Bordeaux and PSV Eindhoven meet at the Stade Chaban-Delmas on Wednesday, with both sides knowing that a win will give their qualification hopes a huge boost.
Bordeauz coach Ricardo Gomes aacknowledgd the sigificance of the game, although he denied that it was an all-or-nothing encounter.
“Of course we aim to continue our campaign with a victory against PSV,” he said. “Although I know it’s not the end of the world if we don’t come out on top.”
Indifferent domestic form has not concerned Gomez, who believes his players will rise to the occasdion tonight.
“This is the Champions League. It is different and we will be ready,” said Gomes, who is able to recall Johan Micoud after the playmaker recovered from a stomach injury.
“He’s (Micoud) important for them and can make things happen up front,” conceded PSV coach Ronald Koeman.
PSV are missing several key players through injury. Captain Phillip Cocu, Jefferson Farfán, Jason Culina and Patrick Kluivert will all be absent. However, Koeman insists his midfield is coping well in Cocu’s absence, especially with Edison Méndez in outstanding form.
Probable teams
Bordeaux:
Ulrich Ramé; Franck Jurietti, Henrique, David Jemmali, Florian Marange; Julien Faubert, Fernando Menegazzo, Rio Antonio Mavuba, Johan Micoud, Geraldo Mauricio Wendel; Jean-Claude Darcheville.
PSV:
Heurelho Gomes; Jan Kromkamp, Alex, Michael Lamey, Carlos Salcido; Timmy Simons, Mika Väyrynen, Edison Méndez, Ibrahim Afellay; Arouna Koné, Diego Tardelli.
