Werder Bremen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Two teams trying to avoid a relegation battle

Werder Bremen

This contest is effectively a must-win for Werder Bremen.

The sky is falling at the Weserstadion, and the only way they can save themselves is by securing all three points here. They’re at home again, and they’re not facing one of the Bundesliga’s elite. This is their chance.

Bremen’s winless run was extended a few days ago as they lost 2-0 versus Hoffenheim. On the surface, this wasn’t the worst result. They played alright, and the opposition are simply operating at a higher level at the moment. However, the way things went down was especially frustrating.

Manager Horst Steffen set up his team not to lose. The plan was working somewhat for Werder, but then an absolute screamer out of nowhere put them behind going into the break. Just when it felt like they got a lucky break after Hoffenheim had a man sent off, they were once again burned by a refereeing decision as the goal they gave up moments later really shouldn’t have stood due to a foul in the build-up. 

All the pressure was on the Green-Whites to create at that point, and they failed to deliver. Their lack of creativity was on show, usually settling for an aimless cross lumped into the area to no one in particular. When they tried to pass and move on the edge of the area, they either had a shot blocked or hit it miles off frame.

One of the few bright spots was substitute Samuel Mbangula. You would think that would be a plus for the manager, but it’s actually a negative. Mbangula was signed for big-money in the summer, and he’s usually impressed whenever he’s come on. The issue is Steffen refuses to trust him, dropping him to the bench time and time again instead of starting him. It’s become a real problem.

The head coach has his back against the wall, and he has to step up. To his credit he’s tried to change some things, and sometimes the players let him down with a silly mistake at the back or poor decision-making going forward. However, he knows how this business goes, and he realizes he’ll be the first person sacrificed if change is needed.

While the club has stated they believe in him and want to give him as much time as possible, the walls are closing in. Bremen cannot afford to risk relegation, and if it means making a coaching change, then they’ll do just that. Steffen is likely in a spot where he must win.

What could save him is that Werder are putting in solid performances. They could have absolutely taken a point off Bayer Leverkusen on the road if things went a little differently. If they play the way they have for periods as of late, they should be able to finally pick up a victory this Saturday.

If they fall flat, though, then Die Werderaner will be in legitimate trouble, and Steffen might find himself out of a job. Maybe that pressure is what they need to kick them back into gear. Then again, it might be exactly what brings them down. 

Team news

Bremen’s long-term defensive absentees are the same, those being Mitchell Weiser, Felix Agu, Maximilian Wöber, and Niklas Stark. Amos Pieper joins them following surgery, while Issac Schmidt probably won’t be cleared from concussion in time. Victor Boniface remains out.

Predicted lineups

Backhaus, Sugawara, Coulibaly, Friedl, Deman, Lynen, Stage, Njinmah, Schmid, Mbangula, Milosevic

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Things are looking better for Borussia Mönchengladbach, but not by too much.

They made a dream return to Bundesliga action following the international break, smacking Augsburg 4-0 at home in a game they were up three before the 35th minute. However, they then had a nightmare of a follow-up when they gave up five goals on the road to Hoffenheim.

Gladbach took on Hamburg, and they tied the newly-promoted side 0-0 for the second time this season. They were a little lucky to get a point when you look at the statistics. They did not get away with anything in their next fixture, losing 3-0 to VfB Stuttgart. 

In terms of the standings, Die Fohlen are in a tricky spot. On one hand, they’re tied for 10th, setting themselves up for a prime midtable finish. On the other hand, they’re only two points clear of 15th, which would put them right in the thick of the relegation fight. There’s some room for error, as they’re five points safe of the playoff and six points safe of automatic relegation.

One of the stories of the season has been Borussia’s frontman, Haris Tabakovic. The journeyman has found a home at the Borussia-Park, scoring nine goals so far this campaign. Only three players have more, and two of them play for Bayern Munich so they don’t really count. The Bosnian has developed into a real threat in the box, and he’s helped keep his side in a strong position. 

While it’s not a must-win game, Mönchengladbach will see this as a real opportunity to put some extra space between themselves and the bottom of the pack. They have a solid away record, and they’ve shown they can secure results in matches like this. A loss would be disappointing, and it'd keep supporters worried about the future. 

Team news

The Foals are without a number of key players, as the likes of Kevin Diks, Giovanni Reyna, Nathan N'Goumou, Robin Hack, and Tim Kleindienst are all unavailable for selection.

Predicted lineups

Nicolas, Scally, Takai, Elvedi, Ullrich, Sander, Reitz, Neuhaus, Sarco, Tabakovic, Machino