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Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen: Preview and Team Updates

Borussia Dortmund, currently leading the Bundesliga, will host Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park this Friday following the international break. Manager Niko Kovač's squad aims to keep their strong momentum going.

  • Date: Friday, 9th October
  • Kick-off: 7:30pm BST
  • Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Dortmund faces a tough defensive situation ahead of the match. Midfielder Emre Can remains out due to a long-term ACL injury, and Filippo Mane is sidelined with a muscle tear. Injuries also impact their attack, with Giannis Konstantelias and Justin Lerma unavailable.

The defense is a major concern. Full-backs Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson are doubtful after injuries sustained during international duty. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is trying to recover in time for a late fitness test after a training injury with Germany. If he passes, the back three will likely be Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, and young Joane Gadou, protecting goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

In midfield, Felix Nmecha and Joey Veerman are expected to control the centre, while Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Silva support striker Serhou Guirassy upfront.

Werder Bremen Team News

Werder Bremen faces an even bigger injury challenge, missing eight key players. The midfield trio of Jens Stage, Senne Lynen, and Skelly Alvero are all out. Defensively, left-backs Moussa N’Diaye and Felix Agu cannot play, meaning Olivier Deman must fill a critical defensive role.

The attack has been hit hard too, with strikers Justin Njinmah, Keke Topp, and Salim Musah sidelined. Goalkeeper Karl Hein has recovered from an injury scare on international duty and is ready to start.

A notable boost for Bremen is the return of former Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, who recently rejoined the team on loan from West Ham. Füllkrug is in fine form and will lead the attack alongside Marco Grüll and Eren Dinkci.

Recent Form

  • Borussia Dortmund: They have started the Bundesliga perfectly, winning all six matches across competitions before the break. Their last league game was a narrow 1-0 victory away at VfB Stuttgart. Dortmund’s defense has been solid, conceding only two goals in four league games, while scoring nine from open play.
  • Werder Bremen: After a heavy opening day loss (4-1 to Freiburg), Bremen gathered seven points from the next nine available. They won 3-2 at home against Augsburg, drew 3-3 with RB Leipzig, and shared points 1-1 away at Köln. Sitting eighth, they have their best start to a top-flight season since 2022.

Predicted Starting Lineups

  • Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Gadou; Svensson, Nmecha, Veerman, Beier; Nwaneri, Silva; Guirassy
  • Werder Bremen: Hein; Arthur, Friedl, Pieper, Deman; Regeer, Reis; Dinkci, Chuki, Grull; Füllkrug

How to Watch

This match is available free-to-air in the UK, allowing fans to watch without subscription.

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