SV Werder Bremen welcome TSG Hoffenheim to the wohninvest WESERSTADION on Saturday, 7th October (18:30 CEST). The Green-Whites will be hoping for a win in front of their own fans and to keep their winning streak at home going after last week’s disappointing defeat in Darmstadt. A result in Saturday’s game would be their third win in a row at home following victories over Mainz and Köln.
The squad: Ole Werner announced in Thursday’s press conference that Niklas Stark (groin issues) and Olivier Deman (illness) were doubts for the game. The medical department confirmed these suspicions before the final training session ahead of the game. Amos Pieper didn’t partake in the final training session and won’t be involved in the game due to muscle problems. Marco Friedl won’t be in the matchday squad, despite recovering from abdominal issues.
Ole Werner on the opposition: “They're a team with lots of experience and quality in every position. They always play with a lot of energy from the outset and have picked up a top target man in the form of Wout Weghorst. Their current place in the table is fitting for a squad of their calibre and they have clearly defined roles within the team. However, every opposition gives you something you can exploit, which we aim to do at the weekend."
Overall record: These sides have played one another 29 times in the Bundesliga. SVW have won 11 of their encounters, with TSG victorious in seven. The honours have been even on ten occasions. Werder last beat Hoffenheim at home on matchday 31 of the 2013/24 season. They won 3-1 thanks to goals from Philipp Bargfrede, Santiago Garcia and Nils Petersen, while Kevin Volland scored for Hoffenheim.
Aerial threat: Only two teams have scored more goals from headers than SVW this season. They are far in front of TSG, who haven’t scored a header this term, with four. SVW should be wary of Hoffenheim’s crossing, however. Despite having no headed goals, TSG have scored the third-most goals in the league following crosses.
A likely goalfest: The only 0-0 draw between the two sides in the Bundesliga was on matchday 23 of the 2008/09 season. SVW have also been clinical in front of goal at home this season, having scored three of their four clear-cut chances. TSG, the strongest away side in 2023/24, have scored in every game so far.
