对手概况：看到范得法特、索林都有伤，不过可以看一下传说中的Kompany……
Match preview Hamburg hope to enjoy high life
Tuesday, 12 September 2006
by Andreas Alffrom Hamburg
A new chapter begins for Bundesliga side Hamburger SV on Wednesday night when the 1983 European Champion Clubs' Cup winners return to UEFA Champions League action after a six-year absence, hosting Arsenal FC in Group G.
'Game of my life'
The importance of the occasion is not lost on goalkeeper Sascha Kirschstein, who calls the visit of last season's finalists, "the match of my life". For all the English club's recent pedigree in this competition, Hamburg coach Thomas Doll is optimistic about his team's chances. "My side have a great mentality and they know they have a great opportunity to beat a team of Arsenal's quality. We will pull together and produce some fireworks on home soil."
Failure to win
Never mind Arsenal, Hamburg owe their fans a performance having failed to win any of their last six home matches, including Saturday's 4-3 extra-time defeat by third division SV Stuttgarter Kickers in the German Cup first round. With Doll's men also yet to register a victory in the Bundesliga with three draws so far this term – and their UEFA Champions League qualifying success against Spain's CA Osasuna coming on away goals following a 1-1 aggregate finish – it could seem that the northern club are stumbling to their hard-earned seat at European football's top table.
Time to deliver
Defender Bastian Reinhardt is keen for that not to be the case. "We have worked so hard for this moment," he said. "Now we must be ready to take credit for our achievements by performing well on the highest stage." His coach added: "We are so excited and cannot wait to hear the referee blow the first whistle."
Van der Vaart out
Fitness as well as form, however, is giving the Bundesliga's third-placed team of 2005/06 cause for concern. Rafael van der Vaart, Hamburg's hugely influential Dutch international playmaker, heads an injury list also including new defensive signing Juan Pablo Sorín and full-back Thimothée Atouba. Better news is that centre-back Vincent Kompany has overcome a groin problem and midfielder David Jarolím will be able to play with a splint protecting his fractured forearm. An even more vital support will be provided by the Hamburg Arena fans, according to Doll. "Our supporters will stand behind us like a big wall - we are counting on them."
Henry sidelined
Nor are Arsenal at full strength, however, with captain Thierry Henry sidelined by a foot complaint. Emmanuel Adebayor could fill the gap up front while the recently recruited William Gallas will deputise at left-back. "We really need his experience in central defence but do not have a choice because Gaёl Clichy will be out for another six weeks," said manager Arsène Wenger. The Gunners misfired again at the weekend, being held 1-1 at home by Middlesbrough FC which leaves them with two points from three Premiership matches. Wenger's morale remains high, though. "Our preparation for the season was not easy," he said. "We had 14 [FIFA] World Cup players. But all we have to do is focus on ourselves because we want to win the Premiership and the Champions League. Tomorrow night will be a good test for us."
Probable teams
Hamburg: Sascha Kirschstein; Guy Demel, Vincent Kompany, Bastian Reinhardt, Joris Mathijsen; Nigel de Jong, David Jarolím, Raphael Wicky, Piotr Trochowski; Daniel Ljuboja, Boubacar Sanogo.
Arsenal: Jens Lehmann; Emmanuel Eboué, Kolo Touré, Johan Djourou, William Gallas; Aleksandr Hleb, Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto Silva, Fredrik Ljungberg; Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor.
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