Match Previews

Bayern Munchen drew 1-1 against rivals Bremen in the Bundesliga.... Ribery (k)(mid), Sagnol (r)(def), van Bommel (r)(mid) and van Buyten (sp)(def) all out injured.... Kahn (k)(gk) out with flu.... Bayern Munchen had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against rivals Werder Bremen in Sunday's Bundesliga top clash. Bayern got surprised by the strong visitors early in the game, but came back before half-time through a goal from Ze Roberto, while Toni saw a penalty saved. Despite a clear optical advantage for most of the match the Bavarians failed to score a match winner and had to settle for a point in the end. Bayern can basically live with the draw though as it keeps them 3 points above Werder at the top of the table. In their quest for 3 pieces of silverware this season, the next task awaits on Thursday when they face an away trip to Scottish side Aberdeen in the Uefa Cup. The Bavarians underlined their ambitions in the Uefa Cup by winning group F after a 6-0 demolition of Greek side Aris Saloniki. Early team news for this match is that key midfielder Ribery remains out injured. While the missing of Jansen is more than compensated by Lahm, Ribery's class in unrivaled and in this light his replacement Schweinsteiger had a disappointing match against Bremen and could drop to the bench. Coach Hitzfeld is considering his options as he has plenty of alternatives with Sosa or even talented youngster Kroos. Another option would be to field support striker Podolski in an attacking midfield role, which already worked out well before in the German national team for instance. Updated team news is that regulars Sagnol and van Bommel and support defender van Buyten all stayed at Munchen with minor injuries and will miss out against Aberdeen. Lell looks a logical replacement for Sagnol on the right-back position, while coach Hitzfeld is still considering his options how to replace van Bommel in defensive midfield as Ottl could get a chance on that position. Latest team news is that influential goalkeeper Kahn is out with flu. This means that Rensing, who struggled with back problems in the past weeks, should normally replace him, while in the worst case scenario 40-year old Dreher would play, but this looks unlikely. Positive news is that left-back Jansen is back from injury and will be on the bench for the first time since months.