Match Previews

Aim to overturn a one-goal deficit in the first leg ... The manager has no injury worries and is set to recall Boya (sp)(att) and Lazar (r)(mid) .. Suffered a humiliating 3:1 defeat against Arges in the last league game ... Rapid Bucharest entertain German outfit Wolfsburg looking to overturn a narrow deficit from the first leg. The 1:0 defeat in the first leg came as a result of a Grafite penalty. The team held firm to keep the score down and will now look to claim a victory and thus claim a place in the groups at the expense of the Germans. The manager Jose Piseiro is hoping to see an improved attacking display by his men who were looking too scared to attack in the first leg and there was no real threat posed by them. He has plenty of options up front and may ring the changes. Pierre Boya is set to return up front after recovering from an injury. Costin Lazar is alsо expected to start as he overcame an ankle problem amd will provide stability in midfield. Elinton Andrade is set to start on goal while Joao Paulo Andrare and Julio Cesar are also tipped to start in a new-look line-up. The team will aim to score a quick goal and thus put pressure on the opposition as Piseiro is aiming to get his men to the group stage. They suffered a setback in the league campaign after going out to a shock 3:1 defeat at home to Arges. It was quite a poor display by the team as they were overran by the opposition. Probably some of the players were keeping their powers for the big game on Thursday but nevertheless the manager will expect his men to play much better in the upcoming clash. He has no injury worries ahead of the game as the squad is at full strength. The hopes are that the players will deliver a performance they are really capable of and claim a place in the group stage.