Friday, February 25, 2011

Europa League 2010 2011 Stuttgart Benfica on MiamiGunners Match Of The Week


uefa europa league 2010/11round of 32 second leg
24th february 2011:
stuttgart v. benfica


VfB must approach the fixture with some much needed confidence and belief, but remain aware of the danger this strong Benfica side can present to them if they are to stand any hope of over-turning the 2-1 deficit that they carry into the game. Stuttgart can take some solace in the fact that their weekend game is against fellow bottom-half side Eintracht Frankfurt, but will need to use their strength in depth to stand any hope of winning both games.
Facing a struggling Stuttgart side presents them a great opportunity to pick up their first win in Germany. It is not often that a side competing in Europe will hit such emphatically poor form, and O Glorioso must look to exploit the weaknesses in Labbadia's side.

Europa League 2010 2011 Dynamo Kiev Besiktas on MiamiGunners Match Of The Week


uefa europa league 2010/11round of 32 second leg
24th february 2011:
dynamo kyiv v. besiktas


A
commanding 4-1 advantage from the first leg in Turkey puts them firmly in the driving seat in the tie, but the freezing temperatures in Kiev this week have made training difficult for Yuri Semin's players, who have not gone through their usual workout on the pitch.
"I don't think there are any problems with the stadium but because of the cold air it was difficult for the players and training has had to be shortened," Semin said.
"I think the pitch at the stadium is in very good condition. The groundstaff have done well, covering it and protecting it through the blizzards. It is quite green and in good condition."