Match Previews

Aiming to make up for the loss against Lazio ... New coach Zenga started with a 5:2 away win on Saturday ... Lobont (r)(gk) and Pulhac (r)(def) has a chance to play along with Bratu (r)(att) but Soican (sp)(def), Zicu (r)(mid) and Moti (r)(def) certainly out ... Dinamo host Swedish outfit Elfsborg in what promises to be an entertaining clash between the Romanian and Sweidhs champions as both teams bowed out of the Champions League third qualifying round. They will now be aiming to make a long run in the UEFA Cup and make up for missing out on the Champions League groups stage. Changes have been aloof in the Dinamo team following the 3:1 home defeat at the hands of Lazio at the end of August. The defeat was particularly painful given that Dinamo had a real chance to progress after a 1:1 draw in Italy but collapsed in the second leg. Moreover, they were struggling in the Romanian league, languishing in midfield, and the chiefs decided that enough is enough and manager Mircea Rednic had to go. Walter Zenga, having experience in Romanian football with Steaua and National already, took charge and will have the task of reviving the team. He enjoyed the best possible start as Dinamo dispatched Poli Iasi to claim a 5:2 away win on Saturday. The team looked good up front and will aim to put another attacking performance against Elfsborg. Ionel Danciulescu (r) starred as he claimed a hat-trick in this game and will pose the biggest threat to the Swedish defence along with his partner Claudiu Niculescu (k). Zenga has some injury concerns ahead of the game though. Ianis Zicu (r), and Cosmin Moti (r) remain long-term absentees while Bogdan Lobont (r), Florin Bratu (r) and Christian Pulhac (r) are all major doubts. The trio were not involved in the weekend game but Lobont and Pulhac are likely to start. Meanwhile, Flavius Stoican (sp) has been ruled out. Lucian Goian (sp) looked really good at the right full-back on Saturday and may get the nod ahead of Gerge Blay (r) again. Peruvian defender John Galliquio (sp) made his debut on Saturday and looks set to continue at the back because of the shortage of defenders.