Match Previews

A 1:1 draw in the first leg and a better performance expected now ... Robert Petrov (def) sidelined while Todorov (def), Nei (att) and Marquinhos (mid) are doubts; Iliev (def) suspended ... CSKA will look to seal a safe passage to the next round in the UEFA Cup as the head for a home game against Omonia. The Bulgarian outfit were quite lucky to escape with a 1:1 draw in the first leg and now will aim for a clear victory in front of their home fans. Stoycho Mladenov's team looked a bit shaky in defence two weeks ago and now the players are expected to be more solid and at the same time pose much more of a threat up front. The coach will be keen to avoid the drama which CSKA suffered two years ago when they faced Omonia. Then. the teams met at the same stage of the competition and again the first leg in Cyprus ended 1:1. Omonia were heading for a victory in the second leg before a last-minute equaliser forced extra time and a 3:1 win. The manager has some injury concerns ahead of the game and will have to shuffle the pack. Defender Valentin Iliev was sent off in the first leg and now faces a one-game ban. Dutchman Quido Lanzaat is to come in as a deputy. A trio of players, meanwhile, are troubled by injuries and are rated doubts for the game. Still, Yordan Todoroov, Appreciado Nei and Marquinhos are expected to shrug off their worries and be fit for the game. Robert Petrov remains out for the long term with a knee injury and is certain to miss. The manager is expected to hand Jose Luis Garces a start up front along with Nei while Velizar Dimitrov will be shifted back to a midfield position. This will give CSKA more attacking threat and they will push for goals which will ensure progress to the next stage.