Qualified teams seek extra bonus

Although Middlesbrough FC, FK Partizan and Villarreal CF have already sealed places in the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup, the final positions in Group E will only be confirmed on Matchday 5.

Strong opposition
Middlesbrough lead the way with six points, one more than their Serbo-Montenegrin and Spanish rivals, but may be without midfield player George Boateng for Partizan's visit due to an ankle injury. Manager Steve McClaren is aware the visitors will pose a stern test, saying: "Partizan are a very good team, [we've] been very impressed with them. They're well organised, good technically and will give us a different kind of test."

'Great battle'
Partizan captain Saša Ilic was similarly generous, telling uefa.com: "It's a great pleasure to play in England. Although we have enough points, we are obliged to play at our highest level. Middlesbrough are one of the best English teams at the moment and it will be a great battle. With three points maybe we can finish top of the group, and we will use 100 per cent of our power."

Injury boosts
Argentinian playmaker Juan Román Riquelme was again instrumental in Villarreal's victory against Getafe CF on Sunday, and there was more good news for the Spanish side as Javier Calleja and Juan Manuel Peña have continued their recoveries from knee and ankle problems respectively.

Experimental Egaleo
Already eliminated Egaleo FC travel to Spain seeking their first victory in the section, with coach Stephane Demol likely to to try out new tactics ahead of Sunday's important encounter with Alpha Ethniki leaders Olympiacos CFP. "It's a pity that we can no longer fight for qualification," said the Egaleo coach. "But our main target is to play in the UEFA Cup next year, and that means that we must stay focused in the league."