Werder Bremen vs. Gladbach preview: Die Werderaner targeting third straight win
| Photo: SV Werder Bremen |
Werder Bremen
Bremen have claimed back-to-back wins to move away from danger and renew their hopes of achieving European qualification. They recorded a 2-0 victory over Stuttgart, before they thumped Augsburg 3-0 in their recent away fixture thanks to goals from Romano Schmid, Marvin Ducksch and Olivier Deman.
Having picked up 37 points from 31 games, Ole Werner’s side are sitting in 11th position and three points adrift of seventh-placed Freiburg. If Bremen are to challenge for a top-seven finish, they cannot afford to drop too many points in their final three matches against Gladbach, RB Leipzig and Bochum.
Die Werderaner will have fond memories of their most recent home game against Gladbach in October 2022. On that occasion, Bremen produced a free-scoring display to cruise to a resounding 5-1 victory and end their seven-year wait for a head-to-head victory.
Team News
Bremen are expected to be without Amos Pieper, Justin Njinmah, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Skelly Alvero. Goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka is closing in on a return, but it remains to be seen whether he will be passed fit for Saturday’s contest.
Gladbach
After mustering 32 points from 31 matches, Gladbach still have work to do to ensure their Bundesliga status. Gerardo Seoane’s side are currently sitting four points above the relegation playoff spot, with three games left to play against Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Die Fohlen have taken just one point from three matches since claiming their last victory against Wolfsburg earlier this month. They suffered back-to-back defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim, before they played out a goalless draw with Union Berlin to leave them without a win in four consecutive home matches.
Their away form has also been uninspiring, with their last 12 Bundesliga road trips producing one win, four draws and seven defeats. They be able to take confidence from the fact they have scored three goals in both of their previous two away games (W1, L1).
Team News
Maximilian Wöber and Grant-Leon Ranos will miss out due to thigh and ankle problems, while Tony Jantschke and Christoph Kramer are both unlikely to feature.