Basel v Shakhtar preview

Gross hopes history can repeat itself

Last updated: 16th September 2008

Basel v Shakhtar preview

Gross: Targeting win

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Christian Gross aims to lead Basel past the UEFA Champions League group phase for a second time, starting at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.

During the 2002/03 season, Gross was at the helm when Basel finished ahead of Liverpool to qualify for the second group phase.

With Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon also in Group C, Gross is hoping the Swiss side can repeat their past heroics.

"We have to be clever and show a lot of courage as those will be the key factors in Tuesday's match," said Gross.

Realistic

"We mustn't get carried away and we have to be realistic. Shakhtar are under pressure, so that should give us some opportunities which hopefully we can exploit."

Gross will be without Ivan Ergic due to a foot injury, while Behrang Safari is missing due to suspension.

Eren Derdiyok is fit to lead the Basel line, while Scott Chipperfield and Benjamin Huggel were part of the 2002/03 squad, along with the absent Ergic.

Lucescu targets win

Shakhtar have endured a disappointing start to their domestic campaign, but coach Mircea Lucescu is targeting three points in Switzerland.

Lucescu: "It's a Champions League game and that's completely different from a league match.

"The important thing here is to play to win the three points. The team that wins on Tuesday has a great chance of going through."

Brandao will spearhead the Shakhtar attack, while Razvan Rat and Dmytro Chygrynskiy are available after month-long absences.