German Bundesliga
2009-05-23 - Arminia Bielefeld vs Hannover
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
German Bundesliga
Schuco Arena
Saturday, 23rd May 2009, kickoff 15:30
Arminia Bielefeld
Arminia Bielefeld have parted ways with head coach Michael Frontzeck a week ago, right after the 6-0 defeat in Dortmund and replaced him with Joerg Berger - a new head coach, so called specialist saving lower sides from relegation.
Arminia will become Berger's 16th club as a coach, who had previously saved FC Koln, Schalke 04 and Eintracht Frankfurt from relegation.
The experienced coach has signed a contract good through the end of the season, including possible play-off matches (should Arminia finish 16th).
Arminia is 17th on level points with Energie Cottbus and not everything is in their own hands, the also rely on the results of their direct rivals. However, they need to beat Hannover and hope for the best and get at least a play-off spot.
This has been real tough season for Arminia who have picked up just 4 wins, together with 15 draws and 14 losses and before the start of this season nobody believed that the team will be on the brink to get down in the 2.Bundesliga.
Markus Schuler is doubtful for this match due to renewal of his injury, but there are reports that he could still play. Leonidas Markus Bollmann (inner volume strain) is not available. Nico Herzig and Radim Kucera will start again in the defense but is obvious that they lack matches.
The team will play with two attackers and there is no room for calculations as they need to score.
Hannover 96
Hannover is 11th on the table and they did not meet their own expectations for this season. Last season they have finished at the 8th spot and they hoped to improve this year. They will approach this match more relaxed and without so much pressure on their shoulders which promises entertaining match.
Hannover is very unpredictable when playing away. The best player in the team is the National goalkeeper Robert Enke.
This will be the last match of the first team player, the centre-back Frank Fahrenhorst who will be moving to MSV Duisburg at the end of the season. The 31 year old`s contract expires in the summer, and he had not been offered an extension.
This is also last match for once very popular German midfielder Michael Tarnat who was informed by the Coach Hecking that he will not be offered a contract for the 2009/10 season. Tarnat has played 363 Bundesliga games for MSV Duisburg, Karlsruher SC, FC Bayern and Hannover 96.
He joined Hannover from Manchester City in 2004 and has scored eight of his 24 Bundesliga goals for the "Reds". Tarnat, who has won 19 caps for Germany, won the Champions League with FC Bayern in 2001. He also won the World Club Cup (2001), four Bundesliga titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003) and three DFB Cups (1998, 2000, 2003).
Coach Dieter Hecking can not count on the services of his right-back Steven Cherundolo for over a month, with the American suffering from a hip complaint, and he has had surgery last week and expects recovery. The full-back has made 17 appearances this season, scoring one goal.
The team is already looking forward next season and will focus on younger players.
The Betting Verdict
I think that Arminia will somehow squeeze a win here. They have a great motivator as Coach but will that be enough? We are about to see.
Arminia are currently in very bad losing form, but this is “all or nothing” match for them. Hannover might surprise, but will be interesting to see how they will approach this match.
As I said the pressure is on Arminia and I expect them to deliver.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 Hannover
