Werder Bremen vs. Mainz 05: Hosts aiming for three consecutive wins
Werder Bremen will attempt to claim a third consecutive victory on Saturday when they play host to a Mainz 05 side who are winless in their last four matches.
| Photo: Werder Bremen |
Werder Bremen
Bremen have been one of the standout teams in the Bundesliga this season. Not only have they been the Bundesliga's entertainers, but they also enjoyed a successful start to the campaign.
Their nine league games have yielded 34 goals - more than any other side in the top-flight. They are also the Bundesliga's second highest scorers, having scored 20 goals this season.
Bremen's form in the final third has helped them collect 15 points, while they are currently unbeaten in their last three matches. A away draw against Bayer Leverkusen was followed by a commanding 5-1 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
In their most recent encounter, Niclas Füllkrug scored from the spot in the 87th minute to guide his side to a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim. As a result of their fine form, Bremen occupy fifth place, and a win against Mainz would ensure they finish the day in the top four.
The hosts will be concerned that they have won only one of their last eight home Bundesliga home meetings with Mainz. However, they can take confidence from the fact that they have won their last two Bundesliga matches, as they attempt to continue their winning run against Mainz.
Team News
Werner has stated that Leonardo Bittencourt is ruled out through illness, while Milos Veljkovic is also a doubt for Saturday's contest. Bremen are also without the services of Nicolai Rapp, Dikeni Salifou and Jean-Manuel Mbom.
Mainz 05
While their opponents are currently sat in the European places, Mainz head into the weekend in 12th position following a poor spell of form. Bo Svensson's side are winless in their last four league games, while they will be looking to avoid a third consecutive away defeat in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Mainz looked on course to end their winless run last weekend when they faced RB Leipzig. Marcus Ingvartsen gave his side the lead just before half time, but an 80th-minute equaliser from Christopher Nkunku ensured the contest finished all square.
Although the visitors currently sit in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table, they will move level on points with their opponents if they can claim their fourth away victory of the season.
Mainz may have lost their last two away matches, but all three of their league wins this season have come on their travels.
Team News
Svensson has revealed that captain Silvan Widmer is unavailable due to a muscle injury. Mainz are also without the services of Maxim Leitsch and Marlon Mustapha.
