Ståle: FCK face tough task in Bordeaux

FC Copenhagen manager Ståle Solbakken is expecting a touch challenge when the Lions face Bordeaux in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

FCK take on Bordeaux in their second Group C match of the campaign, having drawn 1-1 with Zenit St Petersburg last time out.

"I think Bordeaux will play at us right from the first whistle," Ståle said in his pre-match press conference.

"They lost their first match in the group and now they have their first home game and face big problems if they lose.

"They have two strong wings, which are good one against one so we must try to stop them. The pace is also higher than in the Danish Superliga, but we have been good at dealing with European matches so far. We have been strong in our out fight against different teams with different tactics."

FCK claimed a point from their first Europa League match and could top the group if the Lions win on Thursday night.

"Zenit are still favourites in the group, but it is still very open, regardless of the outcome here," Ståle added.

"After that, Bordeaux have two matches against Zenit and we have two against Slavia Prague, so it won't be until after the fourth match that we get a clearer picture on the group.

"But our draw against Zenit was extremely important not only for us, but also because they still need points in their group games."

FCK arrive in France without striker Viktor Fischer, who is also expected to miss Sunday's domestic game with Randers through injury.

"We are without Fischer, and no matter what, he will always be hard to miss. But if it is to be, it may be a match like that tomorrow," Ståle said.

"He has played really well the whole season, but just like the fight against Sofia and Atalanta, he was not at his best and yet the team did well and won one and drew the other."

Fans in Denmark can watch Bordeaux vs FC Copenhagen live on Eurosport Player at 6.55pm tonight.