German Bundesliga
2009-05-16 - Werder Bremen vs Karlsruher
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Weser-Stadion
Saturday, 16th May 2009 – Kickoff 15:30
Werder Bremen
This has been the worst season for Werder Bremen by far. But however they have compensated bad Bundesliga season with reaching UEFA Cup Final and DFB Cup Final so after all they have big chance for two trophies this year.
This will be last home match for the midfielder Diego who will be joining Juventus after this season ends, so that promises a great performance by him as a payback for his fans, and I expect this game to be a bit emotional in front of the home crowd.
He was doubtful about this match and nearly one week after tearing a muscle fibre, Diego is well on his way back to team training and latest reports are that he could start the game tomorrow. Naldo, however, is not ready and he will miss the Karlsruhe match with a groin muscle issue.
Aaron Hunt is still questionable as he needs to be ready in time for the UEFA Cup final in Istanbul.
This match will be general rehearsal for the upcoming finals. On Wednesday is the UEFA Cup final, and then last Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg and finally DFB Cup in Berlin.
Coach Schaff will try with combined line-up and see more options, but even the reserves are playing very well recently so he will not have any worries.
Karlsruher SC
Karlsruher SC blew away a two-goal lead and with it almost certainly their last chance of staying afloat in the Bundesliga, going down 3-2 at home to Hannover 96. That was a final blow for the team that hoped to win all three last games to stay in the top flight.
But that story is over now. The team stays at the rock bottom with only 23 points out of 32 matches. After the match with Hannover the team captain has admitted that their chances to stay in the Bundesliga are "equal to nil" and that the team players feel “brutally disappointed”. That shows in what spirit the team travels to Bremen.
Another worry is that a lot of first team players will not be in the starting line-up due to injuries and suspensions. Dino Drpic as a result its fifth yellow card will miss the match, as well as Giovanni Federico (back bone) and Antonio da Silva (head contusion).
Michael Mutzel has returned to training and is likely to start along with Sebastian Lang Kamp in the defense.
Coach Ede Becker has urged his team to go for two wins in the remaining matches, but in my opinion that is unlikely to happen.
The Betting verdict
Since this is the last home match for the season, I expect Werder to finish it in style with win over relegated Karlsruher SC.
I am sure that if Diego starts he will give his best to entertain the home fans, although i think that he will not play the full 90 minutes.
Even the “young guns” in the squad will give their best in order to show off and recommend themselves before Coach Schaff to include them in the starting line-up for the UEFA Cup Final and for the upcoming matches.
That promises an open match and great performance by Werder, and another weak show from Karlsruher SC.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Werder Bremen 3-1 Karlsruher
