Over the years, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 have crossed swords on 80 occasions. The Green-Whites have won 37, Schalke have 27 wins under their belts leaving the points shared at all other meetings. Werder have failed to pick up as much as a point in the last four meetings at the Arena 'AufSchalke'. This doesn't interest striker Miroslav Klose though: "We're playing at home this time".
Klose's strike partner Ivan Klasnic considers the game to be the "Most important game of the season. We want to play Champions League football next season so that means we have to win on Sunday." Trainer Thomas Schaaf is also well aware that a win against Schalke could prove a major step towards European top level football next season: "Nine points jump and our massive goal difference, that would be a comfortable distance between us. Following on from our poor performance in Wolfsburg, we can now strengthen our position at the Weser Stadium", explained the 45 year old hopefully but he is expecting a tough battle: "Against Schalke we've always had games where the emotions run high, this time will be no different."
Miroslav Klose is also determined to see an improved performance against the table neighbours from Gelsenkirchen. "The points that we dropped against Wolfsburg will have to be won back now", pointed out the German international. Patrick Owomoyela also expects great importance from the Schalke tie: "With a win we can secure third place a focus on the places ahead of us. We can still achieve our goal for the season."
UEFA Cup strain no disadvantage for 'Royal Blues'
Thomas Schaaf doesen't see the 'Royal Blues' being at a disadvantage due to the extra strain of having played FC Seville in the semi-final of the UEFA Cup on Thursday (0:0). "The UEFA Cup game will have no effect on them. They have enough time to regenerate until Sunday." Miroslav Klose is hoping that his opponents will still be "a little tired" but is expecting a "difficult tie". Ivan Klasnic believes that Schalke could be especially dangerous in Bremen after five Bundesliga games without a win and Patrick Owomoyela agrees: "They have proven this season that they are a good side and they will do all in their power to aggitate us", feels the 25 year old as he knows this is possibly Schalkes last chance of reaching a Champions League place this season. A UEFA Cup place is almost guaranteed for the Gelsenkirchen side who have a ten point cushion over Hertha BSC Berlin in sixth place.
Patrick Owomoyela in doubt
Schalke trainer Mirko Slomka will be without the services of Tomasz Waldoch (bone problem), Marko van Hoogdalem (hip injury) and Gerald Asamoah (suspension) for the Sunday game. Thomas Schaaf is also somewhat short staffed with captain Frank Baumann (ligament tear in knee) and Torsten Frings (shin bone fracture) both definately out of the reckoning. To add to that, Patrick Owomoyela is also in doubt having recieved a kick to his achilles tendon during training. "At the moment I'm still in pain but I don't think it will last until the weekend", claimed the German international optimistically. Aaron Hunt is still out with his long term knee problem. On a positive note for Werder, Belgian Jelle van Damme is ready to return having recovered from his muscular difficulties.
Johnnie Muldoon