenced the 2010-11 campaign very well, both in the domestic front and in Europe. The Lions defeated championship rivals FC Midtjylland at the weekend to go seven points clear of them at the top of the Superliga. Stale Solbakken's side also defeated Rubin Kazan 1-0 on Mtchday One to start their Champions League adventure on a winning note.
Solbakken is hopeful of a win in Greece on Wednesday but realises that it is not going to be easy. "We're managing to play at a consistent high level week after week, and if we can continue the streak we will be hard to beat. There'll come times of crisis but so far we've got enough extra energy for the European matches."
Three seasons back Panathinaikos and Copenhagen met in a UEFA Cup group match. At the time the Greeks won 1-0, thanks to a goal from Dame N'Doye, who is now on the Danish side's roster.
TEAM NEWS
Panathinaikos
Sidney Govou strained his right thigh on Sunday during training and is out of the match. Cedric Kante broke his finger during their domestic game at the weekend and has been ruled out as well.
Nikos Spyropoulos is struggling with a knee problem and Giourkas Seitaridis has problems with his quadriceps. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos has recovered from a foot injury and has started to train but Antonis Petropoulos is out with a groin complain.
Copenhagen
Christian Bolanos has recovered from an ankle problem but Solvi Ottesen is out with a broken arm. Martin Bergvold and Morten Nordstrand are long-term injury concerns.
Prediction
It promises to be a very interesting match and is difficult to call. Panathinaikos should fancy a win as they have home advantage but Copenhagen are on a great run of form. A single goal is likely to settle the outcome.
Panathinaikos 1-0 Copenhagen 
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