Twente were somewhat surprising Eredivisie champions under the reign of Steve McClaren last season, and after losing their English coach they’ve only just started to replicate their title winning form.
Nevertheless, the Tukkers are unbeaten domestically and have suffered only at the hands of four draws, and they picked up a useful point against European champions Inter on the opening evening of action to maintain an interest in Champions League progression ahead of this meeting with Werder Bremen.
Denny Landzaat scored the only goal of the game against struggling Feyenoord to give the Reds an important weekend victory, which has kept them in touch at the summit of the Eredivisie. After a somewhat sluggish start to the season, five wins in seven games have kept them within sight of PSV and Ajax in first and second respectively.
In a tough Champions League group, Michel Preud'homme’s side nearly caused a sensation by recovering from a goal down to take the lead against Inter at home, but they ceded their advantage before the half-time whistle. Against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, the Enschede club were overwhelmed 4-1. Ironically it has been Dutch players who have undone them on each occasion, with Wesley Sneijder grabbing the Nerazzurri’s opener and Rafael van der Vaart imperial in London.
As Werder don’t have any Netherlands stars in their ranks, the hosts will take that as a good omen ahead of what is sure to be a fascinating encounter.
Comeback Kids
Werder Bremen enjoyed something of a charge to reach third spot in the Bundesliga last season, and they also waited until the last possible moment before snatching a Champions League spot away from Sampdoria in the play-offs. Thomas Schaaf will therefore not be overly perturbed by his side leaving themselves work to do to secure a place in the last 16; they are used to comebacks.
WB’s propensity to come from behind was evident against Spurs in their opening group stage encounter. The side who likes to make life hard for themselves fell 2-0 down but recovered strongly to earn a share of the spoils at the Weserstadion. Inter, however, had too much nous to allow the Bundesliga outfit the same leeway.
Going into the match against Twente, recent history is on the side of the Germans. It’s not nine months ago that the sides were paired in the Europa League knock-out stages, and though Werder lost 1-0 in the Netherlands, they roared through 4-2 on aggregate thanks to a stunning home victory.
Still, sporting director Klaus Allofs isn’t totally convinced by his side at present. “The trend of the last couple of games is positive. However, we can and have to play better,” he told the club's official website after the weekend success over Freiburg. “I especially hope that we can play calmer and more poised.
“It would be best would be to improve right away on Wednesday in the Champions League game against Twente.”
Such a dramatically sharp improvement is unlikely, and but against a side who have lost 11 goals in seven games, nothing should be totally ruled out.
TEAM NEWS
Twente
Emir Bajrami and Bart Buysse will both miss out because of ankle injuries. Meanwhile, Marc Janko, Theo Janssen and Dwight Tiendalli have all recently returned to action following physical complaints.
Werder
Sebastian Boenisch is missing until the early part of 2011 due to knee cartilage problems. Naldo is also missing because of an issue with that joint.
Daniel Jensen, Claudio Pizarro, Torsten Frings and Clemens Fritz make up a lengthy list of first team players able to feature against Freiburg after previously suffering from problems.
Prediction
Unbeaten at home in the Eredivisie since November 1, 2008 – a record 34 games – Twente will be extremely tough opposition to overcome at De Grolsch Veste. They are on a positive run domestically and will be especially confident after holding Inter to a 2-2 draw at the venue. Werder Bremen, meanwhile, are showing signs of regaining their feet after a difficult start to the campaign, but even a draw would have to be regarded as a positive result in this fixture.
Twente 2-2 Werder Bremen 
