Bremen lead charge for Europe

'Clear goal'
Bremen lead the way, two points clear of Schalke with Hamburg and Stuttgart four further adrift, yet a daunting trip to Hamburg awaits tomorrow night which could blow the battle wide open. Their nerves will be further tested if Schalke and Stuttgart can add to the pressure with away victories this evening. Out-going champions VfB face a tough trip to BV Borussia Dortmund, and having enjoyed a taste of UEFA Champions League action this term, midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger is keen to seal a return. "We have a tricky, but short path lying ahead of us," he said. "We have to muster full concentration, but we have a clear goal in sight."

Rakitić bullish
Their realistic goal is probably third and a spot in the third qualifying round, though Schalke harbour real aspirations of grabbing the group stage berth that finishing as runners-up to Bayern will bring. They journey to mid-table VfL Bochum 1848, and Ivan Rakitić is bristling with confidence, vowing: "We will still pip Bremen, rest assured. But now only victory against Bochum counts." That would lift them above Bremen, a telling blow perhaps for Thomas Schaaf's team ahead of Wednesday's hanseatic derby.

Self-determined
Any bad news will be tempered by the return of Diego, however, after the mercurial playmaker missed the 2-0 weekend win at home to FC Energie Cottbus due to thigh problems. "We should not be thinking so much about the other teams," said Daniel Jensen, whose side are five matches unbeaten in the Bundesliga. "We just have to focus on ourselves." Hamburg may rush back some recent absentees of their own, with Collin Benjamin, Vincent Kompany and Mohamed Zidan all likely to be risked as Hamburg seek to keep the flickering flame of hope alight. "It all depends on us now," said HSV midfielder David Jarolím.