Darmstadt vs. Bremen preview: Werder looking for back-to-back wins
Bremen are off on Matchday 6 to face a reeling Darmstadt side, who are yet to even claim a first competitive win of the season.
Darmstadt
It’s been a tough start to the year for Torsten Lieberknecht’s men thus far. They are tied for most goals conceded in league play and were even knocked out of the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
In brighter news, Bremen have never won in four appearances at the Stadion am Böllenfalltor. Darmstadt luckily don’t have to experience the Serhou Guirassy-show this week, but must start picking up points or else a trip back down to the second division awaits.
In his presser, Lieberknecht stated, "Werder have good quality. They have Naby Keita in the squad. That alone shows that it's a different story when you can get players like that into the team. There is no opponent in the first league where you can safely get three points."
Team News
Christoph Zimmermann, Fabio Torsiello, Fraser Hornby, Oscar Vilhelmsson, Fabian Nurnberger, and Braydon Manu are expected to remain sidelined.
Bremen
It’s been a so-so start for Werder who are yet to draw a match. The loss of Niclas Füllkrug has eased with the impressive play of talented youngster Justin Njinmah, and Rafael Borre even scored his maiden goal for the club last week.
Bremen need three points on Sunday before starting a brutal run with seven straight games against opponents all currently in the top ten of the table. Keita could play his first game from the off on Matchday 6, but there are concerns over the fitness of both Marco Friedl and Marvin Ducksch.
When asked about Njinmah, Ole Werner commented, "He's working hard and it's showing in his performances. Like the other players, he'll definitely be a possibility for the starting XI. He'll keep doing what he's doing and everything else will fall into place."
Team News
Niklas Stark is out, while Friedl and Ducksch are questionable after they both left training early on Saturday. Keita had an illness this week, but he will play.