Werder Bremen vs Valencia Match Preview
The Germans are the highest scoring team in the Europa League this season, with 22 goals netted since the start of the group stage. They will look to continue to find the back of the onion bag as Valencia comes into town. Bremen only needs to salvage a draw to advance to the quarter finals. Valencia has faced German opposition 20 times. Their record reads 4-8-8 with a 1-1-7 record in Germany.
Bremen will be looking to take capitalize on the home support. They were some what disappointed not to take home a better result playing a 10 man Valencia squad most of the 2nd half. Brazilian defender Naldo commented on the situation in the first leg. \"We had three or four 100% chances to score and we cannot be fully pleased with the second-half display in Spain. We thought we would create chances, Valencia were a man down because of the red card and we didn\'t score as many as we could have done, but I\'m optimistic.\" Frings picked up a hip muscle injury this weekend in Bremen\'s 1-0 victory over Hoffenheim. Also, Ozil is doubtful for the second leg. No matter the loss coach Thomas Schaaf will have his team ready to go on all cylinders. The Peruvian Pizarro will look to add to his scoring tally in the Europa League. Bremen\'s back line can not underestimate Valencia\'s ability to attack. They will need strong direct play from Fritz and Mertesacker.
Valencia will try to over throw the Germans with sheer will and determination. Good news for Los Che is that David Villa returned to training on Monday after siting out with a muscle strain in his left shoulder against Barcelona over the weekend. The Spanish side will be without Ever Banega and Pablo Hernandez. Despite the weakened side, Los Che will be gunning for European glory. They were able to draw level with Bremen with only 10 men in the first leg. They created plenty of chances in the second half and showed a great deal of resiliency. Watch out for the Serbian giant Nikola Zigic to make an appearance for Valencia. He can really create problems on set pieces and corners standing 6\' 6\". Valencia are going to fight their heart out in this second leg. The only question is can their determination out match the German\'s home crowd and class.
