Prediction: Werder Bremen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365

The Bundesliga is set to roll on this week, and not just at the weekend – with a string of entertaining midweek showdowns being on the cards between now and Wednesday. While the meeting between Dortmund and Bayern is at the top of the priority list for many fans, there’s a whole lot more to unpack. The game we’re going to be taking a look at today will see two sides at opposite ends of the table, Werder Bremen and Borussia Monchengladbach, lock horns.

Werder Bremen

The disappointment of the loss to Bayer Leverkusen was felt throughout the core of this squad, but they were able to dust themselves down and get back to the job at hand with a nice win over Freiburg. While that may not be enough to give them the kind of confidence they need to overcome the challenge of Gladbach, they’ll know that they can take their time and try to frustrate the high flyers. Whether or not that strategy pays off, of course, remains to be seen.

Team News

Pavlenka is expected to return following a recent injury setback whereas Vogt, Augustinsson and Mohwald are all doubtful. Bargfrede will be out through suspension with Pizarro, Fullkrug and Toprak being ruled out through injury. Klaassen, on the other hand, is expected to keep his place in the starting XI.

Borussia Monchengladbach

The win over Frankfurt was impressive, but the disappointment of their performance against Bayer Leverkusen simply cannot be ignored. They were put to the sword in a similar manner to Bremen themselves, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of response they have here. They’ve got the quality in their ranks to secure this win, but their frailties at the back could serve as the smoking gun in this game.

Team News

Embolo and Strobl both went off with injuries and are considered to be doubts for the trip to face Werder Bremen. Elsewhere, Johnson and Zakaria are still out of action with Bennetts recovering from a muscle injury in time to make an appearance of some kind.

Factors to Consider

• In their previous meeting this season, Monchengladbach beat Werder 3-1.
• Werder have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Monchengladbach have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Werder have scored four goals and conceded 13 in their last six games.
• Monchengladbach have scored 11 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Bremen have really been struggling to get going up top lately, and if any team is going to punish them for that, it’s Monchengladbach. It’ll probably be a pretty close game in terms of possession, but when push comes to shove, the visitors could be able to pull away – as most away teams have done since the league’s return. In many ways, it’ll be a case of trying to minimise the damage for Werder as their battle to avoid relegation goes on.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: bet365