Showdown in Gelsenkirchen

If there is a phrase to denote a match of high drama, now would be the time to use as tomorrow afternoons match in Gelsenkirchen between die Königsblauen and Werder is a showdown that could decide the fate of both clubs season.

With both teetering on the verge of the bottom half table, thoughts of winning the Bundesliga is out of the question and keeping alive ideas of the Champions League seem like a dream long since forgotten. Respectability and squeezing into a Europa league slot seem a plan well taken and equally both Fred Rutten and Thomas Schaaf have to wonder if they'll be joining the unemployment lines.

The opening of the Rückrunde started with a thud for Schalke, losing 1-0 to Hannover 96 even though they controlled the match. Not to be out-done, Werder decided to boost Arminia Bielefeld hopes of avoiding relegation with a 2-1 loss at home. Laid out very simply, both clubs are well below their goals, have started the second half of the season with disappointment and in desperate need of a win.

Prior to the match, Fred Rutten issued the standard cliches for the media, saying:

"We have to work to get a good result and at home we always go out to win.

"In the two competitive games so far this year you could see that our fighting spirit, organisation and tactics are there.

"So I'm convinced we'll get a good result."

Not to be outdone is peculiar quotes, Werder coach Thomas Schaaf said:

"If we don't get a point against Schalke, it will start getting tight in reaching the international spots.

It's safe to say both sets of quotes mean absolutely nothing and is just posturing for what is likely to be a very tight match.

For the match die Königsblauen will not be concerned with Werder's Claudio Pizarro and Diego as both are suspended. Fred Rutten has virtually the entire club at his disposal, with only Levan Kenia absent. Possibly the most difficult aspect to this match is for Schalke to unlock its defending characteristics and need to push forward in the attack, hunting for a victory.