Following a 2-0 win against Union Berlin last weekend, SV Werder Bremen are seeking to build on this result as they travel to face VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday (5/11/2023, 15:30 CET). The Green-Whites are hoping to pick up their first points on the road this season and to putting an end to their run of poor results away from home.
Team news: "Jiri Pavlenka, Naby Keïta, Christian Groß and Nicolai Rapp are ill and will all miss the match. Everyone else is an option to make the matchday squad," head coach Ole Werner said at the pre-match press conference on Friday. Niklas Stark was also able to return to team training after being sidelined for several weeks with an injury, and will travel with the team this weekend. The coaching staff are planning to give him a few minutes of game time, as it's still too early for a full return.
Ole Werner on the opponent: "Wolfsburg have a lot of quality in every position and they have an excellent centre forward in Jonas Wind. In my opinion, they will be one of the teams competing for a spot in Europe next season. They've got a lot of pace in their side and are organised, but they've struggled to stay consistent over 90 minutes. We have to recognise these phases and capitalise on them."
Previous meetings: The two sides are set to meet for the 51st time in the Bundesliga, with both Werder and Wolfsburg having won 20 time apiece (D10). Just one of the previous encounters has ever ended goalless, on matchday 15 in 2010/11. Werder came out on top the last time they faced Wolfsburg, winning 2-1 in the second half of last season thanks to a brace from Niclas Füllkrug (Kevin Paredes scored for the Wolves).
Strong at defending set pieces: Both teams have been strong at defending set pieces so far this season. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels has let in just one goal from a dead ball this term, conceding a penalty against Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy – a league best. The Green-Whites are also yet to concede from a free kick in 2023/24 – another league best.
Counter-attacks will be key: Werder will be hoping to catch Wolfsburg on the break this weekend. The Wolves have completed the most sprints of any side this season, as well as the most intensive runs in the division. However, only two teams have managed more shots from counter-attacks this season than SVW (12). Wolfsburg are still waiting to score their first goal on the counter.
