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Champions League Preview: Unirea Urziceni - Sevilla

The hosts can take a huge leap towards the knockout stages with a win, while Sevilla just need a point to top the group...

Nov 23, 2009 11:00:10 AM

Luis Fabiano, Alvaro Negredo, Sevilla, Villarreal (MARCA)

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Luis Fabiano, Alvaro Negredo, Sevilla, Villarreal (MARCA)

Teams

Kick-off: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 20:45 CET.
Steaua Stadium, Bucharest

Surprise Package

Dan Petrescu's side came into Group G of the Champions League expected by many to be the whipping boys, or at best maybe fight Rangers for a place in the Europa League. But the Romanian champions have proven to be a side worthy of their place in Europe's premier competition.

Since their opening day defeat to Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Andalusia, the 'Chelsea of Ialomita' have gone undefeated and have given themselves a realistic chance of emerging from the group in second place.

As luck would have it, Sevilla's prowess to date in the group has helped the Romanians. Los Nervionenses have already secured their place in the knockout stages and in the process have left second spot there for the taking.

With Rangers struggling and Stuttgart without a win in any competition since late September, Petrescu's men are in good shape to make that second spot theirs, especially given that Sevilla's injury-hit squad may have prioritised getting players back fully fit over winning this game.

Eyes On The Prize

Sevilla have been in great form of late, winning 13 of their last 16 games and scoring 40 goals along the way. They are three points off the lead in the Primera Division. In the Champions League, meanwhile, their place as group winners has never really been in doubt.

Their European performances have been sensational, and only Arsenal and Real Madrid can match their goal tally so far this season.

Coach Manolo Jimenez was without nine players at the weekend and must be looking at his list of injuries wondering how important it is to go all out for a victory here, when they know a draw is enough to guarantee them first place in the group.

It is unlikely that he will take any risks, however, and may even decide to rest one or two key players with one eye on the Primera Liga, in which Los Nervionenses are attempting to halt Barcelona and Real Madrid's domestic dominance.

RECENT FORM

Unirea Urziceni

Nov 21 International Curtea de Arges 1-2 Unirea Urziceni (Liga 1)

Nov 7 Brasov 0-0 Unirea Urziceni (Liga 1)

Nov 4 Unirea Urziceni 1-1 Rangers (UEFA Champions League)

Oct 31 Unirea Urziceni 3-2 Universitatea Craiova (Liga 1)

Oct 27 Unirea Urziceni 0-1 Brasov (Cup)

Sevilla

Nov 21 Tenerife 1-2 Sevilla (La Liga)

Nov 10 Sevilla 5-1 Atletico Ciudad (Copa del Rey)

Nov 8 Sevilla 3-2 Villarreal (La Liga)

Nov 4 Sevilla 1-1 Stuttgart (UEFA Champions League)

Oct 31 Xerez 0-2 Sevilla (La Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Unirea Urziceni

Raul Rusescu and Bruno Fernandes are still out for the Romanian champions.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Arlauskis; Maftei, Galamaz, Mehmedovic, Brandan; Varga, Frunza, Vilana, Balan;
Onofras, Bilasco.

Sevilla

Coach Manolo Jimenez was without nine possible first team players at the weekend but can expect Ivica Dragutinovic and Sergio Sanchez back for this game.

Probable Starting XI: (4-4-2) Varas; Konko, Squillaci, Dragutinovic, Navarro; Zokora, Renato, Navas, Perotti; Kanoute, Fabiano.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Unirea Urziceni

Unirea are not renowned for scoring freely, and their four goal haul in Glasgow included two own goals. Top scorer Marius Bilasco therefore has a huge responsibility on his shoulders going into the game.

Sevilla

So far this term Luis Fabiano is the leading assists contributor in the Champions League with four, proving he is more than just a goal-getter. He could once again provide the key for Sevilla's success.

PREDICTION

The hosts are yet to win at home in European competition but need to take a positive result from this game if they are to emerge from the group. Sevilla should win but may be satisfied with a draw.

Unirea Urziceni 1-1 Sevilla

Paul Madden, Goal.com

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