PREVIEW: Schalke hoping to put pressure on Bayern Munich

By Peter Auf der Heyde Mar 11, 2010, 10:36 GMT

Berlin - Not long ago, the German Bundesliga title was going to be decided between two teams: Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

That was three weeks ago and the two clubs were four points ahead of third-placed Schalke 04.

Since then, in just two games, Schalke have managed to turn the four point deficit on Leverkusen into a one point advantage and have also managed to cut Bayern's lead to two points.

Schalke's fans are now expecting their side to go top of the Bundesliga standings - at least for a day.

On Friday, Felix Magath's side take on VfB Stuttgart at home and although the visitors are another of the in-form teams at the moment, Schalke should add three points to their tally to take them to 54.

Magath, who last season sensationally took VfL Wolfsburg to their first-ever title, can call on all his regulars. So can Stuttgart's coach Christian Gross, whose arrival at the club has seen them turn from a relegation candidate into a club challenging for a place in the Europa League.

If Schalke win, their stay at the top should be short-lived as Bayern Munich are expected to secure a win at home against struggling SC Freiburg on Saturday.

Although the record champions from Bavaria lost a Champions League match on Tuesday at Fiorentina 3-2, they still advanced to the quarter-finals and are confident of staying at the top of the Bundesliga.

Germany striker Mario Gomez picked up an injury during the game against Fiorentina and will be out for up to three weeks. But Dutch international Arjen Robben and French midfielder Franck Ribery both came through and will be available for the game against Freiburg.

Leverkusen, who last weekend lost their first game of the season, are desperate to get back to their winning ways after having won just one of their last five games.

Jupp Heynckes' side, who have yet to win a Bundesliga championship, face a tough match at home on Sunday against SV Hamburg who themselves are still well in contention for an Europa League place.

Also chasing a place in the Europe League are Borussia Dortmund, who make the short trip to VfL Bochum for their Ruhr derby on Saturday.

Werder Bremen, who later Thursday were due to play at Valencia in the Europa League, travel to Hoffenheim for their match on Sunday and need to pick up some points to stay in contention for a place in Europe next season.

At the wrong end of the table Hertha Berlin, who already are six points behind the safe 15th place, are involved in a potential six- pointer against fellow strugglers Nuremberg, who currently occupy 15th place.

In other matches on Saturday, Mainz are at home to Cologne, Hanover take on Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Moenchengladbach host Wolfsburg.