Souness does his homework

Olympiakos v Newcastle Piraeus, 5.0pm Graeme Souness has sometimes been accused of doing insufficient homework on opponents but Newcastle United's manager could not be better briefed for tonight's Uefa Cup first leg against Olympiakos in Piraeus.

Before flying to Athens on Tuesday, Souness spent hours poring over reports and videos of the Greek league leaders, prepared both by his own staff and by Liverpool, who played Olympiakos twice in this season's Champions League.

"You can never have enough information these days," said Souness. "And Liverpool have been very helpful."

Having fully prepared, Souness is confident that his side will not be intimidated by the home support.

Just to be sure, he is considering leaving out Laurent Robert, his in-form French winger, in favour of a more defensive midfield involving Nicky Butt and Jermaine Jenas.

"We know we are going to play in front of a very hostile crowd," Souness said. "But, if you've got anything about you, the more hostile the occasion the more it should turn you on."

His side have reason for some confidence, having won their last five games while Olympiakos have been in poor form and must hope that their talismanic Brazilian Rivaldo passes a late fitness test.

"Rivaldo will still be an enormous threat," said Souness. "Don't tell me he's an old man, he can damage us."