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Stuttgart hopes to continue climb at Bremen

Fri 5th, March 2010

Bremen, Germany (Sports Network) - Stuttgart has moved safely out of the drop zone in its first nine games since Christian Gross became manager in December, and now sits within reach of a European spot with 10 weeks left in the season.

Stuttgart stuck with Markus Babbel through 15 matches, but following a draw on Dec. 5 against Bochum, turned to Gross to try and overcome a 2-7-6 start.

Gross has guided Stuttgart to seven wins in his nine matches in charge, and to a 7-1-1 overall record. Stuttgart defeated Eintracht 2-1 last weekend to climb into the top half and now a European spot is next on the coach's list entering Saturday's match at Werder Bremen.

Stuttgart is just five points out of fifth place and a Europa League spot, and Bremen is "one of (our) direct opponents," Gross said on the league's website.

Stuttgart dropped a 2-0 decision at home to Bremen in October, but will try to get three points back at Weserstadion. Bayern Munich, which moved into first a week ago, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke have separated themselves in the first three spots, but the pair of Europa League berths remain up for grabs.

Cacau has emerged in Stuttgart's last three games, scoring seven of the teams' eight goals in two Bundesliga and one Champions League match. Cacau opened the streak with four goals in 5-1 win over Cologne, scored the lone goal in a 1-1 draw against Barcelona, then scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Eintracht.

Cacau leads Stuttgart with eight goals despite only 12 starts, and Gross hopes he continues his recent form in the key match against Bremen.

"We are looking forward to this match a lot and we want to close the gap to the top teams further," Gross said.

Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf admitted his side is also focused on getting a win so it can remain in contention for a European spot and leave Stuttgart further out of the picture.

"We want to create some more space from our competitors and at the same time make our way into the forefront. We need results and points so that the teams up top cannot relax," Schaaf said on the team's website.

Bremen picked up 10 points last month, and is just one point behind Borussia Dortmund for fifth place. Hamburg is two points away in fourth.

Werder will have goalie Tim Wiese this weekend, although he missed Germany's friendly against Argentina on Wednesday. Schaaf does have concerns, though, as defenders Clemens Fritz and Sebastian Boenisch are injured and Petri Pasanen is doubtful. In addition, midfielders Peter Niemeyer and Philipp Bargfrede are doubtful.

"We have several options," Schaaf said, "and I'm sure we will manage to come up with something."

Bayern plays its first match atop the standings since May 2008 when it visits Koln on Saturday. Bayern has oddly struggled at home against Koln, but has not lost on the road in the series since 1995.

Also Saturday, Eintracht hosts Schalke, Hamburg hosts Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg hosts Bochum, Eintracht hosts Schalke, Freiburg hosts Hannover, and Borussia Dortmund hosts Monchengladbach.

On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen will try to extend its season-long unbeaten streak to 25 matches at Nurnberg, and Hoffenheim hosts Mainz.

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