Espanyol v Bremen preview

The Catalans looked to be on the verge of claiming their first European trophy when they beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Cup final back in 1988.

But the trophy was snatched from their grasp when they went down 3-0 in the second leg and then lost out 3-2 to the Germans in a heartbreaking penalty shootout.

That defeat still rankles with Espanyol fans who have not hesitated to remind the players of the historic importance of beating Werder and getting another crack at the trophy that eluded them almost 20 years ago.

"It is a very special match for everyone and the fans keep reminding us about it," defender Daniel Jarque said. "Everyone is talking about the game."

Jarque is aware that his side face a daunting task against a high-powered Werder side, but they are happy going into the tie with the underdogs tag.

"There is no doubt that Werder are the favourites, but so were some of the other teams we played and we beat them. Let's see if things turn out the same again this time.

"They are a strong side and can do a lot of damage up front so we will have to be very alert in defence. We need to come away from the first leg with some sort of advantage as it will be very difficult there."

Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde has no major injury worries, but will be without talented forward Luis Garcia who is suspended for Thursday's game.

Uruguayan centre-forward Walter Pandiani, who has been in prolific form in the UEFA Cup with 10 goals in the run to the semis, will partner talismanic striker Raul Tamudo who is fit again after injury. Werder won their sole European title in 1992, when they lifted the Cup Winners' Cup.

They have been strongly tipped to add the UEFA Cup to their collection this season after they were unlucky to be eliminated from a Champions League group featuring Barcelona and Chelsea. They are also going strong in the Bundesliga, two points behind Schalke 04 in second place with four games left.

After a recent slump, Thomas Schaaf's side are back in the sort of effervescent form that made them one of the most attractive teams in Europe over the first half of the season. Schaaf will rely on Brazilian playmaker Diego to run the midfield, with striker Miroslav Klose, the top scorer at the last World Cup, likely to be partnered by Aaron Hunt.

Tim Borowski missed Friday's 3-1 win over Alemannia Aachen because of a knee injury, meaning a first start in five months for club captain Frank Baumann to play in a defensive midfield role. Baumann stands by again for Thursday.

Per Mertesacker remains unavailable after having knee surgery earlier this month. Petri Pasaenen is likely to continue alongside the Brazilian Naldo at centre back.

Espanyol: 1-Gorka Iraizoz; 8-Pablo Zabaleta, 19-Marc Torrejon, 21-Daniel Jarque, 3-David Garcia; 18-Francisco Rufete, 22-Moises Hurtado, 9-Ivan de la Pena, 11-Albert Riera; 23-Raul Tamudo, 7-Walter Pandiani

Werder Bremen: 18-Tim Wiese; 15-Patrick Owomoyela, 3-Petri Pasanen, 4-Naldo, 8-Clemens Fritz; 22-Torsten Frings, 7-Jurica Vranjes, 24-Tim Borowski or Frank Baumann, 10-Diego; 11-Miroslav Klose, 14-Aaron Hunt

Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (Norway)