Istanbul final gives Galatasaray added edge

Galatasaray AŞ coach Bülent Korkmaz says the prospect of playing in the UEFA Cup final in his team's home city of Istanbul gives them "extra motivation" as they look to finish off Hamburger SV at the Ali Sami Yen Stadium on Thursday.

Additional incentive
A 1-1 draw earned with ten men in Germany last week has tilted the Round of 16 tie in the Turkish side's favour, and with a passionate home crowd guaranteed for the second leg, Korkmaz says the possibility of contesting the 20 May final at the home of local rivals Fenerbahçe SK serves as an additional incentive for his players.

Local rivals
"The chance to play in the final at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium gives us extra motivation," said former Galatasaray defender Korkmaz, who took over following Michael Skibbe's departure in February. "Of course, it is not just about motivation – tactics and teamwork have a big influence too."

Defensive absentees
Galatasaray's hopes of a quarter-final place may hinge on how Korkmaz deals with key absences. The suspension of Emre Aşık and injuries to Servet Çetin and Emre Güngör leave him without a recognised central defender, with left-back Hakan Balta and defensive midfielder Mehmet Güven likely to fill the void against Hamburg.

Positive spin
Midfielders Mehmet Topal and Tobias Linderoth are also sidelined along with Galatasaray's creative fulcrum Arda Turan, although striker Milan Baroš returns from suspension. "It's an opportunity for us to prove we really are a team," said Korkmaz, focusing on the positives. "If we are a big team and a proper unit, we should be able to overcome obstacles like injuries."

Long list
Galatasaray drew 2-2 at Trabzonspor at the weekend, while Hamburg won 2-0 at home to FC Energie Cottbus. The Bundesliga outfit have selection worries of their own, with Mladen Petrić and Guy Demel definitely out with thigh injuries along with long-term casualties Bastian Reinhardt, Thimothée Atouba, Romeo Castelen and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

'It's doable'
Michael Gravgaard (groin) and Piotr Trochowski (knee) also face late fitness tests, yet coach Martin Jol is determined that his charges should rise above any impediment – and a partisan home crowd – to achieve victory. "It will be difficult, but it's doable," said the Dutchman. "We are no amateurs. Most players have experienced this kind of atmosphere before."