Match preview - Week 19

Stevens wary of Cologne's attacking prowess

"The table doesn't lie", said Huub Stevens today, "but it is just a reflection of where we are at the moment. We're a long way from winning anything." Ahead of Saturday's visit to FC Cologne (1830 CET) the Schalke coach reiterated his belief that anything is possible in football, saying: "Anyone can beat anyone."

That sentiment also applies to Cologne, who have produced some very mixed performances of late. "They're particularly strong at home and it won't be easy for us to take something from the match," Stevens explained. "If we want to win, we'll have to be at the top of our game."

Stevens is frustrated at the number of key players missing but knows there is little anyone can do about it. "The eleven players I pick will give everything they have. They'll be well prepared come Saturday."

Schalke's coaching staff have studied their opponents in depth ahead of Saturday's match. One player in particular, Lukas Podolski, is no stranger to Stevens. The Germany international was in the squad when the Dutchman led Cologne to the second division championship in 2004/2005. "I had a good time there," Stevens recalled. All that is in the past, however. "The important thing for me now is for Schalke to get a good result in Cologne so we keep up the pressure at the top of the Bundesliga."

Podolski is not the only Cologne player the Royal Blues should be wary of, however. "Slawomir Peszko, Milivoje Novakovic and Chrisitan Clemens are very good attacking players," said Stevens before reiterating how good Cologne are going forward, especially at home. "We need to give everything we've got for 90 minutes plus injury time," he stressed.