Already six points adrift of the top two teams in Group G, Sheriff Tiraspol and Servette both seek their first Europa League win at Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena on Thursday.

Ahead of the first-ever meeting between Swiss and Moldovan clubs in UEFA competition, Sheriff were shot down by Slavia Prague last time out and resorted to sacking their coach; Servette, meanwhile, are yet to even score.

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Following a 6-0 thumping at the hands of Slavia Prague earlier this month, Sheriff Tiraspol boss Roberto Bordin was swiftly sacked by the Transnistrian club's board, bringing an abrupt end to the Italian's nine-month reign.

Having also been beaten 2-1 by Roma on the opening day, Sheriff have conceded eight times so far in Group G, further adding to a recent tale of woe in continental competition.

A club that once toppled Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage have now lost nine of their last 11 matches in Europe, and reaching the last 16 for a first time already looks a tall order.

Instead, as Slavia and Roma seem set to progress - at least on the early evidence - the Moldovan champions could focus on claiming third place, as they managed last season.

That saw them qualify for the Europa Conference League, where Sheriff went on to win their first-ever UEFA knockout tie by beating Partizan Belgrade, before being eliminated by Nice.

Seeking their ninth straight domestic title this season, the Zholto-Chornyye most recently saw off Spartanii Sportul at the weekend, and the 21-time national champions lead the Moldovan First Division by one point - now, new coach Roman Pylypchuk will want to make his mark in Europe.

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While Sheriff's tale may be quite grim so far, their midweek visitors have not fared much better, as Servette have lost both opening games by an aggregate scoreline of 6-0.

Group stage debutants this year, the Swiss side have never lost three on the bounce without scoring in Europe, and they will be determined to avoid such a fate in the distant outpost of Tiraspol.

One of four teams yet to find the net in this term's Europa League, Les Grenats ended an eight-game winless run in all competitions by beating Lausanne-Sport at the end of September, a result which has proved the catalyst for a domestic turnaround.

Although they lost 4-0 against Roma in between - soon after a home defeat to Slavia Prague - Rene Weiler's team have recently recovered from their slow start to the league season, with three successive Swiss Super League victories.

Last weekend, fallen giants Basel went the way of previous victims Lausanne and Lugano, and Yoan Severin's decisive strike leaves Servette fifth in the standings as they embark on their long journey east.

Sheriff form (all competitions):

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As Sheriff dispatched bottom-of-the-table Spartanii on Saturday, Nigerian striker David Ankeye shone brightest by bagging a brace, but he must compete with regular centre-forward Henrique Luvannor for a start against Servette.

Both men have scored twice in the Europa League this term, including qualifiers, but the latter - a Brazil-born Moldova international - is expected to start. Amine Talal also has an eye for goal, and coach Roman Pylypchuk will most likely deploy the Moroccan midfielder in a three-man central trio.

Meanwhile, Joao Paulo Fernandes is back from suspension, but defender Gaby Kiki will miss next month's return fixture in Switzerland if booked on Thursday.

Although Servette ended a 24-year wait to beat Basel away from home at the weekend, boss Rene Weiler was unable to oversee the second half due to illness.

Hopefully recovered in time for Thursday's game, the former Anderlecht manager should select Chris Bedia and Dereck Kutesa as his front two at Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena, while Yoann Severin - who scored the winner in Basel - features in the back four.

Sheriff Tiraspol possible starting lineup:
Koval; Apostolakis, Kiki, Garananga, Artunduaga; Talal, Ademo, Fernandes; Ngom Mbekeli, Henrique, Ricardinho

Servette possible starting lineup:
Mall; Tsunemoto, Rouiller, Severin, Mazikou; Stevanovic, Cognat, Douline, Antunes; Kutesa; Bedia

We say: Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 Servette

Neither side can afford to lose as they eye up the consolation prize of third place in Group G, but to have real hope of reaching the knockout phase, one must win on Thursday.

Thanks to home advantage and a greater wealth of recent European experience, Sheriff should secure maximum points.


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