Hoffenheim vs. Werder Bremen preview: Hosts desperate to end winless run
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim have experienced a disappointing run of results since beating Holstein Kiel 3-2 on the opening day of the Bundesliga season. In fact, they have been unable to add to their points tally since that narrow victory, having lost each of their last three league games against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin.
Die Kraichgauer did at least halt their losing run in Wednesday’s Europa League opener against Midtjylland. Dario Osorio opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, before Max Moerstedt netted an 89th-minute equaliser to ensure Hoffenheim returned from Denmark with a hard-fought point.
Hoffenheim will now turn their attention back to league action as they look to continue their recent run of wins games against Bremen. Die Kraichgauer have won each of their last three head-to-head meetings, including a 2-1 win in March’s home clash.
Team News
Hoffenheim are unable to call upon Ihlas Bebou, Grischa Prömel, Finn Ole Becker, Ozan Kabak, David Jurasek and Dennis Geiger.
Werder Bremen
Bremen have experienced a mixed start to the Bundesliga season, having won one, drawn two and lost one of their four league matches. Ole Werner’s side kicked off the campaign with draws against Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund, before they claimed a narrow 2-1 away victory over Mainz. However, their unbeaten start to the season was brought to an abrupt end by free-scoring Bayern Munich. Michael Olise netted a brace and provided two assists to help Bayern clinch a dominant 5-0 victory over Bremen at the Weserstadion.
Incidentally, the result represented Bremen’s first Bundesliga defeat since they fell to another 5-0 loss against Bayer Leverkusen in April. After being swept aside last weekend, die Werderaner will hope to bounce back by extending their unbeaten away league run to five matches. Bremen will travel to the PreZero Arena with hopes of clinching their first win over Hoffenheim since recording a 2-1 win in October 2022.
Team News
Bremen are without the injured duo of Justin Njinmah and Miloš Veljkovic, while Marco Friedl will serve the second game of a two-match suspension.