Boilesen: PAOK clash key to Europa progression

F.C. Copenhagen defender Nicolai Boilesen hopes a typically atmospheric crowd can help his team-mates get past PAOK in Thursday's crunch UEFA Europa Conference League clash in Parken.

Thursday is expected to be another memorable European night in the Danish capital as FCK seek to maintain their 100 percent start to the group stage.

Having beaten Slovan Bratislava and Lincoln Red Imps, the Lions sit top of Group F.

And Boilesen believes the crowd can help deliver another three points on the path to the knockout stage.

"There is no doubt that it is an important match and a key clash in the group, where the first two matches have suggested that we and PAOK are the two strongest teams," says Boilesen.

"It will be an exciting challenge for us, and we know that European evenings in Parken are something special, so we hope to get a lot of energy and support from the terraces, because it will definitely be a close and intense match."

Boilesen wore the captain's armband against SønderjyskE in Carlos Zeca's absence on Sunday and will likely lead the players onto the field again this midweek.

"Of course we miss the talented players we have out with injuries right now, but I think that we as a squad and a team will still give everything to stand as one," he adds.

"We have some young and very talented players who really take great responsibility and give everything they can. Us more experienced players need to help them, just as our fans can show them that we stand behind them. The young players are getting better and better but they must have all the support we can give them."

Once Thursday's clash is out of the way attention will immediately turn to Sunday's derby against Brøndby.

But Boilesen isn't thinking too far ahead right now.

"Everyone in the squad is looking forward to our upcoming fixtures and we are determined to come out with two victories when the week is over," he says.

"But right now all focus is on beating PAOK, where we will maintain our hold over the group with a victory."

You can still buy F.C. Copenhagen tickets for the PAOK match, which kicks off at 18:45pm on Thursday in Parken Stadium.

If you're new to football in Copenhagen then why not check out our How to Buy F.C. Copenhagen tickets guide, as well as travel advice for F.C. Copenhagen home games.