Champions League previews: Stuttgart aiming for 'game of our lives'

Wednesday 17 March 2010 01:00 GMT
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Barcelona v Stuttgart

The Stuttgart director of sport, Horst Heldt, has admitted his side will have to play "the game of our lives" to eliminate Barcelona in tonight's second-leg tie.

"If we want to achieve the impossible, we have to play the game of our lives," he said. "But we are not going there just for fun – we do have a mini chance."

Defender Matthieu Delpierre returns from suspension for the German side while Stefano Celozzi could also feature after recovering from an illness. Barça hold the advantage with the away goal following last month's first leg.

Their manager, Pep Guardiola, welcomes Thierry Henry back from an Achilles injury while fellow striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should also be available after suspension. "The objective is that all of attacking players get involved," Guardiola said.

Captain Carles Puyol remains a doubt for the home side after training separately due to a back injury.

Bordeaux v Olympiakos

Laurent Blanc has backed his Bordeaux side to progress further in the Champions League, as they prepare for tonight's second-leg visit of Olympiakos.

"In a cup competition, even the Champions League, a lot of things can happen," said Blanc, whose team lead 1-0 from the first leg. "There could be a surprise. We need to savour what we've achieved and play with the same desire we've shown since the beginning."

Blanc welcomes back his captain, Alou Diarra, following a successful return from a thigh injury last weekend as Bordeaux seek to maintain their unbeaten record in this year's competition and reach the last eight for the first time. Diogo, Dudu Cearense and Jesus Datolo are all on the sidelines for Bozidar Bandovic's visitors, although top scorer Konstantinos Mitroglou has recovered from a broken nose, while Oscar Gonzalez and Michal Zewlakow could also feature.

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