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Dacourt set for Strasbourg reunion
AS Roma midfielder Olivier Dacourt faces his old club RC Strasbourg at the Stadio Olimpico in UEFA Cup Group E on Thursday, and although the French side lead the section, their domestic fortunes are markedly different.
League slump
Dacourt featured in the 1997/98 UEFA Cup with Strasbourg and his former employers would be grateful for his quality now. The league form of Jacky Duguépéroux's team has been disappointing - bottom of Ligue 1, they have not won in 15 attempts this season. With this in mind, captain Mickaël Pagis will be rested for Sunday's game at FC Nantes Atlantique while in-form left-winger Salim Arrache should start on the bench.
Depleted defence
Nicolas Puydebois will replace Stéphane Cassard in goal while defenders Karim Haggui (foot), Jean-Christophe Devaux (knee) and Yves Deroff (thigh) are all sidelined. The only good news for Strasbourg is the return of defender Cédric Kanté after a leg injury. Duguépéroux said: "I won't field my reserve team at Roma. But there are players who need a rest after a demanding start to the season. If I were a player, I would be desperate to impress in Rome. I'm happy to be meeting Dacourt, he's a likeable and talented person who deserved to have such a good career."
Injury concerns
Roma will be missing Brazilian winger Mancini, who has a calf problem, while Cristian Chivu and Vincenzo Montella have been included in the squad despite minor muscle complaints which make them doubtful. Coach Luciano Spalletti's rotation system suggests Gianluca Curci, Alberto Aquilani, Cesare Bovo, Shabani Nonda and Houssine Kharja will start, while Francesco Totti should feature and Antonio Cassano returns to favour after a contract dispute. Spalletti said: "Strasbourg are not doing well in their domestic league but they are a strong side. We will give our best and will not underestimate them."
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发表于 2005-11-24 21:16:00
发表于 2005-11-25 01:48:00
发表于 2005-11-25 11:01:00