Players of Bulgaria's national football team finished training sessions before Saturday's crucial clash with Sweden.

The team exercised at Vassil Levski Stadium on Friday morning. All of the players enlisted for the match took part.

The World Cup qualifier on March 26 is considered crucial for both rivals, aimed at the leading position in Group 8.

The Swedish full side arrived in Sofia shortly after midday on Friday, after holding training sessions in Cyprus.

Reports from betting agencies have shown that the odds are against a victory for Bulgaria, local media said.

The squad will have to face the Swedes without several key players - captain Stilian Petrov (Celtic) teenage prodigy Valeri Bojinov (Fiorentina), and Wolfsburg's defender Marian Hristov and speedy forward Martin Petrov.

But earlier this week the Swedish football team's experienced spy Thomas Lyth warned his side of the Bulgarians regaining strength under the flag of legend Hristo Stoitchkov.

The Bulgarian squad has a brand new face with Hristo Stoitchkov on the coaching job, Lyth was cited as saying.

Saturday will see Bulgarian veteran Daniel Borimirov return on the pitch as part of the national team, together with Alexander Alexandrov and Georgi Ivanov, a.k.a. Gonzo.

The Levski idol will partner Bayer Leverkusen sharpshooter Dimitar Berbatov in the offensive line, while experienced Borimirov will bear the brunt in the midfield.

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