All-star APOEL await BATE date

Cypriot champions APOEL FC are looking to battle their way through the UEFA Champions League qualifiers after assembling "the best squad" in their history.

Fit and ready
APOEL take on FC BATE Borisov of Belarus in their opening first qualifying round match in Nicosia tonight after a busy summer which has seen them bring in a raft of quality signings. However, with their opponents currently top of the league in Belarus, and with the Cypriot season not set to start until September, APOEL know that they can take nothing for granted.

Quality and depth
"We have a lot of quality in the side and we have depth to our squad," said APOEL's Greek coach Marinos Ouzounides as he looked ahead to a first leg expected to attract a crowd of around 10,000 at the GSP Stadium. "I honestly believe that we now have the best squad we've ever had. It is vital that we knock out BATE because we will then go from strength to strength.

'Strong points'
"We are not 100 per cent ready but we can still win," he added. "APOEL are generally a better side than BATE but at this moment in time there is little difference between the two teams. Our opponents are on a high because they are top of the league in Belarus. They have some strong points, such as their attack, and weak points which we will try to capitalise on."

Debuts delayed
APOEL set a high standard for themselves in the 2002/03 season, battling through to the third qualifying round before losing out to AEK Athens FC. Some big signings this summer have sparked hopes of a similar run, but experienced former AEK midfielder Emerson will miss the opener against BATE while fellow Brazilian newcomer Zé Carlos has yet to receive a work permit.

Knockout blow
That will leave 34-year-old Greek striker Nikos Machlas to lead the line with Portuguese playmaker Ricardo Fernandes expected to play a more attacking role. Captain Marinos Satsias felt confident that his side had the firepower to deal with BATE, saying: "We are ready to face the challenge and difficulties of this game. With the help of our fans, we can put the tie to bed in the first leg."