Bayern Munich may have had grave doubts cast upon their ability to retain their league title but as one of Europe's giants, they are well versed in the battle on multiple fronts. With the green shoots of recovery starting to peer out from underneath the gloom that had engulfed the Allianz Arena, the DFB-Pokal provides another chance not only for Bayern to continue on an upward curve but to flex their muscles once more. However, Werder will present a stiffer challenge than fifth tier Windeck, whom Bayern cast aside 4-0 in the opening round.
"We must not lose," was the message from coach Louis van Gaal, who is still holding out hope of the club succeeding where it so narrowly failed last year - winning a treble.
"If we get through this period and remain in all three competitions - the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal, we can still win everything. We have been doing well. And if we win tomorrow, that would be great," the master tactician elaborated.
Van Gaal has had two draws in both his home encounters against Werder and is looking for his first win against Thomas Schaaf's men but he admitted that it would be difficult.
Captain Mark van Bommel, who is currently out with injury, issued a rallying cry and extolled the advantages of playing in front of what will be a packed crowd in Munich.
"Our goal is this season also to reach the final again in Berlin. We will take on any opponent who we meet. It is certainly no disadvantage that we are playing against Bremen in front of our home crowd."
Looking To Banish Bad Memories
164 days after their utterly comprehensive 4-0 defeat at the hands of Bayern in the DFB-Pokal final, Thomas Schaaf's side have the earliest possible opportunity for revenge. Bremen are a side who have punched well below their weight at both home and abroad this season and the knockout format represents a chance for relief from their day to day troubles.
In the first round, die Gruen-Weissen cruised to a comfortable victory over underdog hosts Rot-Weiss Ahlen. Claudio Pizarro scored in the 28th minute but Ahlen remained in the game until after the hour mark. Thereafter the visitors' advantage in class took effect, and Hugo Almeida, Tim Borowski, and Marko Marin all netted to secure an eventually comfortable win. The cup holders will of course be a completely different kettle of fish.
"That is of course the most difficult opponent we could have been drawn against. However, we want to continue our strong cup tradition in Munich and we can also against a team like Bayern," captain Torsten Frings stated with more than a hint of optimism.
The spotlight will be on the man between the sticks for Bremen, third-choice keeper Sebastian Mielitz, who after a shaky start this season against Twente, when he entered the field as an unexpected replacement once Tim Wiese was forced off with a knee problem, impressed no end against Borussia Moenchengladbach. The young goalie pulled off a string of outstanding stops to deny the Gladbach attacking juggernaut and showed a coolness of temperament, not expected for a player of his tender years.
"I believe that Miele is really looking forward to playing in such a stadium against such a backdrop. I think he is feeling good inside that he will get another chance but he is a quiet boy who understands the situation," Thomas Schaaf said.
TEAM NEWS
Bayern Munich
Bayern have a number of well-known injury absentees including the likes of captain Mark van Bommel and Belgian centre-half Daniel van Buyten. Martin Demichelis is out of favour and hence the starting line up, with Anatoliy Tymoschuk receiving another chance to impress in defence, despite his stated reluctance for such a role. Miroslav Klose has caught the cold and so Louis van Gaal will name an unchanged side from that, which drew 0-0 in Hamburg on Friday.
Probable Starting XI: Butt - Lahm, Tymoschuk, Badstuber, Pranjic - Schweinsteiger, Ottl - Altintop, Mueller, Kroos - Gomez
Werder Bremen
As Tim Wiese is still recovering from his knee problem, Sebastian Mielitz continues in goal after his excellent display against Gladbach. Tim Borowski is not able to make it against his old club and Schaaf may opt for the more defensive Philipp Bargfrede in midfield instead of Aaron Hunt. Marko Arnautovic is fighting it out to play upfront alongside Claudio Pizarro, another ex-Bayern man.
Probable Starting XI: Mielitz - Fritz, Mertesacker, Proedl, Pasanen - Frings -Bargfrede, Wesley - Marin - Arnautovic, Pizarro
Prediction
Bremen were very impressive as an attacking force against an admittedly generous Gladbach defence and will give it their all in the Allianz Arena as they look to banish the memories of their painful cup final defeat last season. However, home advantage may just tip the balance in Bayern's favour and history is on der Rekordmeister's side as well.
Bayern Munich 3-2 Werder Bremen 
