Sochaux hurdle for Newcastle

Good form
Sochaux are in a good run of form in the French league and lie third in the table. They are unbeaten since 22 September and their last match produced an impressive 3-1 victory at AS Monaco FC which prompted Souness to say: "They will be full of confidence and I will be happy to bring a draw back here with one group game to play."

Santos back
After four matches out with a knee problem, Tunisian striker Santos returns to the squad. Jaouad Zairi, Lionel Potillon and Sylvain Monsoreau are recovering from injury and unlikely to figure in coach Guy Lacombe's squad. As for Newcastle, Alan Shearer, Andy O'Brien and Stephen Carr are all injured while Ronny Johnsen is ineligible. Nicky Butt returns after completing his European ban.

Sá Pinto's return
The other game in Group D sees FC Dinamo Tbilisi play host to Sporting Clube de Portugal, who recover veteran international Sá Pinto after several months on the sidelines. Rodrigo Tello is also back after injury problems along with captain Beto. However, Marius Niculae remains out of action.

Tbilisi troubled
Dinamo, who have lost their first two matches, will again be missing important players with captain and key midfielder Georgi Nemsadze and defender Shota Kashia both injured. "We've not been able to call on some of our best players," lamented coach Gia Geguchadze. Panionios NFC, who have also failed to gain a point from their opening two fixtures, do not play this week.