A real 'Battle of the Big Guns' is on the cards for Saturday, 05.11.2005 when Werder Bremen make their first appearance at the Allianz Arena in Munich to take of league leaders Bayern who lead the Bundesliga, two points clear of Bremen in second spot.

For Bremens midfield engine, Thorsten Frings, it's a return to his old haunting ground and he feels he is in a good position to judge his old club: "Bayerns advantage is without doubt their experience. It'll be difficult, but we're a super team who play beautiful, attractive football. Aside from that, our first win in the Champions League has given us confidence and it's great to go to Munich with that to spurn us on. Although it doesn't mean much at the moment, we want to take top spot in the league after this game."

It's just 18 months since the Green-Whites last triumph in Munich. On 8th May 2004, Werder beat Bayern 3:1 and at the same time secured the league title - a distinctive event in Werder history. Trainer Thomas Schaaf is looking forward to the game confidently: "We've shown in recent years that away from home, including in Munich, that we can perform well and we've made others take notice of us due to recent performances." Schaaf is expecting an absolutely top match: "Two top teams will meet each other on Saturday and both sides expect to be at the very front of the running."

Werders record in Munich would imply that the Northern side won't have it easy. This will meet the 40th meeting between the two in Munich and from the previous 39, Werder have only managed six wins, drawn seven and gone home empty handed on 26 occasions. Still, Werder general amnager Klaus Allofs is not one to take too much heed of statistics: "It's not a case of the mighty Bayern facing Werder minnows. We were champions two years ago, they were took the title last year." Allofs does see the home side as favourites: "We are always good for a goal but Bayern are top of the table and at home, they have the slight advantage."

The Green-White current form proves their good for goals, having hit the net 31 times. So far Bayern Munich have only scored 24 but conceeded six goals less than their Hanseatic opponents. Allofs smirked: "The goal difference will balance out over the course of the season."

Werder clearly have the best strike force in the Bundesliga but Thomas Schaaf will be without the services of poacher Ivan Klasnic after his appendix operation. Other absentees will include Frank Fahrenhorst (suspension), Petri Pasanen (cracked skull), Jelle van Damme (groin operation), Ümit Davala (hip problem) and Tim Wiese (cruciate ligament tear).

Bayern Munich coach is not without his injury worries either. The participation of Michael Ballack in questionable after he suffered a thigh injury during Bayerns 2:1 Champions League defeat at Juventus. Mehmet Scholl is also likely to miss out with a stomach bug.

Johnnie Muldoon