CS Maritimo v Sporting Fingal

NOT EXACTLY impressed by the local media placing the tag of “David versus Goliath” on the tie, Sporting Fingal manager Liam Buckley will hope his extensive preparations will give his side every chance as the club makes its European debut at the Estadio da Madeira tonight.

Sporting travelled out last Sunday ahead of the game, employed a conditioning coach, while scout Dave Campbell compiled a full dossier on Maritimo.

“It’s not David versus Goliath. We’ve come to play and compete,” stressed Buckley. “We’ve prepared well and if we go out and play as we can, we’ve a chance.”

Having done his homework also, Maritimo’s Dutch manager Mitchell van der Gaag is wary of the threat Sporting will pose.

“It is not PlayStation, so it won’t be that easy,” quipped Van der Gaag. “From a historic point of view, Maritimo are favourites to win this game, but Fingal are a good team.”

Sporting won’t alter their attacking 4-3-3 formation, which should be suited to playing in Europe.

“I don’t think we’re going to change the way we play to suit them,” said midfielder Ronan Finn.

Winger Conan Byrne, defender Shaun Maher and midfielder Shane McFaul have recovered from injuries to give Buckley a fully fit squad.

Maritimo have injury concerns with star Brazilian midfielder Rafael Miranda (hamstring) ruled out while €5 million-rated Angolan left winger Djalma is a doubt with an ankle injury.