It's time for the 82nd North-Derby in the history of the Bundesliga and it promises to one of the more exciting clashes, when Werder Bremen take on Hamburg SV on Saturday, 09.04.2005 at 3:30pm in the AOL Arena - for the German champions this tie could hold the last chance to win a Champions League qualifying position. On the other hand, a defeat for the "Rothosen" (red-shorts) could cost them a UEFA cup place for next season. A tie to set pulses racing in which only a win can really aid either side.
The Green-Whites have set themselves under extreme pressure after last weekends unhelpful and unneccessary 1:2 home defeat by VfB Stutgart. The result of which sees Werder tightly held in fourth position, four points adrift of Stutgart and trailing the front runners Bayern Munich and Schalke by some nine points.
Now, with only seven match days left in the season, the German champions hopes of retaining their title would appear to be little more than wishful thinking, but that dosen't mean the fight is over. A win against HSV would push Werder closer to their pre-season goal of Champions League qualifcation, provided the competition slip up! :" If we want to regain third place then we have to win in Hamburg", explained General manager Klaus Allofs. If Werder are to take three points back to Bremen on Saturday evening, then recent failure to turn at times distinct superiority into goals will have to be rectified.
Hamburg with injury worries
HSV are currently not without their own problems. The euphoria of recent weeks was severly dampened by an unexpected 2:3 home defeat by Borussia Dortmund followed by last weeks poor 1:1 draw with relegation certainties SC Freiburg, a result which was to be treated as a defeat on the Elbe in their battle for a UEFA cup spot.
To add insult to injury, Thomas Dolls side were further weakened by the sending off of star Sergej Barbarez in Freiburg, which puts HSVs top scorer (11 goals) out of the reckoning for the derby as does a suspension after his fifth yellow card for Emile Mpenza. Mpenzas strike partner Benjamin Lauth continues to be plagued by injury. An ankle injury has forced an early end to the season for the youngster. Problem upon problem for Thomas Doll whose defensive situation will also be causing him headaches. Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz is not expected to be fit with Bastian Reinhardt expected to fill his position, with the highly praised amateur Kuckovic expected to join Japanese star Takahara up front.
One of the main reasons for HSVs rocketing into a UEFA cup position has been captain Daniel van Buyten. The 27 year old, stringy Belgian is long since the leader in the side. Decisive in tackling, strong in the air and dangerous in front of goal - the whole Bundesliga is aware of his abilities: "We can expect van Buyten to push forward for set pieces and we're prepared for that", commented Thomas Schaaf briefly.
Werders squad rises from the ashes
More importantly than HSVs personnel issues is Werders list of injuries for Thomas Schaaf, 48 hours before kick-off. Schaaf expects knocks to Lisztes, Valdez, Borowski, Baumann, Pasanen and Klose to have receeded by training on Thursday. "There is a good chance that they'll all be fit before the game", explained Thomas Schaaf who knows he will be without Valerien Ismael who saw red last weekend.
The AOL Arenas 55,000 capacity will include some 6,000 travelling fans - a never before experienced number of Green-Whites for a game in Hamburg. All are wishing for an away win but a derby win is especially sweet.
