Sparta lay ambush for returning heroes

AC Sparta Praha can ruin old boys Zdeněk Pospěch and Libor Sionko's return to Prague with FC København as coach Jozef Chovanec bids to grab "a real chance to play in Europe in the spring".

Special occasion
The two sides are level on seven points in the race for second place in UEFA Europa League Group K, but only a win will put Sparta in Friday's round of 32 draw as they lost in Copenhagen on Matchday 2. Past Sparta heroes Sionko and Pospěch will perhaps be the star guests, with the latter saying: "Of course, it will be a special match for me. I spent two and a half years at Sparta. I will be playing there for the first time as an opponent since leaving the Czech Republic. I will enjoy the match."

'Real chance'
However, the two former favourites can expect no special treatment from Sparta, who have not played since their 1-0 loss to PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 5. København have played another game since then, beating title rivals Odense BK 2-0 in their final Superliga game of 2009. Chovanec, however, does not believe his charges will be rusty. "It is a small problem, but our players have to keep in mind that we have a real chance to play in European football in the spring. That's important."

Solbakken positive
København boss Ståle Solbakken hoped the extra game might prove to be a bonus for his side in what promises to be a red-hot encounter in near-freezing conditions. "They have had one more week's break which could be a small advantage for us," said the Norwegian, "but we have two hungry teams. Both will go for it 100 per cent and we will see who succeeds. Our form has been excellent for a while and I hope we can finish off with a result that puts us in the next phase."

Unbeaten run
The Danish champions' 1-0 home win against Sparta on 1 October will count in their favour if Wednesday's tie ends in a draw, so Chovanec has no reason to change his side's usual approach, saying: "We will play attacking football." København, however, may feel a cautious approach is in order, with Sparta unbeaten in five European home games. "They have beaten some great teams here like Panathinaikos and Cluj and were very unlucky to draw against PSV, so we have to show our opponents great respect," Solbakken explained.

White-knuckle ride
The absence of suspended Sparta captain Tomáš Řepka may give København another lift, although Chovanec insisted the hosts would "be able to replace him". Solbakken, meanwhile, is strapping himself in for a white-knuckle ride. "We have a really good opportunity to advance but it will be tough," he said. "It's optimism all around; both sides consider themselves favourites. I am expecting a very interesting match, full of excitement. The better team will go through."