Werder Bremen vs. FC Köln preview: Füllkrug is back
Köln travel to Bremen in hopes of continuing their improved form, as both clubs begin to plan ahead for the 2023/24 campaign.
Werder Bremen
In their return to the first division, Bremen have completed the sole important task of staying up. Now, over their final two games, they’ll want to take something with them heading into the new season.
Niclas Füllkrug has an excellent chance of securing the scoring title this season, in what could be his last campaign at the club. This could also be a farewell home match for Marvin Ducksch, who is linked with a move to several other clubs in the league.
Ole Werner commented, "Köln are coming in with momentum and are a physical team, that's why I'm glad that the squad situation has improved again. We want to pick up points on Saturday and ideally also achieve our aim for the season."
Team News
Ducksch, Christian Groß, and Marco Friedl are questionable and trained individually this week. Füllkrug participated in full team training and is expected to play. Amos Pieper, Felix Agu and Dikeni Salifou are all still unavailable.
It was announced this week that Justin Njinmah will return to the squad next season after a long spell with Dortmund II.
FC Köln
It’s been a confusing 2023 for the Billy Goats, who’ve encountered numerous ups and downs over the last few months. But, over these last few weeks, the team has steadily improved and easily distanced themselves from the relegation zone.
This will be Jonas Hector’s final away game with Köln on Saturday, as the captain is set to hang up his boots after the season. The storied club want to end this campaign on a high note, as it could be a difficult summer with a transfer ban looming.
In his presser, Steffen Baumgart said, “I expect a really good game at the weekend. The stadium will be full, the atmosphere will be buzzing. We want to play our way and win the game, that will be a tough task.”
Team News
Baumgart confirmed that Steffen Tigges will start on the weekend, while Davie Selke will be on the bench. He also stated that Benno Schmitz will start from the off following a suspension, while Mark Uth, Florian Dietz, and Sebastian Andersson remain out.