Hamburg, who are managed by former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, have enjoyed a productive season to date and will fancy their chances of claiming an English scalp. After a fourth win in a row (1899 Hoffenheim, 1-0 at home), they surprisingly became one of the main title candidate, with the same number of points as Wolfsburg. Whole season, they have problems with injuries, but Jol always finds a competent substitutes and resulst are stabile. Defenders Alex Silva and Guy Demel are still injured, while Paolo Guerrero and Collin Benjamin have returned to training after ankle and thigh problems, respectively, and could be involved. Anyway, these four are not the standard members of first eleven and will be replaced easily. Their good run of results and home ground make of them a big favorites tonight.
Mark Hughes' side required a penalty shoot-out to see off AaB Aalborg in the last round. They perform very well at home, but away games look like nightmare for The Blues. Four competetive defeats in a row with no scored goal! 2-0 defeat against Arsenal hasn't increased team morale. Vincent Kompany and Nigel De Jong will not have the opportunity to play against their former club. Midfielder Kompany suffered the setback at the weekend and has remained at home for treatment. De Jong is not registered for Uefa Cup. Stephen Ireland and Wayne Bridge have joined to injury list. Stilian Petrov made his comeback for the reserves against Newcastle on Monday and travelled to Germany.
Hamburg is in excellent run of results, leading by Martin Jol. Their performance looks good and consistent. Visitors are without a few very important players. Even with them, they would be in subordinate position. Expekt and the most of others offer 2.oo for Hamburger. I have no dilemmas. Home win.
Werder - Udinese
I expect an open game and goals. Over.
Greuther Furth - Hansa
Home side is fighting for promotion, but doesn't have the stadium that requires the standards for Bundes Liga. Visitors are two points under the relegation line. Like to play 3 for 3 in mutual games. Away win is 4.70 at Expect. Gamble bet for me. Away win.
