week 21 - match preview

Royal Blues desperate for revenge against Dortmund

Schalke 04 against Borussia Dortmund: the mother of all local derbies kicks off at 2030 CET on Friday at the VELTINS Arena. Head coach Fred Rutten is looking forward to the clash and makes no secret of the fact that his team have a score to settle.

"If you consider the way the reverse fixture went then obviously we have a desire for revenge", said the Dutchman, who has anything but fond memories of last September's encounter. "With an hour gone we looked certain to win the game, but then there were some decisions I can only describe as questionable." Indeed, two of the three Dortmund goals in the 3-3 draw should not have been allowed to stand.

"All players, not matter what sport it is, are angered by incorrect decisions", Rutten explained, "but that's not the only reason why we're desperate to win the game." Both coach and team are well aware that for the people of the region this is more than just a game of football. "The lads are up for it, you can sense that on the training ground", the 46-year-old said. "They're all looking forward to the derby and Friday night matches are always something special."

The Dutchman has every confidence in his players, even though their second-half performance at VfL Bochum last week left a little bit to be desired. He said: "We're only looking forward and are quite capable of putting setbacks behind us. The derby is all that matters now, not what's happened in the past."

Rutten ran the rule over Dortmund in their 3-1 defeat at Bayern Munich last Sunday. "They put in a decent performance even though they lost", he opined. "If you give them space, they're capable of playing some good football and Alexander Frei and Nelson Valdez are always a threat. So we're going to try and make things as tight as we can for them."

The Schalke boss has almost a full squad to chose from. Levan Kenia, who has still not fully recovered from a thigh injury, is the only player definitely ruled out. Marcelo Bordon (broken hand) and Benedikt Höwedes (groin), however, both return to the squad from injury. "I don't see any problems with them", he said.

Also back on board is Jermaine Jones. The Schalke midfielder missed the game in Bochum through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card. Rutten has yet to commit himself as far as his starting line-up is concerned, however. "As a coach you always weigh up the pros and cons before making your selection. But one thing is already certain: no matter who runs out on Friday, they'll all be giving more than their all to get the win."