Match Previews

Injury crisis hits Anderlecht hard, Legear (k)(att), Pieroni (r)(att), Proto (sp)(gk), Vleck (r)(att), M'Penza (sp)(att) and Frutos (att) are all unavailable, while Wasilewshi (sp)(def), Iakovenko (mid), Deschacht (def), and Akin (r)(att) are all available for selection, Goor (r)(mid) returns from suspension . . . A combination of injuries and unavailabilities threaten Anderlecht's progression in this seasons Uefa Cup. The Belgian side have been unfortunate to suffer a spate of casualties ahead of Thursday night's first-leg against German giants Bayern Munich. Anderlecht triumphed in the last round against Bordeaux, but poor form since then has stalled their Jupiler League campaign. The Brussels side are nine points adrift in the table, and realistically will be looking to the Belgian Cup and Uefa Cup as their only possible sources of silverware this season. Although Anderlecht over came a poor Genk side at the weekend, they will take little confidence from the game, as they had to settle for uninspiring 1-0 victory. The injury list has been ever expanding at Anderlecht this season, and Legear and Proto a certainties to miss the Bayern game. Coach Ariel Jacob's options are limited further by the ineligibility of Pieroni and Vleck for the Uefa Cup. The list of absentees has lengthened to include M'Penza and Frutos, who have both failed to recover in time for game against Bayern. However, Wasilewski, Iakovenko, Deschacht and Akin have all been passed fit, and are included in the squad for Thursdays' game. The only other piece of good news is the return of Captain Bart Goor from suspension.