Werder - Udinese
09.04 20:45
Werder is having a very bad season in Bundesliga. They started it in a catastrophic way, and in the first three months only recorded two wins. The main reason for such poor performances was numerous problems this team had with injuries and suspensions of their starters. Later on, the situation changed a bit but they were already too far behind in the standings and since their ranking on the table will most probably not give them the ticket to Europe in the next season, they totally turned to UEFA Cup which could help them play in the European competitions next season as well, in case they win it. The competition among the remaining teams isn’t too tough and none of the teams is unbeatable. Coach Schaaf is very pleased with the recent performances of his players, with the special emphasis on the clashes in UEFA Cup. They knocked out AC Milan and St. Ettiene, and are now entering the clash with Udinese as favs. In their club history, Werder haven’t lost a single match against an Italian side at home playing UEFA Cup. Everybody in their club is hoping they’ll continue with that tradition and that this Northern German team will secure enough big of advantage in the first leg already. Bauman is returning to the squad after suspension, while striker Rosenberg’s status is uncertain cause he injured his back in the last match versus Hannover. Their team could look something like this: Wiese - Prodl, Naldo, Mertesacker, Boenisch - Ozil, Frings, Diego, Niemeyer - Almeida, Pizarro.
A strange season
Udinese is playing with lots of ups and downs this year. They started the season on an excellent note and it seemed like they would be the most serious opposition to the best Italian squads. However, in an 11-game series between November-January, Udinese managed to win only 3 out of possible 33 points. That time period ruined all their hopes about high ranking in Serie A. Still, the relegation is definitely avoided and now all their thoughts are turned to UEFA Cup. They’re the last Italian representative in Europe and will give their best to defend the World Cup’s holders reputation that’s been totally shaken up this year. Coach Marino said that his team has stabilized and isn’t without chances to fight for this trophy. Regardless of their loss in last Sunday’s match against Inter, Marino was satisfied with his team’s play and noted that “The Zebras” were the better side but conceded an unfortunate goal. Udinese will be very handicapped by the missing of their captain Di Natale, who is out for the season. Their main goalie Handanovic also won’t be featuring, adding that Domizzi is returning after suspension. The most probable lineup for Udinese: Belardi, Domizzi, Zapata, Felipe, Pasquale - Inler, D’Agostini, Asamoah - Pepe, Sanchez, Quagliarella.
Goals
Werder is known for their attacking style of play, and Udinese’s coach has pointed out that his team won’t face Werder with a defensive tactics. He’s established the proper formation with three strikers so we should expect an open and exciting match. Werder is the fav to win but the guests from Udiene have proven to be a very tough nut to crack in the past ever since the last round’s clash where they knocked the former UEFA Cup champs Zenit. Pizarro and Diego are totally in-form now, while Quagliarella proved many times that only one careless mistake by the defenders can be enough for him to score a goal. I suggest an over 2.5.
Tip: Over 2.5 goals, Odds 1.82
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