Week 29 - Match preview

Schalke in confident mood ahead of Bayern showdown

The win over fellow title contenders Bayer Leverkusen, and especially the way it came about, has given Felix Magath hope that the Royal Blues can be successful against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Last week's victory over the Rhinelanders took Schalke to the top of the table after Bayern went down at home to VfB Stuttgart. "The mood is good, the players are confident and they believe they can now go on and do well against Bayern. The team are convinced they can win," the Schalke manager said.

As well as his side's upbeat attitude Magath believes another factor could prove to be an advantage for the Royal Blues. "Bayern were in European action on Tuesday, even if they didn't put out their best side. Because of the way the game went they had to invest a lot of effort into the game," he continued. And now they face opponents who are rested and have been hardened by a tough training regime since the start of the season.

And rivals who understand the true significance of the game. "It isn't all or nothing for us on Saturday. Three points would improve our situation, a draw would still leave us in a comfortable position and if we lose we'll have to huff and puff along with the other two teams," said Magath.

The noise from the stands will also be important. "The fans should support us and cheer us on as loudly and as vehemently as they can. The team deserve that because of the way they've been playing. A great atmosphere would be good for the match because it's something that leaves its mark on the opposition as well," the Schalke boss added.

Things are also looking rosy in selection terms. "Our medical department has done a superb job to get Kevin Kuranyi's groin problems under control," said Magath. "But I won't be giving any thought as to who will play until Saturday morning."

Or as to who will mark Arjen Robben, the man who settled the cup semi-final on the same ground ten days ago. "We're pleased that Bayern will put out their best side tomorrow and are looking forward to facing players of the calibre of Arjen Robben, who was a bargain at 25 million euros," said Magath. "We don't have individualists like him. We'll be relying on 100% effort. But it's nothing new that we have to work and scrap for our wins. We have the advantage of being rested and raring to go. We want keep the tempo as high as possible and get forward."