Match Previews

AaB without a chance to progress but determined to put in a good performance.... Lost 2-1 against Getafe in their last group match.... Prica (k)(mid), Nomvethe (r)(mid), Pedersen (r)(def) and Kristensen (sp)(def) all injured.... AaB have been very impressive in the Danish SAS League. They are currently top of the table two points ahead of FC Copenhagen. They have had plenty of time to prepare for this fixture as the Danish league stopped the 2nd December due to the winter break. AaB are without chances of progression in the UEFA Cup as they have only picked up a single point in their first three games. They did well at Tottenham but lost after leading 2-0 at the break, but in their last game against Getafe they performed poorly and the score-line only look close due to Prica's injury time scoring to final result 2-1. Even though they have nothing to play for manager Hamren has stated that his side are extremely motivated to put in a good performance to show Europe that AaB are better than the current results indicates. He will field his strongest formation, but they are weakened in all three lines. Full-back Pedersen (r) is ill and with his usual replacement Kristensen (sp) injured it looks like Suni Olsen (sp) will play the unfamiliar role at the left side of defence. Hamren will field a 4-5-1 formation and play a very direct style of football trying to hit Hapoel Tel Aviv on the counter-attack. Right winger Nomvethe (r) is injured which would not be a problem as Curth (r) is a competent replacement, but due to top scorer Rade Prica's (k) injury Curth will act as a lone striker which means that Enevoldsen (r) will move from left to right wing and Lindstrom (sp) will play his final game for AaB at left wing before he leaves the club. AaB are a good side with both strength and speed, but they have looked mediocre at best in their UEFA Cup campaign and will need to improve from their Getafe performance if they are to achieve a good result in Israel.