Bayer Leverkusen are fairly good

So maybe that is a "slight" understatement because in-truth Bayer Leverkusen is first in the table for a good reason as no-one has been able to combine attacking influences with a good mandate of defending. Naturally that analysis could be thrown out last week as somehow Karlsruhe played them a 3-3 draw in-which defending took the afternoon off. Considering that match as a one-off, Werkself is far too good of a club to roll out another dud two matches in a row.

Bayer manager Bruno Labbadia knows the importance of this match:

"We've earned our position by playing well and the team have done a lot of things right. It doesn't affect our approach. But if we want to hold on to top spot then we need to beat Schalke and that's important because they are direct competitors for a UEFA Cup place."

Bruno Labbadia is confident of his lineup regardless of last weeks poor play:

"I won't lose my belief in this team just because they didn't play so well for half a game. They deserve that after their performances in recent weeks. I have full confidence in my players."

The one draw-back for them is that Pirmin Schwegler injured his right knee in practice and is unavailable. Their attacking side of Arturo Vidal,Tranquillo Barnetta,Renato Augusto,Patrick Helmes and Stefan Kießling are possibly the best overall group in the Bundesliga and Fred Rutten will need to reinforce die Königsblauen defending lines and ensure the mix-ups against der Kaiser's* club. Schalke is fully-fit with the exclusion of Levan Kenia.

Don't miss this match as it is the best of the weekend.

the Bavarian's come to town

Following Karlsruher's incredible three-goal comeback against Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's visit of Veltins-Arena takes an even greater importance in the table. After getting off to a tough start der Kaiser's forces have turned things around with four straight victories and showing few weaknesses. Problems associated to defending, last seen in their mid-September 5-2 loss to Werder Bremen have long since disappeared and internal squabbling and discipline have as well. Improved performance is obviously in line with Franck Ribéry return to full-stride, thus making Bayern München a threat to score at will. Jürgen Klinsmann will be without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski but Mannschaft capped Philipp Lahm and Luca Toni are back from injury. Toni Kroos and José Sosa have been named as possible replacements for Bastian Schweinsteiger. Klinsmann said the match “It’ll be a no-holds-barred fight." and die Königsblauen is ready to mix it up.

Fred Rutten has his club on five match unbeaten streak and have not allowed a goal in three matches.

Unfortunately Orlando Engelaar will not be available for the match due to suspension and Fabian Ernst will need to step in the clubs tight marking scheme. With Jermaine Jones taking his strategic role in holding with the key target of his work Franck Ribéry, the attacking forces of Ivan Rakitić, Jefferson Farfán, Halil Altıntop and Kevin Kurányi will need to push forward with patience, lest be open to a swift and deadly counter.

Fred Rutten spoke of the match:

"Obviously we want to win at home. "The lads are up for it, I can sense that. But we shouldn't overstate the importance of the game. The title race won't be won or lost on Sunday. After eight games without a defeat we are confident. The outcome of the Bayern game won't change that. They didn't enjoy the best of starts, but Bayern have shown what they're capable of just recently. Bayern Munich have lots of experience, they're a good footballing side and they're in good form. But the same can be said of us, so it's bound to be a good game."