Fener vs. AZ Alkmaar Matches Two Short-Handed Sides

Wednesday's UEFA Cup match between Fenerbahce and Holland's AZ Alkmaar will feature two short-handed teams scrambling for a win. Monday, it was announced that Alkmaar will be without the services of captain Shota Arveladze and goalkeeper Khalid Sinouh for the game. Arveladze is sidelined by the flu and Sinouh is suffering from a reinjured calf muscle from last Saturday's win. Both are significant losses for AZ Alkmaar, as Arveladze has scored five UEFA Cup goals so far this year, along with eleven goals in Eredivisie league play. In addition, Alkmaar will be without Joey Didulica, Stijn Schaars, and Simon Cziommer who are also injured. Deived Mendes de Silva and Barry Opdam will also sit out with suspensions.

AZ Alkmaar will get no sympathy from Fenerbahce, who will be without many of their starters as well. Mateja Kezman and Semih Senturk are both suspended for Wednesday's clash, while Rustu Recber, Diego Lugano, and Onder Turaci are all injured.

Wednesday's match between Fenerbahce and AZ Alkmaar starts at 20:00 (1 PM EST in the U.S.).