Tuesday, March 3, 2009

die Königsblauen DFB-Pokal preview

Following the sturdy 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt die Königsblauen travel south-west to face FSV Mainz in the DFB-Pokal.

Mainz are presently second in the Bundesliga 2 table and coach Jørn Andersen has them confident of making their way back to the top division. Yet to lose in the Rückrunde, today's match is the scalp crown a very workman like season so far.

Fred Rutten is aware of the oppositions strength stating:

"I've watched Mainz twice and they are no pushovers. The back four are excellent, the midfield is well organised and the strikers Bancé and Baljak are in good shape physically."

Expecting the Pokal to bring out their best he added:

"These results tell you how good they are. And they'll be desperate to progress another round in front of their own fans."

The Königsblauen are without Benedikt Höwedes and Christian Pander with Jefferson Farfán questionable.