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Monaco are keen to avoid any complacency as they vie to qualify for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup at home to CSKA Sofia this evening.
Francesco Guidolin's men will go through as long as they do not lose by more than one goal, however no one at the club is taking anything for granted.
"We know we're remarkably well-placed and everyone thinks we'll beat the Bulgarians because we saw off Hamburg, who are right behind Bayern in the Bundesliga," commented goalkeeper Guillaume Warmuz.
"But while we're not going to over-estimate them, we're not going to under-estimate them either."
The principality outfit have failed to overcome CSKA Sofia in four attempts, and centre-back Gaël Givet made it clear they need to be treated with respect.
"CSKA are top of the Bulgarian championship and seven points clear of Levski, who knocked out Auxerre and just beat Marseille," he said. "That makes them a strong team."
That said, Monaco are desperate to register the win that would ensure them top spot in Group A, thus avoiding an ex-Champions' League side in the next round.
"Being first is important, it's even necessary for the rest of the competition," noted midfielder Lucas Bernardi. "In that way, we'll be up against a weaker team and we'll also have the advantage of playing the second leg at home."
In spite of the stakes, though, Guidolin has chosen to rest left-back Patrice Evra and playmaker Camel Meriem, while Gerard Lopez, Inter-target Douglas Maicon and goalkeeper Flavio Roma are all carrying long-term injuries.
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