week 34 - match preview
Schalke out to put pressure on Stuttgart
The Royal Blues face the final hurdle in the title race at home to Arminia Bielefeld this Saturday. In front of a sell-out crowd they will be looking to secure the win that would allow them to take advantage of any slip-up by league leaders VfB Stuttgart. But against a strong Bielefeld side that will be anything but easy.
Arminia have gone from strength to strength since Ernst Middendorp took the helm. "They've won their last four games, taken seven points from their last three away matches and scored 15 in their last eight outings - that's good going", said Schalke boss Mirko Slomka, highlighting the upturn in fortunes for Saturday's opponents. Bielefeld secured Bundesliga safety in the closing stages of the season, and although they can no longer qualify for the Intertoto Cup, they travel to the VELTINS Arena full of ambition. "We're going out to win in Schalke", said Middendorp earlier this week.
Europe's most modern stadium has played host to Saturday's visitors three times so far. After claiming a 1-1 draw in March 2003 they went down 2-1 in November 2004 and then lost 3-1 in May 2006. Nevertheless, they have always been tough opposition for the Royal Blues.
The position in the battle for the championship is a straightforward one. Were Stuttgart and Energie Cottbus to draw Schalke would have to win by four clear goals to claim the league title. "If we get a chance to put Stuttgart under pressure early then that's what we're going to try and do", emphasised Slomka.
The 39-year-old has not given up all hope of winning the title: "Anyone who keeps track of my work knows I'm a fighter. The players see it that way, too. They were obviously despondent after the 2-0 defeat in Dortmund. But after a day off and having held lots of conversations with them I know they'll run their hearts out and give it all they've got."
All that remains to be seen is which players will be asked to do so. There is a slight chance of Peter Lovenkrands making a surprise return from injury, though there is some concern over the fitness of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (ankle).
