Match Previews

Zurich have managed to keep all of their players during the international break, and the fans are hopeful that the Swiss champions will manage to keep their current squad.... Problems in defence, with captain Tihinen(k) out for the clash...Since the very beginning of the season, several Zurich players have been tipped to follow the path of the departed stars Dzemaili, Inler and Margairaz and move abroad - with former manager Favre taking over at Hertha and signing his favorite centre defender Von Bergen, Brazilian star striker Rafael(k) was tipped to also join his former boss at Hertha during the international break but, somewhat surprisingly, the Zurichers still haven't sold the striker, and the fans are now hoping that their team will manage to maintain it's fantastic domestic form and grab their third consecutive title. CL qualification was the main European goal for Zurichers, but the motivation for the Empoli clash is not doubtful, as not to many UEFA Cup group stage games are played in Switzerland, and therefore the champions are entering their clashes vs. the last season's Serie A black horse determined to do their best. With the talents of Rafael and Chikhaoui(k), Zurich have just the perfect team to apply a counter attacking formation in their European away matches, but this is a match in which their squad depth will be tested, as they are missing their important center back and captain, Tihinen(k), who's international experience with Finland and authority can very well be the difference between joy and despair in matches like this. His absence leaves manager Challandes with a tough decision to make, with a likely option being to move full back Rochat(r) to the centre and give Stahel(sp) a start on the right side of defence.