'Adrenaline in the air' as Ukraine welcome Slovenia

• A Slovenia side led by Srečko Katanec beat Ukraine in the UEFA EURO 2000 play-offs
  
• Home coach Mikhail Fomenko: "What happened in 1999 is history"
  
• Ukraine without four players through injury and suspension
• Slovenia's President Borut Pahor in Lviv to watch the match
• Slovenia coach Katanec: "There is a lot of adrenaline in the air"
  

Possible lineups
Ukraine: Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khacheridi, Rakitskiy, Shevchuk; Rybalka, Sydorchuk, Garmash; Yarmolenko, Konoplyanka; Seleznyov.
Out: Rotan (thigh), Gladkiy (ankle), Kucher (suspended), Stepanenko (suspended)

Slovenia: Handanović; Brečko, Ilić, Cesar, Jokić; Kurtić, Krhin, Kampl, Birsa; Iličić, Novaković.

• Highlights of every UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier so far

Mikhail Fomenko, Ukraine coach
We are confident in our preparations and our plans. However, only tomorrow's result will tell us if we have considered everything we needed to. Of course, having the players who are out injured or suspended would have helped, but the most important thing is that everyone else is fit and ready to play. What happened in 1999 is history.

We have had enough time to examine the opposition. Every good team has their own principles and philosophy which can be seen from two or three matches – there's no point watching all their games. We have given the lads as much information as we can and they know how to play. We will also be talking individually on the day of the game to discuss some of the details.

Srečko Katanec, Slovenia coach
Our chances are 50-50. Whoever is more courageous will play at the EURO in France. We are very well prepared; this week's training went as I expected. We have done everything we can and now we can't wait for the match – all our players are fit and motivated.

Miran Pavlin in action during the 1999 tie©Getty Images

Of course there is a lot of adrenaline in the air. We know what style Ukraine will play. I will not mention any individuals, but you know who their best players are and who needs special attention. Ukraine played well in qualifying and these will be two tough matches; anything can happen. Slovenia, stay with us and keep your fingers crossed!

Qualifying campaign
Ukraine, third in Group C
W6 D1 L3 F14 A4

Slovenia, third in Group E
W5 D1 L4 F18 A11

EURO play-off record
Ukraine: W0 L1
Slovenia: W1 L1

Taras Stepanenko is suspended©AFP/Getty Images

Reporter's view: Bogdan Buga (@UEFAcomBogdanB)
"It's not about revenge – we just want to qualify," said suspended midfielder Taras Stepanenko, dismissing talk of avenging Ukraine's UEFA EURO 2000 play-off loss to the Slovenes. Ukraine have been cast as favourites, but everyone is expecting a very tight opener in Lviv. The hosts will look to take a lead with them to Maribor.

Did you know?
Ukraine's record against Slovenia is W0 D2 L2, including defeat in those UEFA EURO 2000 play-offs. Find out more in our match background.