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Real out to puncture Barca euphoria at Bernabeu
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-18 11:48
Bayern are top by five points after a brilliant 3-1 win at home to closest
rivals Werder Bremen before the two-week break.
Sebastian Deisler, a potential long-term replacement for Ballack, is also
doubtful with a foot injury but trained on Thursday and has a better chance of
facing 11th-placed Bielefeld.
FULL DEBUT
The good news for Bayern is that defender Philipp Lahm could be fit to make
his full debut on Saturday.
Lahm suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury towards the end of a two-year
loan spell at VfB Stuttgart and has yet to feature for his hometown club.
The 22-year-old left back came through a 45-minute workout for Bayern's
second string this week and Magath will probably name him among the substitutes.
Bayern suffered a 3-1 defeat by Bielefeld in the corresponding fixture last
season and have reason to be wary again about the long trip north.
Bielefeld have scored seven goals in their last two home games, providing
excellent wins over Hertha Berlin and Hanover 96 and keeping the side well clear
of trouble.
Bremen, who stayed second despite their loss to Bayern, will aim to get back
on track at home to an inconsistent VfL Wolfsburg side on Saturday.
Defender Kevin Hofland is suspended for Wolfsburg after his sending off
against Cologne in their last match.
Hamburg SV, in third place six points behind Bayern, will welcome Rafael van
der Vaart back after a three-match ban when they host Duisburg on Sunday.
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