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European Football
Preview - 06 Oct 2007
Armenia Bielefeld vs Hamburg.
Saturday 14:30.
A three-game losing streak has seen Ernst Middendorp turn from
hero to zero and Arminia crash from second to 11th in the
Bundesliga. "That was a disastrous performance and we need to
bounce back from that," Middendorp stated, after last week's
humiliating 8-1 defeat in Bremen. It was a result no-one could have
predicted, but in truth it was no huge surprise to Bundesliga
followers who have become accustomed to such capitulations from
Middendorp's side. Armenia have now conceded 21 goals in just eight
matches, with 16 of those coming in the second period. Their
beleaguered coach vowed that he will "never ever" field
the same XI which participated in the Bremen debacle again. However,
with Petr Gabriel and Andre Mijatovic still sidelined, switching
things around in defence may not be quite that easy.
Hamburg come into this game having neatly disposed of Litex
Lovech to reach the UEFA Cup group stages. Quite an astonishing
position for the North Germans to be in, considering at the 20 game
stage last season, they were stone-cold last with only 15 points.
Huub Stevens has done a tremendous job in his short time in charge.
Much of his success has been based around a sound defensive set-up,
and ruthlessly efficient away performances. The 'double pivot' of
Nigel De Jong and David Jarolim, allows the outstanding Rafael Van
Der Vaart to weave his magic further up the pitch. The Dutchman is
in fine form, with seven goals to his name already this season.
Take Hamburg to rack up yet another away victory, against a
Bielefeld side who are conceding goals for fun at present.
Recommendation: 4pts Hamburg
Draw No Bet @ 8/11. Stan James.
Ilunga
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