Werder Bremen have collected seven points in their last three matches and head to Gelsenkirchen with confidence that they can snap a long winless drought against Schalke 04 on Saturday 10 November 2012 at 3:30 p.m. "I am confident after working very concentrated during the week. We also come into the game after three successful matches. That gives us confidence for the match," said Werder head coach Thomas Schaaf. "But we also are aware that it will not be an easy task."

After Sokratis returned to practice a day earlier, the coach had fellow centre back Sebastian Prödl back for Friday afternoon's final training. Both were dealing with minor injury knocks during the week. Phillip Bargfrede, on the other hand, had to leave training shortly before it was over as the 23-year-old midfielder experienced problems with his Achilles tendon. The move was a precautionary measure but Schaaf could not say if Bargfrede would be on the team bus for the trip to Gelsenkirchen. "We have to wait and see what comes of the examination. Then we will decide if he can go against Schalke," said Schaaf.

The Werder coach nominated the following 17 players for the game against Schalke: Mielitz, Wolf - Lukimya, De Bruyne, Arnautovic, Ekici, Elia, Schmitz, Hunt, Prödl, Junuzovic, Ignjovski, Akpala, Sokratis, Gebre Selassie, Petersen and Füllkrug.