At the start of the group stage of the Champions League, most observers would have backed Inter to win the group and Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen to fight for the prized runners-up spot. However, as things stand the German Bundesliga side are not even in a position to drop to the Europa League.
The Green-Whites are currently bottom of Group A with two points from three matches. Thomas Schaaf’s side have yet to win in the Champions League and have also been struggling on the domestic front, currently stationed in 11th place with 14 points from 10 matches.
At the weekend Werder went down 3-2 to Nuernberg at the Weserstadion and this is certainly not a good way to prepare what is essentially a make or break game for them. As Schaaf explained on Monday, “Tomorrow we want to make an impression in our group. I think it is an important match and it will decide if we are still in Europe in the new year or not.
“If we are successful then our next match will decide if we play in the Champions League next year. We have to play with total focus and not just for 20 minutes, like we did on Saturday against Nuernberg, but 90 minutes.”
Looking For An Upset
Dutch champions FC Twente are probably just delighted to be playing in the Champions League but as things currently stand, they could be in with a chance of even more accomplishments. At the moment the Tukkers are third in Group A with two points from three matches – a win for Inter against Tottenham Hotspur in London and a victory for them in Bremen will see them go second with just two more rounds remaining in the group stage.
However, Twente have to work hard to realise those massive dreams. While the Enschede-based side have been sensational in the Dutch Eredivisie, they have been modest at best on the continent. Michel Preud'homme's side have emerged victorious in their last five Eredivise matches and defeated PSV 1-0 at the weekend to go a point clear at the top, but have struggled in Europe, conceding four goals against Spurs at White Hart Lane in their only away match so far.
However, coach Preud'homme is hopeful of a win in Bremen and enthused on Monday, “I want to win every match. I also wanted to win against Inter and I want to win tomorrow.
“Of course the opposition in the Champions League is very strong and so sometimes you have to be satisfied with a draw.
“I think in our group everything is still possible. Inter will be first but behind Inter nothing is decided. It is important that we don't lose tomorrow, a draw could be enough but a defeat could finish us in this group.”
TEAM NEWS
Werder Bremen
Petri Pasanen and Clemens Fritz are out with injuries. Tim Borowski, Sebastian Boenisch and Naldo are long-term injury concerns. Tim Wiese missed training on Monday and could be absent for Tuesday’s clash as well.
FC Twente
Goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov will play in spite of sustaining a hamstring injury against PSV at the weekend. Rasmus Bengtsson missed the match against the Dutch giants but could feature against Werder. Wout Brama is nursing a hamstring injury while Nicky Kuiper, Emir Bajrami and Bart Buysse are on the sick list as well.
Prediction
Werder Bremen are at the bottom of the group and desperately seek all three points. Against Twente at home the Germans will have the edge but they must be careful at the back.
Werder Bremen 2-1 Twente 
