Match Previews

Need a win to progress after the dramatic defeat at home to NEC Nijmegen two weeks ago ... Rodriguez (r)(def), Weiliton (r)(att) and Kovalchuk (r)(mid) are fit to play but Kovac (r)(mid) and Bystrov (r)(mid) are sidelined aloing with Mozart (r)(mid) ... Spartak Moscow face a trip to England knowing that they face a massive task at their hands if they are to progress to the next round. The Russians suffered a dramatic 2:1 defeat at home to NEC Nijmegen two weeks ago that was a massive blow for their hopes to progress into the next phase. They were leading until the last ten minutes but conceded twice in the closing stages. Thus, they are now standing with three points and need to win by more than two goals against the Spurs in order to progress to the knockout stage. Michael Laudrup will aim for a great display by his men who will attempt to upset the odds and secure a decent result. The manager is set for a double boost as Clemente Rodriguez and Weilliton are set to return to the line-up. The Argentine defender has been struggling with an injury two weeks ago but he has overrcome it. He should replace Roman Shishkin in defence even though Serguey Parshivlyuk could make way as a result.The Brazilian striker recovered in time for the game after a recent hamstring injury and will start up front as a lone striker with Artur Maloyan making way. Sreguey Kovalchuk has a cold but is also fit to play after shrugging it off. Radoslav Kovac served a one-game ban in the game against NEC but he will not be involved on Thursday because he fractured his collarbone. Alexander Zatov will continue in midfield as a result. Vladimir Bystrov remains sidelined with a knee problem and misses out. Santos Mozart is also out with a long-term problem. Laudrup will want to see a big display by his men as they will try to secure a dramatic progress to the next stage.