Although Werder Bremen are currently struggling in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund will not be taking this match lightly, as three points on Saturday at the Signal Iduna park will ensure Champions League qualification for them.
However, a bigger concern for Die Borussien is the fact that they need to make up the five-point gap that Bayern Munich have opened up at the top of the table. Dortmund’s 64 points from 27 games is the highest the club have ever scored at this stage of any Bundesliga campaign, but the brilliance of Bayern is what has been keeping them from a league title this season.
On the other hand, Bremen will be looking to get something out of this game, as they are dangling just one point above the relegation playoff spot.
Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Burki; Schmelzer, Hummels, Sokratis, Piszczek; Castro, Weigel, Kagawa; Reus, Aubameyang, Mkhitaryan.
Werder Bremen
Possible Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Weidwald; Garcia, Galvez, Vestegaard, Selassie; Grillitsch, Fritz; Bartels, Junuzovic, Oztunali; Ujah.
Key Stats
- Dortmund have scored 15 goals in their last five matches against Bremen.
- Bremen have conceded 10 goals in their last five games, but have also scored 11 times over this period.
- Borussia Dortmund have not lost any of their last 17 Bundesliga matches at the Signal Iduna Park.
- Werder Bremen have lost seven of their last eight matches against Dortmund, in all competitions.
- Dortmund have outscored their opponents in both the halves in five of their last seven clashes against Werder Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Werder Bremen
Die Borussien are on an intense chase for the Bundesliga title and are unlikely to let their foot off the accelerator, in spite of the recent international break. With their top three of Marco Reus, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan firing on all cylinders, it is very difficult to see Bremen getting anything out of the game.
Odds (Paddy Power)
Borussia Dortmund: 1/6
Draw: 6/1
Werder Bremen: 12/1
