It's the top billed game of the 27th match day of the 2004/2005 season. On Sunday, 02.04.2005 at 3:30pm, Werder will take on VfB Stutgart at the Weser Stadium in a game which is worth much more than the three points a possible winner can pick up. A winner can secure the third position in the table and revive remaining title dreams. The future for the loser is bleak.

Werders midfield force Tim Borowski is well aware of the importance of the tie: "This game against VfB is decisive for us. We can improve our position against a direct opponent and return to third place." The German international, who appeared as a substitute in Germanys friendly with Slovenia (1:0) on Saturday, is still looking to retain the league title: "The championship dosen't interest us - firstly we want to beat Stutgart and then we can think about the rest."

Self Confident Stutgart

Werder would appear to have regained momentum in time for the final spurt towards the end of the season. Following two poor results against Bayern Munich and Mainz, Werders last game before the international break was a 2:1 away win in Nuremburg in a game which saw the return of Werders superiority and efficience which should instill confidence for the rest of the season.

VfB Stutgart have managed to creep into a strong position in the table almost completely unnoticed, no always pretty football - but effective!! Before the Easter break VfB scored seven times in five games collecting 13 points along the way and settling into third place. That said, Matthias Sammers side last win was an arduous 1:0 win over bottom side Freiburg. The self confidence of the leagues second most successful home side has increased with recent results which can be interpreted from the coachs comment before Saturdays game at the Weser: "We're going to Bremen to win!!"

Sammer will have to do without the services of two important defenders against werder. Andreas Hinkel (fifth yellow) and Fernando Meira (red card) will both miss the match through suspension. Hinkels position on the right side of the back four will most likely be filled by Delpierre with Boris Zivkovic taking up the spot left free by Meira. Up front Sammer has a strong attack available thanks to the return from injury of Swiss international Marco Streller which could see the trainer reverting from a 4-2-3-1 system to a more typical 4-4-2. Streller will have competition from Szabics for the second striker position alongside Kuranyi. VfB's solid line of Hildebrand, Babbel, Soldo, Hleb and Kuranyi has been bolstered by the impressive form of Silvio Meißner who, with eight goals so far, is proving one of the leagues most dangerous midfielders.

Davala out, Pasanen doubtful

The Werder coach is prepared for the threat his opponents pose in particular through the midfield of Tiffert, Hleb and Cacau (the Swabian sides top scorer with eleven). "Those three drive the ball forward in search of Kuranyi - we must be ready for that." The individual ability of Alexander Hleb should not be allowed to surface on Saturday in Schaafs opinion: "one-on-one, he's almost unstoppable - we've got to watch that and get to him early."

Werders personnel situation has improved during the second half of the week. All of Werders internationals have returned to the fold well and uninjured with the exception of Nelson Valdez who is expected to return on friday. The only one injury problem lies with Petri Pasanen who is suffering from a cold and running a fever which puts his involvement in doubt. Ümit Davala will definately not be taking part following a loss of hearing.

Johnnie Muldoon