Poland's finest primed for action

Poland's contenders in Europe's top club competitions are gearing up for action, with Zagłębie Lubin meeting FC Steaua Bucuresti tonight.

Cautious champions
Champions Zagłębie kicked off their new Ekstraklasa campaign with a 2-1 win against Widzew Łódź, but they are not exactly bursting with confidence as they prepare for the home leg of their tie against Steaua, although they seem well prepared. "We will do everything to win the first match," said Michal Golinski, one of a number of summer signings.

Steaua menace
Coach Czesław Michniewicz has a good rapport with his squad, and with his only injured player, Wojciech Łobodziński, expected to make it on to the bench, he seems composed, although Steaua's lineup is a worry. "We have bought good players, and are ready for this test," he said. "The problem is that our opponents have changed their team a lot."

Groclin glum
Meanwhile, Polish Cup winners Groclin Grodzisk Wielkopolski are looking to restore some confidence in the home leg of their UEFA Cup tie against MKT Araz after following up a creditable 0-0 draw in the first leg in Azerbaijan with an appalling performance in a 4-1 defeat at home against newcomers Ruch Chorzów in their opening Ekstraklasa game.

'We were humiliated'
New coach Jacek Zieliński, who will be without Czech defender Radek Mynář for Thursday's second leg, was very unhappy with his side's performance. He said: "I can only say that I'm sorry - we were humiliated by Ruch. With this kind of form, we must be very careful in the game against MKT." The return of forward Bartosz Ślusarski from injury may give Groclin hope.

Big budget
Finally, 2-0 up from the home leg of their tie against FC Ameri Tbilisi, GKS Bełchatów are looking to press their advantage in Georgia, but injuries to Poland playmaker Łukasz Garguła and forward Dawid Nowak are a worry. However, with big dreams – and a €10.5m budget to match - Orest Lenczyk's side should remain on target for their dream of a group stage place.