Newcastle's hunger for first

Newcastle United FC are the only side sure of a place in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup from Group D, but Sporting Clube de Portugal and FC Sochaux-Montbéliard are strong favourites to join them going into Matchday 5, while Panionios NFC are also still in with a chance.

Newcastle injuries
Newcastle manager Graeme Souness is still hampered by a lengthy injury list as his side look for the point they need at home against Sporting to win Group D. Three wins from three games have already secured the English team's progress in the competition, welcome relief to Souness who will be without Alan Shearer (thigh), Stephen Carr (knee), Patrick Kluivert and Nicky Butt (both hamstring). Midfield player Lee Bowyer is suspended while Laurent Robert's leg muscle injury has made him a major doubt.

Sporting test
For Sporting, Hugo Viana is unavailable to play against his English employers because of the terms of his loan with the Lisbon club. His insight will have been invaluable during the build-up, but right-back Rogerio said: "I'm sure the match will be extremely hard. Newcastle are definitely one of the favourites for the competition." Carlos Martins is injured while left-back Rui Jorge was a surprise omission from the squad. Hugo, Tinga and Custódio are all available again.

Sochaux weakness
Sochaux have not won at home since 30 October, but need only draw against Panionios to advance. Nigerian midfield player Wilson Oruma is likely to miss out with a muscle problem, while Lionel Potillon, Sylvain Monsoreau and Marcelo Trapasso are all out with long-term injuries.

Panionios hope
Panionios, on three points, must win to advance. Their only significant absentee is central defender Panagiotis Giannopoulos, who is suspended; Savas Exouzidis comes in. (Click here for the full qualifying picture.)