the Bavarian’s come to town

By: Porter | November 8th, 2008

Following Karlsruher’s incredible three-goal comeback against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern’s visit of Veltins-Arena takes an even greater importance in the table. After getting off to a tough start der Kaiser’s forces have turned things around with four straight victories and showing few weaknesses. Problems associated to defending, last seen in their mid-September 5-2 loss to Werder Bremen* have long since disappeared and internal squabbling and discipline have as well. Improved performance is obviously in line with Franck Ribéry return to full-stride, thus making Bayern München a threat to score at will. Jürgen Klinsmann, the German coach who prefers to live in California, will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski but Mannschaft capped Philipp Lahm and Luca Toni are back from injury. Toni Kroos and José Sosa have been named as possible replacements for Bastian Schweinsteiger. Klinsmann said the match “It’ll be a no-holds-barred fight.” and Schalke is ready to mix it up.

Fred Rutten has his club on five match unbeaten streak and with clinical marking have not allowed a goal in three matches. Unfortunately Orlando Engelaar will not be available for the match due to suspension and Fabian Ernst will need to step in the clubs tight marking scheme. With Jermaine Jones taking his strategic role in holding with the key target of his work Franck Ribéry, the attacking forces of Ivan Rakitić, Jefferson Farfán, Halil Altıntop and Kevin Kurányi will need to push forward with patience, lest be open to a swift and deadly counter.

Fred Rutten spoke of the match:

“Obviously we want to win at home. “The lads are up for it, I can sense that. But we shouldn’t overstate the importance of the game. The title race won’t be won or lost on Sunday. After eight games without a defeat we are confident. The outcome of the Bayern game won’t change that. They didn’t enjoy the best of starts, but Bayern have shown what they’re capable of just recently. Bayern Munich have lots of experience, they’re a good footballing side and they’re in good form. But the same can be said of us, so it’s bound to be a good game.”