Anderlecht defender Ondrej Mazuch believes his side are favourites to progress to the next round of the Europa League ahead of Thursday's trip to Romania.
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA
The Belgians take on Timisoara already top of Group A after a win and a draw from their opening two matches. Their hosts, meanwhile, were beaten 3-0 by Dinamo Zagreb in their last European match and have never won at home in European action.
And after a strong performance in the 2-0 Jupiler League win over Charleroi, Mazuch told his club's website he believes they are in a strong position to earn a place in the next stage.
"Against Charleroi the most important thing was to pocket the three points," he said. "They should indeed give us the confidence necessary to tackle our European game on Thursday.
"Every team competing in the Europa League is good, but I believe that we must go to Romania looking to win the three points. I believe the quality of football played in the Romanian league is at a level slightly lower than what we have here.
"I think we have the best chance of going through along with Ajax."
Mazuch's team-mate Lucas Biglia agrees that Ariel Jacobs' side must aim to secure victory against Timisoara rather than settle for a point.
The Argentinian midfielder, who scored the opener in their domestic win on Saturday, said: "It was obviously also a good result against Charleroi in view of the match next Thursday in Timisoara.
"I believe that we cannot consider ourselves satisfied if we come back with only one point, because we need to try to win and get through. Such a result would indeed be a big step towards qualification for the next round."
Anderlecht boss Ariel Jacobs has several injury concerns. Thomas Chatelle, Tom de Sutter, Bouba Sare and Matias Suarez are struggling after the weekend victory against Charleroi.
However, early tests suggest Olivier Deschacht, Victor Bernard, Jonathan Legear and Davy Schollen are in with a chance of featuring, however.
Timisoara will have Ioan Mera back after a domestic suspension but Mansour Cisovsky remains sidelined with injury.
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