Early start at Rosenborg

A week early
The Norwegian champions welcome Zvezda to the Lerkendal stadium a week in advance of the other ties, which are being played next Thursday - a change requested by Zvezda who were reluctant to play the match ahead of the league derby against FK Partizan on 8 November.

Johnsen should play
Rosenborg will hope to do better than their one previous UEFA Cup meeting with the Belgrade club - a 7-1 aggregate drubbing in the first round in 1986/87. Their coach, Åge Hareide, had a scare yesterday when his goalkeeper, Espen Johnsen, limped out of training after a collision with Harald Brattbakk but he should be fit to play. Hareide must also decide whether to start with Øyvind Storflor, scorer of two goals in the 4-2 win at Bryne FK at the weekend.

Champions already
What is certain is Rosenborg, who have already secured a tenth successive title, will have to improve on their last home performance - a 6-1 home defeat by Stabæk IF on 19 October.

Berg warning
Zvezda coach Slavoljub Muslin cited the threat of the home side's midfield player Ørjan Berg when he discussed the opposition in the build-up to this match. He said: "Rosenborg play fast, attacking football. They are a very tall side and will try to keep the ball in the air, but we will keep it on the ground and look to control the midfield by frustrating their key player, Ørjan Berg."

Djordjic doubt
Zvezda lead the Prva savezna liga after seven wins from nine games, including Saturday's 5-1 defeat of FK Borac Cacak. However, midfield player Nenad Kovacevic is missing and Muslin has concerns over Bojan Djordjic because of a stomach problem. He believes a draw would be a good result.

Rosenborg 'the favourites'
"The role of the favourites I am leaving to the Norwegians. They are more experienced than us, but in terms of quality I believe we are equals," Muslin said. "Our wish is to return home undefeated and show our best in the home match."