|
European Football
Preview - 27 Oct 2007
More woe for
Stuttgart.
Armin Veh is a man under pressure. The Champions League defeat to
Lyon was Stuttgart's ninth of the season, and perhaps the most
telling of all. In what was a must-win game for the reigning German
Champions, Veh sent his side out to not concede. In fairness, it was
all he could do after the way in which an under-strength Hamburg
side ripped his make-shift defence to shreds three days earlier.
Such a safety-first approach is in complete contrast with the
attacking displays which destroyed the likes of Bayern Munich and
Werder Bremen last season. In their present state, Stuttgart are
almost unrecognisable from the confident young side which remained
unbeaten at home for over a year. In fact, the last three
performances have been a far cry even from the gutsy defeat to
Barcelona and similar early-season losses, where Veh's side were
simply let down by poor defending and wastefulness in front of goal.
The injury-situation shows no signs of improving, with defenders
Arthur Boka and Ludovic Magnin still missing, while captain Fernando
Meira and Mexican International Pavel Pardo are both suspended. This
is in addition to the long-term absences of key players such as
Thomas Hitzelsperger and Matthieu Delpierre.
Bayer Leverkeusen have no such worries, as they look to improve
upon their eighth-placed position. Consistency has been a problem,
but early season signs have been promising. Coach Michael Skibbe has
managed to tighten up the defence, without losing any of his side's
attacking flair. Chilean midfielder Artur Vidal looks an inspired
signing, whilst Swiss playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta and recent
German national team call-up Stefan Kiessling are in outstanding
form. Last season's top-scorer Theofannis Gekas has yet to scale the
heights for his new club, but once he hits form Skibbe could find
himself in possession of a side capable of challenging once more for
a Champions League position.
As far as this game is concerned, Skibbe has bemoaned the fact
that his side have to play again less than 48 hours after their UEFA
Cup triumph over Toulouse. Whilst clearly a negative, there were no
long journeys involved, and confidence should be high. It shouldn't
pass as a reason not to get stuck into a highly-competent
Leverkeusen side, against such vulnerable opposition.
'It could get a lot windier around here yet,' Armin Veh told
reporters after the home defeat by Lyon. He went on to tell the fans
that there are 'no quick fixes'. Don't be surprised to see the
reigning champions stuck in the relegation zone come Monday morning.
VFB Stuttgart v Bayer Leverkeusen. Saturday 14:30.
Recommendation: 4 pts Leverkeusen
+0.25 @ 17/20. Victor Chandler, Stan James.
Ilunga
|