Group D
Juventus v Olympiakos
Lippi has seen his side suffer three defeats in a row after losing to Galatasaray in this competition and to Inter and Lazio in Seria A.
“I want three points to win the group and also because I want my side to regain confidence after three consecutive defeats,” said Lippi.
The former national coach will go into the tie deciding to rest Lilian Thuram, Nicola Legrottaglie and Chelsea target, Pavel Nedved. Spectacle-wearing Dutchman, Edgar Davids is also missing through suspension.
Olympiakos are still in with a chance of playing further European football by qualifying for the UEAF Cup draw on Friday. The Greeks will need to beat Juventus and Galatasaray would need to slip up against Real Sociedad.
Olympiakos coach, Oleh Protasov, said: “It’s our last chance. We know it’s difficult to gain points in Turin, but we will play to win the match, we cannot just defend because we need three points to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Juve are in a bad run and we’ll try to make the most of it.”
Protasov can field Predrag Djordjevic after he served his one-game suspension but he will have to make do without injured quartet, Ieroklis Stoltidis, Marcin Kuzba, Christos Patsatzoglou and Konstantinos Mendrinos.
Real Sociadad v Galatasaray
The Spanish club could still win Group D if Juventus lose at home to Olympiakos. Sociedad captain Agustin Aranzabal has asked the home fans to urge his side on to victory, but knows that a good performance is needed in return.
“We have to give them a good feeling from the start so they are happy in a game that is so important for all of us,” he said.
The fans may have little to shout about though given that first choice goalkeeper Sander Westerveld is suffering from a sprained ankle, while Darko Kovacevic is suspended.
On a more positive note Javier De Pedro and Lionel Potillon are now available for selection after returning from injury.
Galatasaray hope that they can get three points and dislodge Sociadad from second place.
Midfielder Frank de Boer said: “We have a very special game here. It is a big final for both teams. We still have it in our hands to qualify and I am really looking forward to the game.
‘It won’t be easy, but I think we can qualify for the next round,” he added.
Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim is expected to have a fully fit squad, but Ayham Akma will miss the tie due to suspension.
