Villarreal ready to make their point
Villarreal are in pole position as they lead Group D with seven points, a point ahead of Lille, and the hosts only need a draw to book their place in the next round.
However, Lille know that if they fail to come away with all three points, they will have to settle for the UEFA Cup if there is a winner in Portugal between Benfica and Man United.
Villarreal would have hoped for better preparation for arguably the biggest game in their history, as they warmed up by slumping to a comprehensive 2-0 defeat to Barcelona at the weekend.
“We lacked creativity and perhaps a bit of luck against Barca and that can affect the morale of the players,” said coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The Villarreal coach could be tempted to make a change in attack though, as striker Diego Forlan might return from injury to replace Luciano Figueroa.
Defender Quique Alvarez and midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi, who are recovering from knee and muscle problems respectively, are both definitely out.
Lille coach Claude Puel has had a number of injury problems leading up to the clash but will expect to welcome back midfielders Mathieu Debuchy (ankle) and Daniel Gygax (shoulder), and striker Nicolas Fauvergue (groin) from injuries.
Felix Magath’s Bayern Munich side need only to match whatever Juventus do in Vienna in Group A to remain top of the group, therefore facing one of the group runners-up in the last 16 rather than a group winner.
“We have got to aim for at least a two-goal win,” said Magath, ahead of the game against Club Brugge in Belgium.
The Bayern coach will keep faith with Claudio Pizarro and Roy Makaay in attack, although both were unable to score in a goalless Bundesliga game against Stuttgart on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Juve coach Fabio Capello has played down the importance of coming out ahead of Bayern as finishing first did them few favours last term.
“I don’t know how important it is to qualify as first in the group,” said Capello. “Last season we did it and then we faced Liverpool, that proved to be a very difficult rival.
“The reality is that at this point of the tournament, all of the teams are strong.”
Capello is set to rest either Zlatan Ibrahimovic or David Trezeguet with Alessandro Del Piero coming into Juve’s attack.
Udinese know they have a golden opportunity to make club history against a weakened Barcelona in Group C.
The Italian outfit just need a draw at the Friuli stadium to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition.
The absence of attacking duo Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o will come as a blessing for the hosts, who have conceded 11 goals in their last five European games.
Moreover, with Xavi and Mark van Bommel out injured, and Rafael Marquez and Deco both suspended, Udinese’s path will be much easier.
In the other Group C game, Werder Bremen will turn to masked man Miroslav Klose against Panathinaikos but they will need more than heroics from their top striker if they are to snatch a place in the last 16.
Even victory will not be enough for the German side unless Barcelona, who are already assured of finishing top of the group, win away to Udinese.
Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf will pin his hopes of a place on Barcelona pride and the striking powers of Klose, who is ready to return in a special protective mask after breaking a bone in his face in the 3-1 defeat at the Nou Camp.
Ivan Klasnic has still not fully recovered from his appendix operation, meaning Nelson Valdez is likely to continue up front alongside Klose.
Panathinaikos need to avoid defeat to clinch third place and a UEFA Cup berth.
With Arsenal and Ajax already through in Group B, Sparta Prague need to defeat FC Thun in Prague to grab the UEFA Cup place. A draw or a Thun win will see the Swiss club claim third spot.
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