Werder Bremen vs Schalke 04 – Bundesliga preview
Weserstadion, Bremen will see relegation-threatened Werder Bremen host an on-song Schalke side that is playing its best football this season after the departure of Felix Magath a few weeks ago.
Bremen coach, Thomas Schaaf, admitted that he cheered on the Schalke team when they beat http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan 7-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
A 2-1 win over the defending champions at Gelsenkirchen handed the Royal Blues an emphatic 7-3 aggregate win over the Italian giants. It was a monumental achievement for the club and Schaaf said that he can only take his hat off to the team.
While talking to the media, Schaaf said that the victory was a huge boost for the club and added, "It was impressive enough the way they played with such self-confidence in Milan (where they won 5-2) and always looked for their chances”.
The Bremen coach also said that Schalke deserved to be in the semi-finals and also made it clear that Schalke would try to do the same thing with his side that they did to Inter when the two meet.
Schaaf is very weary of the Schalke side and indicated that the Royal Blues will travel to Bremen with an aim to get all three points. The German tactician also said that the visitors would be a hard team to beat and he has prepared his charges for a tough
game.
On the other hand, Schalke coach http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ralf-c30492 Rangnick confirmed Schaaf’s fear during a pre-match press conference. Since Rangnick took over the reins of Schalke, the Royal Blues have won all 4 games they have played.
However, Rangnick doesn’t want the run to come to an end tonight as he looks to take on a Bremen side that has had a pretty indifferent campaign. Although Rangnick admitted that being in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League is a realisation that
is hard to sink in, his side should concentrate on the league as well. "We have got to set the team up to be able to win also in Bremen'', said Rangnick.
Team news
Werder Bremen
Claudio Pizzaro is likely to return to the starting XI after coming on as a sub, while German international Marco Marin is also expected to start the game. Daniel Jensen is still not fully fit while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Philipp-Bargfrede-c29920 (flu)
are also going to watch the game from the stands.
Schalke 04
Peruvian international, Jefferson Farfan is also set to return from suspension and will be looking to play a key part in the game. Joel Matip is also expected to start the game after he impressed in both ties against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Peer-Kluge-c29645.
Last Meeting
Werder Bremen fans and players should all know about former Real Madrid man, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gonzalez-c15099. Raul has been prolific for Schalke in Europe this season and when the two sides (Bremen and Schalke) met in the league this season, Raul scored his first hat trick
for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Royal-95-c40387 Blues in an emphatic 4-0 win.
Prediction
It seems that Schalke are on a roll right now, which can pose a big threat for 13th placed Werder Bremen. Currently on a 4-match unbeaten run, Schalke would be looking to exploit Bremen’s defensive frailties that have been very evident this season.
Final score: Werder Bremen 0-2 Schalke 04
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