Group A
Arsenal v PSV
Auxerre v Borussia Dortmund
Auxerre are hoping Arsenal remain focused on victory in the Champions league clash with PSV Eindhoven, against whom the French side are competing for a UEFA cup place.
Despite having both qualified, the English and German sides will play an important role in determining who will continue in European competition this season. Arsenal insist they are committed ahead of their game.
“We have a moral obligation to Auxerre”, said coach Arsene Wenger.
Despite this pledge, it is understood the side will be missing: Seaman, Campbell, Lauren, Gilerto, Parlour, Wiltord, Bergkamp and Henry.
Wenger believes this is an excellent opportunity for fringe players to impress. It also provides a chance for players coming back from injury, such as Robert Pires and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, to get in some valuable first-team action.
PSV will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 4-0 defeat they suffered in Eindhoven. They are buoyed by the return from injury of Yugoslav striker Mateja Kezman.
Auxerre will face a Dortmund side reeling from defeat in the top of the table Bundesliga clash with Bayern Munich at the weekend.
Coach Mattias Sammer said: “We have a few things to make amends for in Auxerre. We badly need a victory.”
Dortmund will be missing international defender Christoph Metzelder and midfielder Evanilson through injury.
Auxerre have made the task more difficult through two dismissals in their last game. Striker Olivier Kapo and highly-rated defender Philippe Mexes will both be absent.
