week 13 - match preview

Royal Blues aim to cap a good training week in Leverkusen

The match of the day in Week 13 is undoubtedly the clash between league leaders Leverkusen and Schalke at the BayArena on Saturday (kick-off: 15.30 CET). "It's going to be tough", says Fred Rutten, who has huge respect for the works team.

Nevertheless the Dutchman is looking ahead to the game in confident mood. "We've trained very well over the last few days as it's the first time since August that we haven't had a game in midweek. So physically we're very well placed to take something away from Leverkusen.

"Hamburg were also on top of the table when we went there a few weeks ago. But we played well and came away with a point. That gives us confidence for the trip to the current league leaders and hopefully we'll take all three points", he explained.

Rutten is well aware that this won't be easy. "Leverkusen are a good side and they score lots of goals. They have a strong squad, from the number 1 to the number 20, and they're very difficult to work out", he continued. "They also form a compact unit on the pitch."

With this in mind, Rutten said it was ideal to have had a whole week of training to prepare for the game. And he knows his team will need to be solid in defence against Bruno Labbadia's men. "Top teams exploit the tiniest of mistakes. So we'll have to be totally focused from the first minute to the last."

The reverse implication is that Schalke will also have to take any chances that come their way. "As we saw against Bayern, in big games you only get a few opportunities, not nine or ten. We have to take them."

Rutten also has another reason to be optimistic. "Levan Kenia is still injured, but otherwise everyone is fit", he said. The Georgia international is still being dogged by an ankle problem but is well on the way to recovery.

"It's now up to us to pick the best team from a strong squad", said Rutten, who welcomes back Christian Pander from a calf injury and Orlando Engelaar from suspension. It remains uncertain whether both will start, however.

Kevin Kuranyi, who pulled out of training after feeling a slight twinge on Thursday, will play, however. Rutten: "The doctor has given him the green light, there's no tear."