Schalke 04 Vs Kaiserslautern – German Bundesliga
All focus would be on Schalke goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Manuel-Neuer-c23424 when Ralf Rangnick’s Schalke take on Kaiserslautern at the Veltins-Arena. After the German International announced he will not be extending his contract with the club, a feeling of anger and sadness has
surrounded the Gelsenkirchen faithful. It is highly expected that the 25-year-old goalkeeper will join bitter rivals Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.
Now, Neuer will have to face up to the fans’ reaction tonight when he stands between the Schalke goal-posts. Neuer has also admitted that it is definitely not a great moment for the fans. “I know they will be disappointed and sad with this decision,” said
Neuer who used to stand on the terraces of the Veltins-Arena and cheer for his team as a 10-year-old.
Neuer is also hopeful that the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Royal-95-c40387 Blue army will not give him the same reception he received when his side played Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena one month ago. "It is certainly tougher to be jeered by your own family than it was back then from unknown
people,'' he added. Neuer intends to leave the Gelsenkirchen with at least one trophy; Schalke will face Bundesliga 2 side, Duisburg in the final of the DFB Pokal next month. Furthermore, Schalke will host Premier League giants Manchester United in the first-leg
of the UEFA Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.
Schalke are looking to finish the season on a positive note as the Royal Blues do not stand a chance to finish in the league’s top five. Where European football through a league finish is almost impossible for Schalke, they are safe from relegation. The
game, thus, provides little source of motivation.
On the other hand, Kaiserslautern would be full enthusiastic about tonight’s game. The Red Devils’ coach, Marco Kurz, admits that his team is still not out of the woods and while talking in a pre-match conference, the German said, "We still need points,
but we are convinced that we will do it.” Kaiserslautern occupy 13th
place in the Bundesliga standings with 34 points, just 5 away from 16th place http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/VfL-Wolfsburg-c40881. This means that any slip-ups in the remaining games may condemn the side to Bundesliga 2 football for next season.
Head-to-head
Schalke 04 are currently unbeaten in four games. They have won three and drawn one game in their last four outings. In the last 12 meetings between the two sides, Schalke have lost only twice to Kaiserslautern. The Red Devils have not tasted defeat in their
last 3 away games.
Team News
Schalke 04
Defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Levan-Kenia-c22151.
Kaiserslautern
Topscorer for the club this season, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ivo-Ilicevic-c17402 is out with a muscle strain while Adam Nemec has also been left out of the squad. There is still no sign of Jan Simunek as he has not fully recovered from an injury.
Prediction
Schalke are currently playing their best football of the season. Under ralf rangnick, the Royal Blues have been a treat to watch. On the other hand, Kaiserslautern have not been as exciting as Schalke but the Red Devils have managed to stay above the drop
zone. Tonight's match is a tough one to call but the absence of Iliceviv in the Red Devils' ranks might be the difference between the two sides. Final Score: Schalke 2-0 Kaiserslautern
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