Leaders ready for Bucharest test

Bigger targets
Besiktas lead the group on goal difference despite having played one game less than the three sides directly below them. Club president Yildirim Demirören, who has expressed his wish to meet Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe SK in the final following their UEFA Champions League exit, was not unduly worried by the Steaua assignment as he said: "We are going there to get one point or three. Our opponents are tough but we have bigger targets."

Injuries
However, Besiktas will be missing defender Ronaldo Guiaro and midfielder Kaan Dobra through injury, while striker Serdar Özkan is on national-team duty with Turkey's Under-18s. As for Steaua they have suffered a deluge of injuries - including three international midfielders.

'Most important match'
The club's veteran midfielder, and assistant coach, Dorinel Munteanu said: "It's the most important match of our autumn, especially as it will be our last home game in the UEFA Cup this year. It will be very tough but we have the potential to win."

Frey out
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sébastien Frey has flu and will sit out Parma FC's trip to R. Standard de Liège in the section's other match. Parma coach Silvio Baldini can otherwise field a full-strength team against a Standard side yet to collect a point.

Bangoura doubtful
Standard striker Sambegou Bangoura is doubtful with an elbow injury but may play with heavy strapping, as coach Dominique D'Onofrio sees him as vital to their hopes. "Parma have problems with high balls, so Bangoura could become very important," he said.

Confidence boost
The visitors remain in the bottom four of Serie A but defender Daniele Bonera said: "We want to book our place in the next stage. I'm sure qualification would give us the self-confidence that is necessary to continue improving." Athletic Club Bilbao are not involved on Matchday 3.