Austria to get Athletic workout

After being forced to sit out last week because of heavy snowfall in Vienna, FK Austria Wien and Athletic Club Bilbao get their UEFA Cup Round of 32 tie under way on Thursday with the return rescheduled for northern Spain on Sunday.

Kiesenebner hope
The Austrian hosts are lacking match practice, having not played since December, first because of the winter break and then because of the continued bad weather. However, sporting director Günter Kronsteiner is optimistic that 25-year-old midfield player Markus Kiesenebner could play, or at least be on the bench at the Ernst Happel stadium, after recovering from a thigh problem. "Markus is almost fit, has made good progress and trained well," Kronsteiner said. "If he passes a medical, he could at least be a substitute."

Madrid victory
Athletic followed up their home victory against Real Madrid CF earlier in the season by completing a domestic double over them at the weekend, recording a 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu to move into eighth place in the Primera División. Raúl González, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo were all missing for Madrid but Athletic's victory, secured with goals from Asier Del Horno and Andoni Iraola, was nonetheless sweet.

Goalkeeping worry
Despite first-choice goalkeeper Dani Aranzubia struggling with flu - he is likely to be replaced by Ignacio Lafuente with the 21-year-old Roberto Pampín on the bench - Athletic go into the match in a positive mood. Forward Joseba Etxeberria said: "We will be going all out to win. That way a draw will be enough in the return. We are expecting Austria to attack us from the start - after all they are the home side. I just hope the playing surface has not suffered too much from the snow and icy temperatures."

'Tremendous boost'
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde was slightly concerned about having to play both legs in quick succession although admitted his team were "relishing both games" after ten Primera División matches without defeat. He added: "This match comes on the heels of our win at the Santiago Bernabéu which was front page news and gave us a tremendous boost."