Match Previews

Tampere look to cause upset... No registered injury concerns... Tampere United top the Finnish league by four points over FC Haka but will face one of their sternest tests of the season when they attempt to qualify for the UEFA Cup Group stages when facing Bordeaux over two legs. The Finish league champions have already enjoyed great competitive success in Europe this season as they defeated San Marino champions Murata as well as Bulgarian champions Levski Sofia over two legs to reach the final qualifying stages for the Champion’s League. Ultimately Rosenberg proved too strong for Tampere but their coach, Ari Hjelm, is confident that his side can cause an upset at the Ratina Stadium on Thursday evening. If they are to achieve this then central midfield dynamo Tomi Petrescu (k) will have to have an outstanding couple of games. The former Leceister City youth player has really come to the fore in recent months and scored one of the crucial goals against Sofia in the second round of Champion’s League qualifying. A 4-2-3-1 formation is almost certain to be employed with Petrescu the link man between the lone forward, Jari Niemi (r), and the midfield. Supporting will be wingers Jarvinen (r) and Pohja (r), who managed a hat-trick in the league only three fixtures ago, albeit against the bottom club. Saarinen (r), who is in the side primarily for his experience and versatility, and Wiss (r) will likely undertake the defensive midfield roles while the back four will be without a truly experience player to guide them through. Myntti (r), who has scored in each of the club's last two league games, and Kujala (r), the starting centre-halves, are both in their mid-twenties, like full-backs Aho (r) and Ojanpera (r). Former Motherwell goalkeeper Mikko Kaven (r) will start in goal, adding his thirty-two years of experience to the side. Should TVP fall behind they have options such as well travelled Nigerian forward Daniel Nwoke (sp) on the bench.