Match Previews

Just edged Farose side Steymur 2:1 on aggregate in the previous round ... The coach Makela stepped down after some poor results in the league and assistant Hyppönen will be in charge for the game ... Marhis (def) still injured while Fofana (def) suspended .. Tanska (def) a doubt for the game ... MyPa face a big game against English outfit Blackburn on Thursday in a UEFA Cup second qualifying round first-leg game. The Finnish side eanred the glamorous tie after just edging tiny Faroese side Steymur in the previous round. Despite the progression and the big game with Blackburn, the things are not going well in the team. Coach Ilkka Makela left last week in the wake of some poor form in the league and now assistant manager Janne Hyppönen will be in charge in the two legs against Blackburn. The team lost their last three games in the league and slipped down to sixth place. The performance against Steymur in both ties was really unconvincing given the level of the opposition. MyPa won the home game 1:0 and hold on for a 1:1 draw in the return leg to secure a 2:1 aggregate win. A much improved performance will be needed by the players if they are to have any chance against the English side on Thursday. A major blow for the team is the suspension of defender Mohammed Fofana who faces a one-game ban following the yellow cards he was shown in the two games against Steymur. His absence adds to the defensive worries as Vasile Marchis is still out with injury while Jani Tanska is battling to be fit in time for the game. If he does not make is, though, Likka Juura looks like the last option in defence. There are no problems for the coach in midfield and attack though and he should stick with his usual line-up. Saku Puhakainen is expected to get the nod ahead of Aleksei Kangaskollka who started in the game against Steymur last week. Despite the poor form of late, the fans are hoping that the team will give a good account for themselves and will earn a respectable result against Blackburn.