Middlesbrough aim to raise roof

'Lift the roof'
Manager Steve McClaren has urged the fans to help push his side to victory. "The players would love the supporters to create an electric atmosphere. We want the fans to lift the roof," he said. Spanish international Gaizka Mendieta will miss the meeting with his former club as he starts his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.

Familiar face
Lazio – with eight players sidelined through injury - visit the Riverside for the first time but have at least one player, 36-year-old forward Paolo Di Canio, familiar with the surroundings after a seven-year spell in England and relishing his return. "When I saw the draw I was really excited. It was my dream to come to England with Lazio," he said.

Perfect defence
In Serbia and Montenegro, FK Partizan coach Vladimir Vermezovic is adopting a cautious approach before his side's first group match, at home to Egaleo. "I imagine the Greeks will rely on counterattacks and therefore our defence has to be perfect. We will not change our tactics or formation. We are the home team and I believe we will control the game," Vermezovic said.

First points await
Despite their loss to Middlesbrough, Egaleo are unbeaten in Greece's top flight, conceding just two goals in six games. Although he will rest several players, coach Stefan Demol said: "We are not here in Belgrade as tourists. Our pride demands that we go after a good result." Villarreal CF, who drew 1-1 at Lazio in their opening match, are the club without a game tonight in the five-team section.