Match Previews

Very impressive in the first leg and unlucky only to draw .... Lazarevski (r)(def) and Kovacevic (r)(def) back from suspensions but Mihajlovic (r)(def) and Ignatov (k)(def) set to miss; Iljoski (sp)(att) hoping to be fit for the game .. Rabotnicki face a visit to Bolton looking to cause a major upset and earn a place in the group stage. As unlikely as it sounds, the Macedonian outfit have every chance to progress on the basis of the first leg. Then, the Macedonians managed only a 1:1 draw at home but showed some great football and should have scored more. Their poor finishing cost them dear as they conceded a late equaliser and now have it all to do in England. Yet, Dragoljub Behlavac is in bullish mood ahead of the second leg and stated that his players are confident that they can pull off another great performance and earn a win. The first-leg result was all more impressive if the absence of several injured and suspended players is taken into account. The Macedonians were missing Dimitrija Lazarevski (r) and Zeljko Kovacevic (r) with suspension while fellow defenders Bojan Mihajlovic (r) and Stojance Ignatov (k) were sidelined. They look set to miss again as Mihajlovic is still troubled by a knee injury while Igantov is out of the first-team after refusing to sign a new contract. The other injured players, Blaze Iljoski (sp), has good chances to make the squad though as he is closing on full fitness. Lazarevski and Kovacevic will surely strengthen the defence as they are to come in for Lazar Stansic (sp) and Vasko Bozhinovski (sp) who were handed rare starts in the first game. Apart from that, no major changes are expected in midfield and attack though as Ivan Trickovski (r) and Nemanja Milisavljevic (r) are to start up front. Rabotnicki, meanwhile, are playing great in their domestic league as well and are unbeaten in eight games and are leading the standings. They strolled to an easy 2:0 win at home to Shekendija in the latest game and prepare for the Bolton showdown in the best possible mood.