Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Conference League Round of 16 first leg between Sheriff Tiraspol and Gym, which kicks off at 18:45 (French time) on Thursday.

THE SQUAD

23 Aiglons landed in Moldova on Wednesday. Melvin Bard and Joe Bryan return, while youngsters Tom Louchet and Theo Trinker make their first appearance in the squad. Nicolas Pepe, Aaron Ramsey, Antoine Mendy and Sofiane Diop are all out with injuries.

THE EUROPA FLASH

In 3 minutes, OGC Nice TV sets the scene for the first leg of the Round of 16 against Sheriff FC!

THE PLAYER TO WATCH

He was the man of the hour for Sheriff Tiraspol in the Conference League play-offs. He will be one of the Gym's opponents' biggest threats in the Round of 16. Mouhamed Diop, who scored a decisive brace against Partizan Belgrade, arrived in the summer of 2022 from Kocaelispor (Turkey). The 22-year-old scored 4 goals in 21 games for the Sheriff. As well as Partizan, he scored against Omonia Nicosia (3-0) in Europe.

THE EXTRA INFO

This is the first time a Moldovan club has reached the last 16 of a European competition. The first time the Aiglons have reached this stage of the competition was in the 1997 Cup Winners' Cup, although the competition format was completely different. After beating Klimarnock (3-1, 1-1) in their debut (straight in the round of 16), the Gym were knocked out without losing by Slavia Prague (2-2 at Le Ray, 1-1 in Prague).

THE REFEREE

The first leg will be officiated by a trio of Azerbaijani referees. Aliyar Aghayev will be in charge. The 35 year old Baku born referee will be assisted by Zeynal Zeynalov and Akif Amirali. An Italian duo, Marco Guida and Michael Fabbri, will be in charge of VAR.

THE CONFERENCE

Didier Digard and Dante spoke at the press conference on the eve of the match. Here is the replay.

THE FILM: "ON THE WAY TO THE LAST 16"

The OGC Nice TV team retraced the Aiglons' journey from the play-off in Tel Aviv to the last 16 qualification in Cologne. Thrills guaranteed!

THE ROUND OF 16 SCHEDULE