Week 32 - Match preview

Hertha fighting for last chance, says Magath

It's second against bottom this Saturday when the Royal Blues take on Hertha BSC Berlin in the German capital (kick-off: 1530 CET). A Schalke win would put the seal on Champions League qualification and keep their title hopes alive. Hertha, in contrast, need every point they can get to escape the drop.

Schalke boss Felix Magath believes Hertha will mobilise all their resources and play on the limit on Saturday. "It's their last chance to keep their first division status open with a win," he said. "They will therefore give it all they've got. In the last few weeks they've put in some excellent performances away from home." The 56-year-old still feels his side have a good chance, however. "The question is obviously whether everyone really still believes Hertha can avoid relegation. Also, they haven't being doing very well at the Olympic Stadium recently. Hertha have to take their chance and come out and play. That will allow us to break from our strong defence. This situation obviously plays into our hands."

As the Royal Blues are still challenging for the title with three games left to go, it is worth taking a look at their Munich rivals. After the 1-0 home win over Olympique Lyon in the Champions League semi-final Bayern are still having to cope with the exertions of playing in two competitions. "Around the Champions League almost all the top teams are dropping points, as can be seen in the European leagues at the moment. That's why I believe Bayern won't win all their remaining games in the Bundesliga," said Magath. "Bayern expended a lot of energy in the week. So Gladbach certainly have a chance of beating them on Saturday."

Borussia Mönchengladbach could well cause the Munich outfit a few problems. "The Bundesliga is the strongest league in the world because every team is capable of beating a top side. That's what makes clubs such as Hertha and Gladbach so dangerous," added Magath. "Hertha can cause us problems but they can still rain on Bayern's parade as well."

On the playing side there are not likely to be any major changes to the squad for the trip to Berlin. Jefferson Farfan, who sustained a cut to the head in the week, trained normally on Thursday and will be involved. Christian Pander, who only resumed full training two weeks ago, looks set to run out for the second team at the weekend, however. Magath said: "Otherwise everyone is available for selection and desperate to play in Berlin."