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Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen: Preview and Team News Ahead of Bundesliga Clash

League leaders Borussia Dortmund will host Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park this Friday after the international break. Under coach Niko Kovač, Dortmund aims to maintain their impressive run of form as they face a Bremen side battling injury troubles.

Match Details

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

Borussia Dortmund Team Update

Dortmund’s defensive line is under significant pressure heading into this match. Midfielder Emre Can remains out with a long-term ACL injury, and young Filippo Mane is sidelined due to a muscle tear. The attack also suffers from absences, with Giannis Konstantelias and Justin Lerma injured.

Defensive concerns deepen as full-backs Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson are doubtful after sustaining knocks while on international duty. Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck faces a late fitness test following a training injury with the German national team. If he passes, he is expected to lead the back three with Waldemar Anton and Joane Gadou in front of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

In midfield, Felix Nmecha and Joey Veerman will likely form the central partnership, while Ethan Nwaneri and Fabio Silva support star striker Serhou Guirassy up front.

Werder Bremen Team Update

Werder Bremen is dealing with a severe injury crisis, missing eight key players. Their midfield is completely depleted as Jens Stage, Senne Lynen, and Skelly Alvero are all ruled out. Defensively, left-backs Moussa N’Diaye and Felix Agu cannot play, pushing Olivier Deman into a critical defensive role.

The attacking line is hit hard too, with strikers Justin Njinmah, Keke Topp, and Salim Musah unavailable. Goalkeeper Karl Hein has recovered from a scare during international duty and will start. A notable positive for Bremen is the return of former Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, who rejoined Bremen on loan from West Ham and is expected to lead the attack, supported by Marco Grüll and Eren Dinkci.

Current Form

  • Borussia Dortmund: Perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign, topping the table with six consecutive wins across competitions. Their last league match was a narrow 1-0 victory away at VfB Stuttgart. They have conceded only twice in four matches and scored nine goals, all from open play.
  • Werder Bremen: After a heavy 4-1 loss to Freiburg in the opener, Bremen has gathered seven points from nine available since. They recently beat Augsburg 3-2 at home and drew 3-3 with RB Leipzig, plus a 1-1 draw at Köln. Currently eighth, this marks their best top-flight season start 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

Broadcast Information

The match between Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen will be available free-to-air in the UK.

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