CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Semifinal Match Previews
Copyright � 1999 Nando Media
Copyright � 1999 Agence France-Presse
LONDON (April 6, 1999 11:10 a.m. EDT http://www.sportserver.com) - Analysis of key elements of Wednesday's European Cup semifinal first leg matches :
Manchester United (England) vs. Juventus (Italy)
European footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane is doubtful for Juventus because of a knee injury but, apart from the possible absence of the French playmaker, the Italians are set to field their regular starting line-up. Fillippo Inzaghi leads the attack alongside either Daniel Fonseca, Nicola Amoruso or Juan Esnider of Argentina. France's Didier Deschamps will guide the midfield together with Italy's rejuvenated Antonio Conti and Dutchman Edgar Davids.
United's Dutch defender Jaap Stam, who has become an increasingly influential figure in his debut season with the English club, looks set to play after missing last Saturday's premier league game because of an ankle injury. That means United should be at full strength, with captain Roy Keane giving the midfield its combative edge while David Beckham and Ryan Giggs provide the openings for the increasingly effective strike pairing of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole.
Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) vs. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Central defender Olexander Golovko missed Dynamo's league game against Tavria Simferopol on Saturday with a bruised knee but this rugged competitor should be fit to start in his familiar role. Fellow full back Yuri Dmitrulin remains out of action following knee surgery last month. In their last game before the semifinal, Dynamo showed only little flashes of the form which brought them into Europe's limelight as they were held 0-0 at home in the league by Tavria Simferopol on Saturday.
Bayern are without two of their most important players, French left back Bixente Lizarazu and Brazilian striker Elber, who are both nursing torn knee ligaments. Lizarazu's replacement is Michael Tarnat. Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is expected to pair Alexander Zickler with Carsten Jancker up front. Midfielder Mario Basler, who is in poor form as he struggles to recover from a knee injury, is to be left out.
