Werders Goal Machine Against Colognes Dodgy Defence

First Team
Friday, 09.12.2005 / 12:49

For the 75th time in their Bundesliga histories, Werder Bremen take on 1.FC Cologne. On the second last match day before the winter break, the Bundesliga's leading scorers from Bremen (41 goals) take on the leagues second weakest defence.

For the 75th time in their Bundesliga histories, Werder Bremen take on 1.FC Cologne. On the second last match day before the winter break, the Bundesliga's leading scorers from Bremen (41 goals) take on the leagues second weakest defence. Colognes back line (32 conceeded) is only just better than that of 1.FC Kaiserslautern (38 conceeded). Cologne's great historical wins over the Green-Whites are now a distant memory. In 1977/78, Werder returned to the Weser after a 7:2 whopping in Cologne and then the Green-Whites again suffered at the hands of FC in the 1991/1992 season with a 5:0 drubbing. The last three home games between the two have shown the changing trends with the 'Geißböcke' (Billy-goats) only managing to pick up one point but Bremen's record against Fc is somewhat less than impressive.

 

Trainer Thomas Schaaf, who wants to take the euphoria from proceeding in the Champions League into Sundays game, is wary of underestimation: "It won't be easy for us in Cologne. We have to be sure to hold our position, if not improve it." Two points adrift of HSV and just four ahead of Schalke, make a win extremely valuable with a strong position for re-starting the season at stake.

 

As yet it is unclear with which squad Werder will travel to Cologne with. Definitive absentees will be Tim Borowski after his groin operation, Frank Baumann is still struggling to recover from a knock picked up in Wednesday's Champions League tie. Christian Schulz is also doubtful having been substituted after 50 minutes on Wednesday night following a foul by Sandor Torghelle and finally, Johan Micoud is also feeling the muscular strain of his top drawer performance against Panathinaikos Athens.

 

Werders Ivan Klasnic is approaching previous fitness levels although, coach Thomas Schaaf is wary of allowing his determination to return to play to exceed his condition: "It's clear to see he's improving with each training session but we'll decide whether he's fit for Sunday as late as possible." Positive is the explosive form of Miroslav Klose, who despite his plexi-glass protective mask, is gunning to bring three points back to the Weser on Sunday.

 

FC Colognes situation is also less than optimal before Sundays game. Two of their top players, Lukas Podolski and Albert Streit, will both have to sit out the tie through suspension. Tension is high in the cathedral city as they try to distance themselves from the drop zone, as Thomas Schaaf explained: "They know they have to gain points if they are to improve their position before the winter break. For that reason, they'll set out a defensive stall and not try to over power us offensively. We'll have to be careful against Cologne who combine well to move forward."

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