Stuttgart summit for Schalke

By Mark Bennett

Second-placed FC Schalke 04 visit third-placed VfB Stuttgart in the weekend's big game in the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart streak
Stuttgart enter the match on the back of five wins and a draw in their last six outings, reigniting their championship hopes. However, coach Matthias Sammer refuses to be taken in by the media hype surrounding Saturday's game. "We know how important the match is, but I refuse to be judged on one fixture. We must look at the big picture," said Sammer, adding: "We have been getting excellent results in recent weeks and want another win against Schalke."

'Key match'
Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick is sure that the showdown at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion will be "a key match". He said: "Stuttgart have taken 16 points from their last six games, we have 18 from our last seven. That proves that both sides are in form."

Makaay rested
By contrast, leaders FC Bayern München have what on paper at least is a relatively easy home game against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday - with Mönchengladbach only six points off the drop zone. Bayern are likely to rest Roy Makaay, who pulled out of the 4-2 UEFA Champions League defeat at Chelsea FC with a thigh injury.

Kahn knock
Oliver Kahn is also a doubt after picking up a thigh injury. None the less, coach Felix Magath wants maximum points. "We must forget about Chelsea until after Saturday's match," he said. "We must keep the pressure on the other teams involved in the title hunt by beating Borussia."

European ambitions
In Saturday's other ties, Werder Bremen travel to Hamburger SV for a northern derby with both clubs needing a win to boost their European qualifying hopes. Hertha BSC Berlin host SC Freiburg, Bayer 04 Leverkusen tackle BV Borussia Dortmund, 1. FSV Mainz 05 entertain VfL Wolfsburg, and Hannover 96 visit VfL Bochum 1848.

Sunday fixtures
On Sunday, DSC Arminia Bielefeld entertain 1. FC Kaiserslautern while 1. FC Nürnberg receive FC Hansa Rostock at the Frankenstadion. Both sides are desperately seeking points in their battle for Bundesliga survival.