Verdict: Harry Kane to score
Best odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
Bayern Munich, the perennial champions of the Bundesliga, will be kicking off their 2023/24 season with a trip to the Weserstadion in Bremen as they aim for a 12th consecutive title. Werder will, on the other hand, be seeking a way to make a strong statement against such a formidable rival in front of their own fans.
Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen’s recent struggles in the first game of Bundesliga seasons and their historical record against Bayern Munich certainly highlight the challenging task they face in this upcoming match. The fact that they have not won their opening fixture in the past eight seasons adds an extra layer of pressure to their start.
The slim home loss to Bayern Munich towards the end of the previous season showcases the level of competition they are up against. Ending the season on a poor note with a series of losses and a mid-table finish must have left them determined to bounce back stronger this time around.
However, their exit from the DFB-Pokal against a lower-tier team like Viktoria Koln is certainly a setback and could impact their confidence heading into the new season. The reliance on Niclas Fullkrug for goals is evident, and his performance will be crucial in their quest for a more stable season.
With these factors in mind, Werder Bremen’s start to the new Bundesliga campaign could be pivotal in setting the tone for their journey ahead. A positive result against Bayern Munich would not only be a confidence boost but could also signal their intent to avoid another struggle for survival.
Team News
Ole Werner’s squad for this season has been boosted by the arrival of midfielder Naby Keita on a free transfer from Liverpool, and the Guinea international will be hoping to leave his injury problems behind as he embarks on a new chapter. Senne Lynen, also a midfielder, has come in from Belgian side Union SG, while striker Dawid Kownacki arrived as a free agent from Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Meanwhile, notable departures include midfielder Niklas Schmidt, who will now be playing for Toulouse in Ligue 1, and defender Fabio Chiarodia, who has joined Bundesliga rivals Borussia Monchengladbach.
Keita’s troubles, however, don’t seem to be over yet – he is currently unavailable for selection through a groin problem picked up in pre-season.
With Jiri Pavlenka between the posts, the trio of Milos Veljkovic, Niklas Stark and Marco Friedl should form the last line of defence. Jens Stage and Leonardo Bittencourt are expected to hold the middle of the park, with Mitchell Weiser and Anthony Jung covering the flanks. Upfront, newcomer Kownacki could join Marvin Ducksch in providing support for Fullkrug.
Bayern Munich
The summer has been rather eventful for the Bavarians, both on and off the pitch. Their pre-season included a remarkable 27-0 win over Rottach-Egern, but the first competitive match they played was a shocking 0-3 defeat to RB Leipzig in the DFB Super Cup.
The fact that Bayern have an impeccable record against Werder Bremen, being unbeaten in 31 competitive matches against them, is certainly a psychological advantage. Thomas Tuchel’s successful personal record against Werder Bremen adds to Bayern’s confidence heading into this match.
The historical trend of Bayern not losing their first fixture in the past 21 years emphasizes their consistency and ability to start the Bundesliga season strongly. This kind of consistency often sets the tone for their title pursuit, and they will be eager to prove their strength in this opening fixture.
In a broader context, the loss to RB Leipzig might serve as a wake-up call for Bayern, reminding them that they can’t afford complacency even as reigning champions.
Team News
The main talking point when Bayern are concerned at the moment, is the arrival of Harry Kane. The England captain, signed for a huge sum from Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to be the long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, for which every Bayern supporter has been hoping ever since the Polish goal machine left last summer. Apart from Kane, Tuchel’s squad has been strengthened by the acquisitions of defender Kim Min-jae from Napoli, midfielder Konrad Laimer from Leipzig, and left-back Raphael Guerreiro from Borussia Dortmund.
There have also been very notable departures. Forward Sadio Mane has joined Saudi side Al-Nassr, midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United, has joined Dortmund, defender Lucas Hernadez has gone to Paris Saint-Germain, Yann Sommer will now be standing between the posts for Inter Milan, and fellow goalkeeper Alexander Nubel has gone to Stuttgart on loan.
Guerreiro won’t be playing in this game due to a calf problem, and Manuel Neuer, the long-serving star goalkeeper, remains out as he works on recovering from a broken leg.
Sven Ulreich is set to step in between the posts. With Kim and Matthijs de Ligt in the heart of defence, departure-linked Benjamin Pavard should still be playing on their right, and Alphonso Davies on the left. Joshua Kimmich and Laimer are expected to team up in the middle of the park, with Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry playing behind Kane.
Conclusion
Bayern’s record in opening-day matches, as well as against Werder, speak volumes when it comes to guessing the outcome. Anything is possible, of course, but anything other than a convincing Bayern triumph will be a big surprise. Further more, Kane’s eagerness to prove himself at his new club will likely yield results.
Verdict: Harry Kane to score
Best odds: 3/5
Bookmaker: BetUS
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