MATCH 13 PREVIEW : BULGARIA WARY OF DEJA VU

Rift rumours
Markov and his coaching staff have spent the intervening days rebuilding the shattered confidence of their players following their heaviest defeat since a 6-0 reverse against the Czech Republic three years ago. Rumours of a fall-out between the players after the Sweden match have been circulating, but while they admit to having held a clear-the-air meeting, talk of a rift has been dismissed.

International inspiration
If Bulgaria are seeking inspiration they need look no further than the 1994 FIFA World Cup when, after losing the opener 3-0 against Nigeria, they went on to contest a third place play-off. Now Markov and his team find themselves in a similar position, hoping to summon up the spirit of the 'Golden Boys' of ten years ago.

Injury worries
The Bulgaria coach has a number of injury worries with centre-back Predrag Pazin (ankle) and midfield player Marian Hristov (muscle strain) causing the most concern. Pazin is the biggest doubt and could be replaced by PFC Levski Sofia defender Ilian Stoianov.

Problem position
Velizar Dimitrov also has a calf strain, but should be fit and might find himself in a recast midfield alongside Georgi Peev, Hristov and the two Petrovs, Martin and Stilian, the latter winning his 50th cap. The only other change could be at the back where the experienced Daniel Borimirov might be called into the problem right-back position in preference to Vladimir Ivanov.

Bulgaria (probable): Zdravkov; Ivanov/Borimirov, Pazin/Stoianov, Kirilov, Petkov; Peev, Hristov, S Petrov, M Petrov; Dimitrov/Jankovic, Berbatov.

Denmark (probable): Sørensen; Helveg, Laursen, Henriksen, N Jensen; Jørgensen, Gravesen, D Jensen/Poulsen, Rommedahl/Grønkjær; Tomasson, Sand.

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