Game: ST ETIENNE vs WERDER BREMEN
Type: UEFA CUP
Date: 18 March, 2009
PREVIEW
St Etienne will be looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup Round of 16. Their European adventure have provided a stark contrast to their struggles in the French Ligue 1, where they currently occupy 18th spot with 10 more matches to go. In view of this, the home team will be expected to field a make-shift side as they prepare for this weekend's league match against Lorient.
Opponents Bremen comes into this game backed with a 6 match unbeaten streak. The Germans seem to have overcomed their early season jitters to regain confidence as they trashed rivals Stuttgart 4-0 in last week's Bundesliga match. Away from home, they have only won once in the league but are consistently scoring an average of 2.00 goals per away match. Bremen will be looking to wrap this tie up after the 1st leg win.
KWIK STATS
HOME > ST ETIENNE
AWAY > WERDER BREMEN
THE PICK
Despite Bremen's recovery in the Bundesliga to go unbeaten in their last 6, they have yet to convince many with their awful away form in general. ST ETIENNE are unbeaten at home in their last 8, and could still prove to be a handful for the Germans although not fielding a full-strength team. I'd accept the handicap given as a draw would be enough for Bremen to go through.
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