Fenerbahçe poised for lift-off

Former coach
The memories may well come flooding back for PSV coach Guus Hiddink, who was in charge at the Sükrü Saracoglu stadium 15 years ago, but current Fenerbahçe coach Christoph Daum will only be looking forward as he looks to fulfil his aim of taking the Turkish champions into the knockout stages.

Reinforced squad
While PSV, Milan and FC Schalke 04 may appear formidable opponents for the Istanbul club in Group E, Fenerbahçe have the comfort of knowing that their squad - already regarded as the strongest in the Turkish Superleague - has been reinforced with the arrivals of Ghanaian midfield player Stephen Appiah from Juventus FC and goalkeeper Serdar Kulbilge from Bursaspor.

Strong core
Those two players have bolstered a squad already blessed with Turkish internationals Rüstü Reçber, Volkan Demirel, Ümit Özat, Selçuk Sahin, Serkan Balci and Tuncay Şanli as well as foreign talent in the form of French striker Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian midfield player Alex. None the less, German coach Daum still believes that there is something missing at the heart of his squad. "Fenerbahçe have a lot of players who can do great things because of their individual skill, but we do not have a leader," said the former Bayer 04 Leverkusen coach.

Alex inspired
While Daum may want more of a mental core for his side, he has plenty of players who have showed that they can lead by example. Alex has been an inspiration, scoring five goals in his seven league matches this season, while strikers Anelka and Márcio Nobre have weighed in with three apiece in the league as the club strive for a third successive title.

European target
However, Europe remains the big prize. "We want to advance into the next round by finishing second in our group," said Daum. "Therefore the matches against PSV and Schalke will be crucial." His aim to undo the Dutch champions on home soil took something of a blow when forward Tuncay was ruled out of the match with a groin injury. He may opt to field Anelka as a lone striker tonight, with Márcio Nobre in support, and has been exhorting home fans to get behind the team to spur them on to victory.

Cocu inspired
Yet that ardent support could provide a major motivating factor for PSV. Midfield player Phillip Cocu told uefa.com that the Istanbul fans would make the game special. "I've played in three stadiums in Istanbul and the atmosphere has been incredible every time," he said. "The fans are fanatical, but I don't mind that. To be on the pitch and play a crucial game with that kind of atmosphere is the best way to play important matches. I prefer a full stadium, even if the crowd is against me."

Priceless experience
Cocu can certainly expect a lively reception in Istanbul, but Daum hopes that - after an encouraging display in Milan on Matchday 1 - Fenerbahçe can prove to be equally intimidating on the pitch. "My players are learning with each game," said the coach. "They have learned that sometimes it is better to play for a draw rather than attacking."