Werder Bremen v Lyon preview
Werder Bremen play host to Lyon on Wednesday.
Werder Bremen meet Lyon on Wednesday and Ludovic Magnin has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by their UEFA Champions League opponents.The Bundesliga champions will host the French league winners as both teams compete for a place in the quarter finals and the Swiss international feels compelled to warn his club.
"Lyon might not have the greatest reputation here in Germany, but I can only warn about them, they'll be a very difficult opponent and it's vital to keep a clean sheet," declared the left back.
Werder have re-emerged as serious contenders in the Bundesliga title race by showing excellent form in 2005 and apart from the suspended skipper Frank Baumann, coach Thomas Schaaf will be able to field his best possible team.
Germany forward Miroslav Klose has recovered from flu and is set to partner super-sub Nelson Valdez up front, while Ivan Klasnic, who has already scored five goals in the competition, and new-signing Mohamed Zidan provide useful alternatives for Schaaf.
Denmark youngster Daniel Jensen is expected to fill Baumann's role in midfield and provide defensive cover for gifted French playmaker Johan Micoud, while in-form Germany duo Fabian Ernst and Tim Borowski complete Bremen's midfield diamond.
At the back Schaaf looks set to keep faith in the line-up which impressed in the 4-1 away win over Hannover 96 at the weekend and field Valerien Ismael and Petri Pasanen in the heart of defence, while Canadian Paul Stalteri and Magnin complete the flat back four.
Lyon go into the game having taken a last-gasp point from their trip to Monaco and are dominating in Ligue 1.
The point in the Principality came at a cost, with long-term casualty Claudio Cacapa aggravating a knee injury and will miss the clash in Germany.
Cacapa's absence is likely to prompt coach Paul Le Guen to field Michael Essien at centre half, while young striker Bryan Bergougnoux faces a late fitness test on his ankle.
A blow for Le Guen is that talented full back Anthony Reveillere will miss out with an ankle strain, but the return of striker Sylvain Wiltord will pep up Lyon's attack.
Team Name | Werder Bremen | Lyon |
| Games Played | 6 | 6 |
| Goal Attempts | | |
| Goals | 12 | 17 |
| Ave Goals per game | 2.00 | 2.83 |
| Shots (excl blocked shots) | 83 | 92 |
| % Shots on Target | 43% | 50% |
| % Goals to Shots | 14% | 18% |
| Passing | | |
| Passes Attempted | 2437 | 2561 |
| Overall Pass Completion % | 76% | 76% |
| Crossing | | |
| Total Crosses | 161 | 137 |
| Cross Completion % | 17% | 20% |
| Defending | | |
| Goals Conceded | 6 | 8 |
| Ave goals conceded per game | 1.00 | 1.33 |
| Tackles | 232 | 199 |
| Tackles Won % | 70% | 67% |
| Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions | 841 | 938 |
| Discipline | | |
| Fouls | 105 | 77 |
| Yellow Cards | 15 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
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