High stakes in Monaco

By Matthew Spiro in Monaco

RC Deportivo La Coruña coach Javier Irureta believes his side face their toughest test yet in this season's UEFA Champions League as they travel to French Ligue 1 leaders AS Monaco FC on Wednesday.

'Strong side'
The Spanish club have seven points from their first three group matches, and victory at the Stade Louis II would all but guarantee their place in the last 16. But after failing to score in their past two Primera División matches and subsequently losing their place at the top of the table, Irureta was cautious at the prospect of a trip to the principality. "Monaco are top of the French league for a reason," he pointed out. "They are a very strong side - and with six points they too are in a strong position in this group."

Draw acceptable
Deportivo leapfrogged Monaco into top spot in Group C by defeating them 1-0 at the Riazor a fortnight ago, and Irureta added: "If we win again then I think it will be a definitive step for us in the Champions League and it will also give us confidence to take back to Spain. But to be honest, a draw would not be a bad result."

Naybet's memories
Veteran defender Nourredine Naybet is more familiar with the Stade Louis II than many of his Deportivo team-mates after playing there during his time with FC Nantes Atlantique. But the Moroccan international is hoping to enjoy Wednesday's game more than he did his last visit. "The last time I played there I had a broken nose and had to play with a mask on my face," Naybet recalled. "I think we lost, too."

Left-side options
Deportivo go into the game without midfield player Victor, forward Alberto Luque and captain Fran - leaving Irureta with a hole to fill on the left side of midfield. "I have three options," the Deportivo coach explained. "Pedro Munitis has been back for a week after injury. He would give us an attacking option but I am not sure he can play 90 minutes. [José] Amarvisca and [Joan] Capdevila are also possibilities."

Morientes may miss out

'Great potential'
The former French international is confident his side can avenge the defeat in Spain, saying: "We showed in La Coruña that we can compete with the best sides in Europe. We don't have Deportivo's experience, but we have great potential and I have confidence in my players."

'Take our chances'
Monaco captain Ludovic Giuly, meanwhile, claimed that losing the away tie after playing so well has made his side even hungrier for a home win. "To come away from the Riazor with nothing was hard to take," he said. "But we are more determined than ever now and hopefully we can repeat that performance - but we have to take our chances."