Gillot calls for focus from Lens

RC Lens are close to full strength as they look to erase memories of a 4-0 Matchday 1 defeat at FC Steaua Bucuresti. The French side welcome Halmstads BK to the Stade Félix-Bollaert on Thursday needing a victory to get their Group C campaign back on track after suffering their worst loss of the season in Romania two weeks ago.

'Big step' for Steaua
Lens have everybody fit, with only forward Aruna Dindane ruled out after his red card against Steaua. "Steaua have made a big step towards the knockout stage - maybe they will win the group," said Lens coach Francis Gillot. "Our aim now is to win our two home games [the second is against UC Sampdoria on 15 December] to secure our progress." On Saturday, Lens ended a run of seven consecutive draws in Ligue 1 with a 1-0 win against Toulouse FC, Daniel Cousin scoring the only goal.

Sashcheka departure
Halmstad coach Janne Andersson said his squad was settled, apart from the departure of Belarussian midfielder Dzjanis Sashcheka after a season-long loan. He was brought in as cover for Martin Fibrock, who has now returned to full fitness. With the Swedish domestic season over and winter approaching, Halmstad will spend a week training in Turkey after Thursday’s match. "It's a good alternative at a good price so we opted for that," said Andersson.

Opening loss
Like Lens, Halmstad also lost their opening match of the group stage, 1-0 at home against Hertha BSC Berlin, and need to get points on the board to stay in the hunt for qualification.