Match Previews

Only Luis Fernandez (sp)(def) missing for Racing... Two draws represent a good start to the season... Racing Santander have started their La Liga campaign with a brace of respectable draws. First up for last season’s shock troops was a home fixture against Sevilla – the match ended in a 1-1 tie – before Juan Ramón López Muñiz’s side travelled to Barcelona and replicated their opening score. Racing have twice fallen behind relatively late in games only to find a way back; against Honka they will expect to be too powerful for their guests and will attempt to steamroller them early. Still, there is a lack of European know-how in the Santander side as this is their European debut while many of their key men have never played continental competition before. Muñiz will have to closely examine his squad’s fitness levels before naming his side. The Spanish season has only recently started and so his players will not yet be at close to full match sharpness despite an intensive program of friendlies. Saturday’s match against Barcelona was an exhausting affair as the home side dominated long stretches of possession and forced their hosts to chase the ball incessantly. It would be no surprise to see some surgery done to the side. Juanjo, for example, has been effective when coming on from the bench and could replace Tchite to partner Serrano in attack. Munitis played in a deeper role on Saturday and could well drop to the bench as his aging legs can only carry him so far. Jonathon, after scoring the equaliser with one of Santander’s two shots on Saturday evening, is a virtual certain starter. Frenchman Peter Luccin could also come into the team along with Juan Valera. After playing what was effectively a 5-3-2 system on Saturday, expect Santander to be far more adventurous.