Beveren beckon for Benfica

Lisbon giants
The Lisbon giants travel to Belgium to take on a KSK Beveren side who have lost both their group games so far and conceded eleven goals, but Benfica have been in disappointing domestic form recently. Petit missed the weekend's 1-0 defeat at UD Leiria through injury, while Miguel is also out after knee surgery.

Clear motivation
"We have to respect Beveren because their young squad will be motivated to play such a famous club as Benfica," said the Portuguese club's coach Giovanni Trapattoni. "The defeat in Leiria affected our morale but we must forget about that and think positively."

Beveren aims
Having lost 6-1 against NK Dinamo Zagreb, Beveren coach Herman Helleputte has taken his side away from home to improve their concentration. "They get visits from friends all the time," he explained. "By going away for a day, they will have to concentrate on this match." Diabis Diawara is missing with a broken ankle while striker Constant Kipre is not expected to be fit despite recovering from a torn calf muscle.

Dinamo danger
Meanwhile Dinamo, who are also performing poorly at home, play SC Heerenveen. Dinamo coach Ilija Loncarevic has elected to leave Ivan Bosnjak and captain Niko Kranjcar on the bench, while Andre Mijatovic is suspended. "We don't need to explain how important this match is," said Loncarevic. "We need victory, no matter what it takes."

Heerenveen causalties
If Heerenveen are to pick up points in Zagreb, they will have to do so without Arnold Bruggink and goalkeeper Boy Waterman because of thigh and knee injuries respectively. However, Finnish midfield player Mika Väyrynen returns for the Dutch side after a hamstring injury.