Getty Images
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
WERDER BREMEN  Wiese Fritz, Sokratis, Silvestre, Harthez Ignjovski, Bargfrede, Ekici, Trybull Pizarro, Rosenberg | LEVERKUSEN  Leno Da Costa, Toprak, Friedrich, Kadlec Reinartz, Bender Castro, Ballack, Schurrle Derdiyok |
The most notable absence for Thomas Schaaf is Brazilian centre-back Naldo, who has a knee ligament injury. Back-up keeper Sebastian Mielitz is out with a bruised shoulder, while Sebastian Prodl will continue his recovery from surgery. Aaron Hunt has a groin problem and Lukas Schmitz will miss the clash though suspension. Tim Borowski is fit, but is likely to start on the bench.
Bayer Leverkusen's perennially-long injury list has taken a turn for the better. Tranquillo Barnetta and Renato Augusto have both recovered from their physical problems, but are unlikely to be in Robin Dutt's starting XI. Rene Adler is close to a return, but with Bernd Leno's great form in the first half of the season, is not expected to challenge for a first-team spot. Meanwhile, Sidney Sam is close to a return, but the trip to Bremen comes too soon for him.
| DID YOU KNOW |
- Werder Bremen defender Clemens Fritz will make his 200th Bundesliga
appearance should he be selected.
- Since losing 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund, Werder have won their last three home matches.
- Tim Wiese and Clemens Fritz will be facing their old club. The Germany goalkeeper started his career at the BayArena, while Fritz had a three-year spell there.
- Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack (right) played with Claudio Pizarro at Bayern Munich, before leaving for Chelsea in 2006. The Peruvian followed him to Stamford Bridge a year later.
- The BayArena club have not been beaten by Saturday's opponents for almost four years, since a 1-0 home loss in May 2008.
A combination between the hosts' excellent recorfd at home and Bayer Leverkusen's excellent record against Werder Bremen leaves the obvious conclusion of a draw. The two sides are very evenly matched, and without a doubt will be jostling for the same European spot come the end of the season.
Editor's Prediction
Werder Bremen 1-1 Leverkusen 
