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European Football
Preview - 23 Oct 2007
Last chance
saloon for Group E under-achievers.
The situation facing Stuttgart and Lyon this week is fairly
simple - win or bust. Draws are not much use at this stage, with
both sides already six points behind group leaders Barcelona and
Rangers. Three wins out of four are probably required to make up the
deficit.
Whilst the French champions have found some form domestically,
their German equivalents are on the verge of a meltdown. A 4-1
defeat at Hamburg on saturday was Stuttgart's EIGHTH away defeat of
the season. Fortunately their home form is still respectable, with
only Barcelona and Hannover (who were helped by a seventh minute
penalty and red card for Stuttgart captain Fernando Meira) having
taken all three points from the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion this year.
Lyon are understandably favourites, given Stuttgart's woes,
however it would be foolish to dismiss the German side's chances
given their impressive home record over the past year. Confidence
may be low, however Armin Veh's young side should not be written off
at this early stage of the season, and the vibes coming out of their
camp are positive ahead of a game that really could make or break
their season.
Veh's main problems lie in defence, with the excellent Delpierre
still sidelined. With Ludo Magnin and Artur Boka missing again,
midfielders Hilbert and Farnerud may be called upon to plug the gap
at full-back. At least Meira is available after domestic suspension,
however the way in which a Rafael Van Der Vaart-less Hamburg cut
through their defence with ease, must have been alarming for Veh.
Lyon themselves have looked less than solid themselves at the
back recently, with coach Alain Perrin bemoaning the ease in which
Monaco breached their defences at the weekend. The outstanding
Gregory Coupet and Cris are still badly missed, whilst holding
midfielder Toualan is a doubt.
In short, goals could be the order of day in what really is a
must-win situation for both sides. It's surprising to see 'Overs'
trading at odds-against.
VFB Stuttgart v Lyon. Tuesday 19:45.
Recommendation: 4pts Over 2.5
goals @ 11/10. Sportingbet.
Ilunga
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