Werder Bremen vs. Union Berlin preview: Die Eisernen aiming for consecutive victories
After beating Hoffenheim at the weekend, Union Berlin will try to claim a second straight victory when they face Werder Bremen on Wednesday.
| Photo: Steffen Prößdorf, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Werder Bremen
Bremen began the new year with a demoralising 7-1 defeat against FC Köln, where they conceded five goals within the opening 36 minutes. After losing 6-1 to Bayern Munich and 2-1 against RB Leipzig in their final two matches of 2022, Bremen have now lost three consecutive league games.
Although Bremen have lost five of their previous seven Bundesliga matches, their promising form towards the start of the season ensures that they currently occupy a midtable place.
If they are to maintain their position at the table then they will need to improve defensively. Ole Werner's side have conceded 34 goals in 16 matches this season, giving them the third-worst defensive record in the topflight.
Bremen have never beaten Union in a Bundesliga home match, after losing both of their previous two home meetings by a 2-0 scoreline.
Team News
The hosts are unable to call upon the services of Romano Schmid and Felix Agu due to injury issues.
Union Berlin
Union appeared to run out of steam in the final few matches of the Hinrunde, but after failing to win any of their final three league games of 2022, they returned from the winter break with a 3-1 home victory over Hoffenheim.
Danilho Doekhi restored parity in the second period after Ilhas Bebou had given Hoffenheim the lead, before Doekhi found the net again in the 89th minute to complete the turnaround. Jamie Leweling added a third in stoppage time, ensuring Union are unbeaten in 14 home league games - a run which stretches back to February last year.
Union currently sit in fourth place, and after Bayern drew 1-1 with FC Köln on Tuesday, they have the chance to move within three points of the league leaders with a win on Wednesday.
While Urs Fischer's side have the joint-best home record in the league, they will be keen to improve upon their recent away record. Union have lost their last three consecutive away games by a combined 11-2 scoreline.
Having lost only one of their last 13 Bundesliga games against promoted sides, Union will be confident that they will be able to at least pick up a point from Wednesday's game.
Team News
Morten Thorsby and András Schäfer are both sidelined for the visitors, while Sven Michel is a doubt.