AmericanRosanero
19 Oct 2005, 07:05 PM
a preview from uefa. com:
Maccabi Petach-Tikva FC will look to leave a recent blip in form behind them when the Israeli Premier League club entertain US Cittą di Palermo in their UEFA Cup Group B opener on Thursday.
Glowing praise
Petach-Tikva coach Guy Luzon says Palermo will provide formidable opposition, and while he is not ruling out a home victory, he is backing the Italians to emerge as the group's dominant force. "I have seen the four teams in our section and Palermo are the best without a shadow of a doubt," he said. "Regardless of what happens on Thursday, Palermo will win this group."
Fitness doubts
The hosts will give a late fitness test to Stanislav Dubrovin, who has a tight hamstring, while Asaf Mashiach has a foot injury and is likely to start on the bench. Salim Toema is still unavailable as he recovers from a broken leg.
Changes afoot for Palermo
Palermo coach Luigi Del Neri, meanwhile, has indicated he will make sweeping changes to his starting lineup with defender Andrea Barzagli among those set to return, having overcome the ankle injury which sidelined him for the last two games. Stephen Makinwa and Matteo Guardalben are the only major absentees.
Del Neri cautious
Despite planning to rest players, Del Neri is keen to stress the importance of the tie and insists the Serie A team will not take the challenge of Petach-Tikva lightly. "This match is very important," he said. "Any side that reaches the UEFA Cup group stage deserves respect and Petach-Tikva, who had an amazing result against FK Partizan [in the first round], are no different."
Maccabi Petach-Tikva FC will look to leave a recent blip in form behind them when the Israeli Premier League club entertain US Cittą di Palermo in their UEFA Cup Group B opener on Thursday.
Glowing praise
Petach-Tikva coach Guy Luzon says Palermo will provide formidable opposition, and while he is not ruling out a home victory, he is backing the Italians to emerge as the group's dominant force. "I have seen the four teams in our section and Palermo are the best without a shadow of a doubt," he said. "Regardless of what happens on Thursday, Palermo will win this group."
Fitness doubts
The hosts will give a late fitness test to Stanislav Dubrovin, who has a tight hamstring, while Asaf Mashiach has a foot injury and is likely to start on the bench. Salim Toema is still unavailable as he recovers from a broken leg.
Changes afoot for Palermo
Palermo coach Luigi Del Neri, meanwhile, has indicated he will make sweeping changes to his starting lineup with defender Andrea Barzagli among those set to return, having overcome the ankle injury which sidelined him for the last two games. Stephen Makinwa and Matteo Guardalben are the only major absentees.
Del Neri cautious
Despite planning to rest players, Del Neri is keen to stress the importance of the tie and insists the Serie A team will not take the challenge of Petach-Tikva lightly. "This match is very important," he said. "Any side that reaches the UEFA Cup group stage deserves respect and Petach-Tikva, who had an amazing result against FK Partizan [in the first round], are no different."