Match Previews

Wolfsburg face a tough task after a 2-0 defeat in the first leg.... morale-boosting 2-1 win over Hertha last Saturday.... Dzeko (r)(att) on target.... Grafite (k)(att) and Dejagah (r)(mid) back in the squad.... team captain Josue (r)(mid) out suspended..... Benaglio (r)(gk) and Riether (r)(def/mid) also out.... Pekarik (sp)(def) not eligible.... Wolfsburg face a tough task to repair the damage of a 2-0 away defeat from the first leg against Paris St Germain. In a balanced encounter, the Wolves stood their ground for 80 minutes, but conceded twice in the last 10 minutes with goalkeeper Benaglio looking bad. Overall Wolfsburg are boosting strong form since the winter break while last Saturday they showed good recovery in the Bundesliga though by beating league leaders Hertha BSC with a 2-1 score. In a hard-fought encounter, a mistake from support goalkeeper Lenz gave the visitors the lead, but Wolfsburg turned the match around in the last 15 minutes through 2 goals from Dzeko, who is boosting strong scoring form. In midweek a tough task awaits though to turn things around against PSG. Team captain Josue is out suspended which is a bit of a blow and forced coach Magath  to improvise in defensive midfield. Right-back Pekarik is not eligible in the Uefa Cup. Coach Magath is considering his options as a switch to a more attacking 4-4-2 setting is an option too in which Okubo could support Dzeko in attack.  Goalkeeper Benaglio and right-back Riether are both reported to remain out with muscular injuries. Lenz should start in goal while Zaccardo could claim his place in right-back. There is a surprising development as key striker Grafite (back from a meniscus injury) and Dejagah (back from illness) both return into the squad and will be on the bench in pinch hitter roles if needed to make an impact in the later stages of the game. Central defender Madlung is not eligible.