Borussia Dortmund vs. Werder Bremen preview: BVB look to stay undefeated
Dortmund are trying to keep their record perfect against a feisty Werder Bremen side, coming off a string of draws and hoping for an upset.
| Gregor Kobel. | Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Borussia Dortmund
After an incredible second half comeback against Freiburg last weekend, Dortmund will go again with a newly-promoted side coming to the Signal Iduna Park. Substitutes Marius Wolf, Youssoufa Moukoko and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens were vital on Matchday 2, as Wolf is likely to replace Thomas Meunier in the starting lineup.
Center-back Niklas Süle is not quite ready to immediately start, but could see some late-game minutes as a substitute. Anthony Modeste badly wants his first goal in the black and yellow, as he’ll again start as BVB’s front-man. Winger Karim Adeyemi should be available, but isn’t likely to be rushed back from the off.
Bremen present a welcoming sight for captain Marco Reus, who’s recorded 14 goals and 8 assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances against the club.
Coach Edin Terzic believes this won’t be a walk in the park: "Werder had a turbulent year with deserved promotion at the end. The two-man forward with Füllkrug and Ducksch is their centerpiece, very dangerous. A courageous team, strong in tackles. We have to win the game with our weapons."
Team News
Sebastien Haller and Tom Rothe are Dortmund’s only expected absentees, as Terzic added, "There is good news in terms of personnel. Almost all the boys are coming back. Salih Özcan is there, Niklas Süle is also coming back. Jude Bellingham and Rapha Guerreiro couldn't train yesterday, but they should also be back today."
Werder Bremen
Bremen are also technically undefeated with two draws to begin their season against Wolfsburg and Stuttgart. After suffering a muscle injury, forward Marvin Ducksch is expected to suit up against his former club.
Attacking partner Niclas Füllkrug has impressed to start the season with two quick goals. But, Bremen have a lot of defending work on their hands, as keeper Jiri Pavlenka will undoubtedly be under duress. The back three of Friedl, Velijkovic and Pieper could be the deciders of this game.
Manager Ole Werner added that, "Dortmund are a team with a lot of power. You look at what the opposition does and you think about how you can defend against them with your own weapons. It is important, however, not only to defend but to be dangerous ourselves."
Team News
Jean-Manuel Mbom is out with an achilles injury and Dikeni Salifou is unavailable with an abductor issue.
