Bundesliga Werder Bremen Vs Wolfsburg

Bremen have made a shaky start to the year, with a goal from Fullkrug of little solace in the 7-1 loss at Cologne last weekend. The Green-Whites were much improved on Wednesday, but they let a lead slip in a 2-1 home defeat against Union Berlin.

As a result Bremen are still reasonably comfortable in 11th at the halfway stage of the campaign, but also well aware that things could turn quickly given they are only five points clear of the relegation play-off place.

Ole Werner could shuffle his pack this week but his side will again be dependent on German World Cup participant Fullkrug – who helped Bremen get a point against Wolfsburg in the reverse fixture.

They’ll also hope that, having moved on to five assists over the last two games, fellow attacker and Bundesliga 2 promotion hero Marvin Ducksch can add to his three top-flight goals this season.

Wolfsburg make the short trip north with the wind in their sails (in more ways than one). A six-game winning run has propelled the Wolves to the cusp of the top four, while they’ve kicked off 2023 by scoring 11 goals without reply against Freiburg (6-0) and Hertha Berlin (5-0).

Denmark international Jonas Wind has accounted for three of them, more than papering over any perceived cracks left by the injured Lukas Nmecha. Nmecha’s younger brother Felix remains a doubt after missing the Hertha rout, though Sweden international midfielder Mattias Svanberg proved himself to be quite the able deputy with a goal and two assists in the capital.

Left-back Nicolas Cozza is another option for head coach Niko Kovac after completing a switch from Montpellier in midweek.

Nico Kovac’s side are attempting to win their seventh straight Bundesliga game as they look to continue their resurgence after a tough start to the season.

The Wolves sit in 7th place, just two points off the Champions League places.

Werder Bremen on the other hand are in 11th place after suffering back-to-back defeats since the restart of the league.

Bremen narrowly lost midweek to Union Berlin but are still reeling from the 7-1 thrashing from Koln last weekend.

The home faithful will be hoping for a shock result this weekend to kick start their 2023.

Werder Bremen on Bundesliga

Bremen will continue without their midfield playmaker Romano Schmid on Saturday as he recovers from a knee injury.

The Green and Whites will also be without wing-back Felix Agu who is side-lined with a patella tendon injury.

Except for the two afore mentioned men, Ole Werner has a full squad to utilise as he tries to recapture some of their pre-World Cup form.

Wolfsburg on Bundesliga cup

Full-back Otavio will be available once again when the Wolves travel to the Weserstadion on Saturday after missing midweek’s win against Hertha Berlin through suspension.

The Nmecha brothers, Felix and Lukas will both be missing from this weekend’s game as they both continue to recover from injuries.

Wolfsburg fans will have been happy to see Patrick Wimmer midweek as he was doubtful after coming off with an injury in last weekend’s victory over Freiburg.

Werder Bremen: Niclas Fullkrug at league

Fullkrug has been the go to man for newly-promoted Werder Bremen this season with an outstanding 11 goals so far this season.

The traditional number nine earned his first Germany cap at the 2022 Qatar World Cup with his early season form.

The 29-year-old’s performances have also earned him two Player of the Month awards so far this season as he strives to win the Kicker-Torjägerkanone.

If Bremen are to have any success against an in-form Wolfsburg then they will need their talisman to be on top form.

Wolfsburg: Jonas Wind at league

Wolfsburg have had problems replacing Wout Weghorst ever since the Dutchman left the Wolves back in January 2022 but it seems Jonas Wind may finally be filling the now Red Devil Weghorst’s boots.

Wind has scored three goals this week as the Bundesliga returned from a three month break.

The striker has been ravaged by injuries in his first season at the Wolves but now with full fitness he is showing why the club paid an eight figure fee for the Danish International.