FCBayernNews
News fetcher
Joined: 31 Aug 2006
Posts: 1361
  
votes: 2
|
| Post subject: Bayern keen to launch long winning streak |
 |
|
17.11.2006
Nuremberg were held to a goalless draw, Hertha BSC Berlin were sent packing by a 4-2 margin, and now VfB Stuttgart, the latest side to top the Bundesliga standings, arrive at the Allianz Arena to try their luck on Saturday (Live in English on FCB.tv Web Radio from 3:15 pm). For Bayern, the rallying cry must be: 'Next leaders please!' as the two previous table-toppers left Munich with their ambitions seriously dented.
"This is exactly the right time for us to be taking on the leaders," Felix Magath remarked ahead of the meeting with one of his former clubs. "We always stand to gain more than we do from matches against teams in the bottom third of the table." Including the trip to Bremen last month, Bayern will have played the Bundesliga leaders four times in just 13 fixtures, an unprecedented event in top flight history to date.
Recapturing former strength
"But regardless of our opponents, we want to pick up where we left off in Leverkusen," Magath continued. The Reds showed tremendous resolve and determination to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory last weekend, with the boss convinced quality will also play a role in the match billed as the South German derby. "We have the better team, and the victory in Leverkusen means we're in better shape. That result was the most important signal that we're closing in on our best form of old."
The champions had only won once in four matches before last weekend, but victory against Stuttgart would confirm their recovery from an autumn dip in form. A win would move Bayern to within a point of VfB, and in the best-case scenario, would also see the Reds reel in their rivals at the top, provided Bremen stumble in Aachen and Schalke slip up in Cottbus. Magath even voiced quiet hopes of returning to top spot before November is out after all.
VfB pose major threat
However, Stuttgart arrive in Munich on the back of five wins on the bounce and a total of nine games undefeated. "It's never easy against opponents like this," Magath mused. "They're bursting with confidence and playing great football. Everything's functioning perfectly down there at the moment. We'll need a good performance to claim all three points."
Both Lucio (ankle) and Sebastian Deisler (eight month lay-off after knee surgery) return to contention, but the Brazilian will not yet be risked in the matchday squad, with Deisler set to start on the bench. Bastian Schweinsteiger retains the position he filled in Leverkusen behind the front two.
Lahm confident
The visitors must contend with more serious selection problems. Ricardo Osorio and captain Fernando Meira are ruled out with injury, while former Bayern youth Thomas Hitzlsperger, on target in his last three appearances, misses the match with suspension. Nevertheless, the Swabian outfit fancy their chances, as they have yet to lose on their travels. "It'll be vital we don't hide, but get at them and hold them off," coach Armin Veh commented.
Philipp Lahm reckoned Stuttgart's attacking style would suit Munich down to the ground. "I believe it's easier for us against teams who are prepared to play football. I'm utterly convinced it will be a good game for us," declared the left-back, whose career took off during a two-year loan spell under Magath at VfB.
Off and rolling?
Lahm remains close friends with many of Saturday's opponents, including keeper Timo Hildebrand, but comradely feelings will be put aside for 90 minutes on Saturday. "I'd be delighted to put one past him if I get the chance," the Munich-born defender said with a grin, "we could set off on a run here."
Probable line ups:
Bayern Munich: Kahn - Sagnol, van Buyten, Demichelis, Lahm - van Bommel, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Salihamidzic - Pizarro, Makaay
Also in matchday squad: : Rensing, Lell, Saba, Deisler, Scholl, Dos Santos, Santa Cruz
VfB Stuttgart: Hildebrand - Hilbert, Tasci, Delpierre, Boka - Gentner, Pardo, da Silva, Khedira - Gomez, Cacau
Referee: Michael Weiner (Giesen)
Bayern's record in The fixture: P39 W25 D10 L4 F88 A43
|
|
