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Schalke prepare to do Bayern a favour
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-25 10:23
FRANKFURT, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Werder Bremen risk slipping eight points behind
leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday when they limp into a game at Schalke 04
without their two main strikers.
Bremen lost 3-1 at Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday and they
still have a slim chance of qualifying for the last 16.
However, coach Thomas Schaaf will be without Miroslav Klose for around three
weeks after the Germany striker suffered a broken cheekbone.
With Ivan Klasnic also on the sidelines, Bremen are deprived of two players
who have scored 22 of their 38 league goals this season.
Bayern lead the Bundesliga by five points and the champions will be confident
of claiming a 12th win from 14 games when they host Mainz on Saturday.
Schalke, who finished runners-up to Bayern last season, have looked less of a
threat to the Bavarians this season and are already 12 points off the pace in
fourth place.
There is no question that a Schalke win would suit Bayern best on Saturday
and Ralf Rangnick's side are confident they can oblige.
They won 3-0 against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday to
stay in with a chance of qualifying. Levan Kobiashvili scored all three goals,
two of them from penalties.
"Bremen are a more offensive side than us but they are vulnerable at the
back," said Schalke forward Kevin Kuranyi. "We're more secure, even if we score
fewer goals."
Bayern could be without Michael Ballack once again against Mainz but coach
Felix Magath will not be too concerned after the way the team played without him
in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Rapid Vienna.
Ali Karimi was outstanding after Ballack's hamstring strain gave him a rare
start and the Iranian international stands by to deputise once again.
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