Match Previews

Werder Bremen are outsiders after a 1-1 draw in the home leg.... poor season so far for Bremen while a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Cottbus in the Bundesliga puts them in further misery.... Frings (k)(mid) returns from suspension.... Hunt (sp)(mid), Wiese (r)(gk) and Vranjes (sp)(mid) out.... Werder Bremen are only outsiders to reach the next round in the Uefa Cup now after a 1-1 home draw against Milan last week. Bremen basically played a decent match, but failed to take their chances while they could be happy with the draw in the end thanks to a late goal from Diego. In the Bundesliga Bremen are having a nightmare of a season so far and were dealt further disappointment with a 2-1 defeat away at lowly Energie Cottbus. In a hard-fought encounter a goal from Almeida gave Bremen the lead early in the 2nd half, but in the end Cottbus shocked them with a last-minute match-winner. This leaves the team of coach in a lowly 11th place as they look to miss out their season target by miles. In this light Thursday's match at Milan provides a last straw to save the season. Early team news is that midfielder Frings returns from suspension which is a boost. Key striker Pizarro returns into the squad and should reclaim his place in attack after missing out against Cottbus for disciplinary reasons. Hunt returned in training, but is not yet in the squad with a fitness deficit. Updated team news is that goalkeeper Wiese (muscular problems) remains out which should see Vander start in goal. Furthermore Vranjes remains out with a fitness deficit. Bremen are hardly giving out any info before this match as they want to speak with their feet tonight. Besides the missing of goalkeeper Wiese, coach Schaaf can field his strongest starting 11.