Bayer Leverkusen will look to remain within striking distance of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich when they travel to Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion on Saturday.
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Leverkusen, currently fourth in the table with 14 points from seven matches, are only three points behind Bayern. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen, sitting eighth with 11 points, are hoping to build on their recent 4-2 win over Wolfsburg.
Match Preview
Werder Bremen, under the guidance of manager Ole Werner, secured a 4-2 victory against Wolfsburg in their last outing. Although they initially went behind after conceding in the 19th minute, Mitchell Weiser equalized in first-half stoppage time.
By the 67th minute, Bremen had taken a commanding 3-1 lead, and ultimately created four big chances while registering 15 shots, compared to Wolfsburg’s three big chances and 14 shots.
Werner acknowledged his team’s sloppy start but praised their persistence and discipline in sticking to the game plan. However, consistency remains a challenge for Bremen, as they haven’t won two consecutive Bundesliga games since April.
Their home form is also a concern, with two consecutive home losses in the league and only two wins at Weserstadion in their last 10 home matches.
Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw by Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, where they struggled to create scoring opportunities.
Manager Xabi Alonso made eight changes to his side for that match, following their recent 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen’s league form remains strong, having scored 18 goals this season while conceding 13. They are the second-best offensive team in the Bundesliga, though their defensive record ranks them 11th.
Despite occasional defensive frailties, Leverkusen have been hard to beat, with five wins and three draws in their last eight games.
Team News
Werder Bremen will be without Jens Stage, who is sidelined with a calf injury until mid-November. Marco Grull and Niklas Stark will also miss out, with Stark’s absence likely leading to a back three consisting of Julian Malatini, Marco Friedl, and Amos Pieper.
Leonardo Bittencourt and Senne Lynen are expected to start in midfield, while Marvin Ducksch will lead the attack.
Bayer Leverkusen are dealing with the long-term absence of Amine Adli, who fractured his leg in the Champions League match against Brest.
Xabi Alonso is likely to field a forward line featuring Martin Terrier and Florian Wirtz behind Victor Boniface. Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie are set to form the defensive trio, with Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich playing in midfield.
Possible Lineups
Werder Bremen possible starting lineup:
- Zetterer; Malatini, Friedl, Pieper; Agu, Bittencourt, Lynen, Kohn; Weiser, Schmid; Ducksch
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
- Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface
Prediction:
Although Leverkusen’s defense has shown vulnerabilities, their offensive firepower has been a standout this season. Werder Bremen may find it difficult to contain Leverkusen’s attack if the visitors take an early lead.
A clean sheet for Leverkusen may be unlikely, but they should have enough quality to secure a victory.
Prediction: Werder Bremen 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen
