Crvena Zvezda target lion's share

Strasbourg through
While their French hosts have already breezed through to the last 32 with two wins and a draw, Walter Zenga's men need maximum points in Strasbourg to sneak into the knockout phase and complete a surprising recovery. The Belgrade team looked to be dead and buried after their first two matches - a 2-1 home loss to FC Basel 1893 and 3-1 defeat at Tromsø IL - but a 3-1 triumph against AS Roma last time out has revived Crvena Zvezda chances of a top-three finish.

'Another chance'
"This is a great opportunity for my generation," said forward Nikola Žigić. "After a bad first half to our UEFA Cup campaign we deserve another chance. We will give our all for one thing - victory in France. I know it will be tough, but we have no other option." With his side three points clear in Serbia and Montenegro following Saturday's 4-1 win against FK Hajduk Kula, Zenga is also confident. "I am an optimist," said the former Italy goalkeeper.

Right attitude
"Saturday's game and the atmosphere in training have given me confidence. Our victory against Roma and the situation in the group have given us a chance to qualify. It's time to show that we can be a strong team in every department and to give our supporters something to believe in. That will be enough - for a start."

Weakened side
With Strasbourg possibly inclined to field fringe players as their attention drifts towards their precarious situation in Ligue 1, Crvena Zevzda may not have such a daunting task at La Meinau. "We have heard Strasbourg will be without some of their best players," Zenga said. "I have told my players a few times to forget about that. They have their plans, we have ours. I am just thinking about my team.

Attacking intentions
"I do not have time to worry about what is happening in their camp," he added. "We will play as we usually do - we will attack while paying full attention in defence. There can be no mistakes. In Strasbourg, we are battling for a European spring and that's a big challenge."

Mladenović returns
Midfielder Marko Perović and forward Boban Stojanović are injured, but returning Serbo-Montenegrin international Dragan Mladenović - braving a knee injury - will provide welcome experience. As club president Dragan Stojković put it, now is a time for heroes. "On the pitch, we will see whether we are lions or not," he said. "I am always positive and optimistic - it will be a great day for Crvena Zvezda."