Match Previews

First ever appearance in a European game ... An awesome start of the season and topping the table after the win at Rapid on Saturday ... No injury worries for Dan Petrescu and he is set to name his best 11 .. Unirea play their first ever European game on Thursday as they prepare for a visit to Hamburger in a first leg of the UEFA Cup clash. The lowly Romanian team defied the odds last season and finished fifth to clinch a place in the first round of the competition for a first time in their history. Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu has been working wonders since taking charge last season and will be keen to see the fairy tale continue in this campaign. Things are only looking better for Unirea and Petrescu as they are topping the table in the Romanian league after seven games. They are the only team without defeat yet and look the most solid and composed outfit in the league by distance. They pulled off another great result on Saturday when they won 2:1 at Rapid. Some solid defensive performances and good composure in midfield were the key to success and Petrscu will look for more of the same in the upcoming game. His main task ahead of the game is to try and make the players relax even though the big occasion will surely get the better of the team. The manager is blessed with a full-strength squad ahead of the game and will name his best 11 for the game. Thus, Marius Bilasco and Marius Onofras will continue up front while Razvan Paduretu will keep the hold in midfield. Petrescu will hope to see another solid display by his men and respectable performance against the German giants.