Bremen advantage in duel for the ages

Hamburg are stronger away from home than in their own stadium where the northern Germans have collected just 11 points in 11 matches. Could that be a big help for Bremen? After four straight draws, the Green-Whites are hoping to pick up their 33rd victory in the 96th derby. Back in the mix for Werder is Claudio Pizarro, who is a specialist for the North Derby with 14 goals in 19 matches.

WERDER.DE put together everything interesting you need to know about the showdown for the ages which will once again come up on Saturday 18 February 2012 at 3:30 p.m.

Did you know ...
... that the clubs are playing for the 96th time in the Bundesliga? No other Bundesliga encounter has occurred more often with Werder owning a slight advantage with 32 victories, 33 draws and 30 defeats.

... that Hamburg have won the last three Bundesliga home matches against Werder? This time span also included the two Hamburg defeats in the semi-finals of the German DFB Cup (4-2 after penalties) and UEFA Cup (3-2) during the 2008-09 season.

... that Hamburg have lost only one of their last 13 matches (5 wins and 7 draws)? The current 10th place on the table is the best of the season thus far.

... that Bremen have played to draws in all four games thus far in the second half of the season? The last time Werder played to four straight draws was in 1998 and the club record is five from April-May 1990. In addition, the Green-Whites are winless in their last five away matches (2 draws, three losses).

... that Claudio Pizarro has been part of 20 of the last 26 Bremen goals (14 goals, 6 assists)? His 22 scorer points are only bested by Klaas Jan Huntelaar's 24 in the league. Pizarro has scored more goals against Hamburg (14 times) than against any other team in the Bundesliga. The Peruvian is eligible to play again against Hamburg after being suspended for his fifth yellow card.