Prediction: Wolfsburg vs Werder Bremen

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

In what could prove to be an enjoyable Bundesliga showdown from the Volkswagen Arena on Sunday afternoon, Wolfsburg will host Werder Bremen.

Wolfsburg

Starting with the hosts, entering October’s international break with a 3-1 victory away at Bochum, Wolfsburg will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, although Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men might have opened up the new campaign with their sights set on mounting a genuine European charge, the Wolves are desperately seeking some Bundesliga stability. Getting proceedings underway with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Bayern Munich, the former Southampton boss will have a real headache over his side’s extended struggles at the back. Including a frantic 4-3 loss at the hands of defending champions Bayer Leverkusen last month, Wolfsburg have recorded just a trio of clean sheets from any of their previous 13 Bundesliga appearances continuing on from last season.

Team News

All yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Wolfsburg will once again be without the trio of Bartosz Bialek, Lukas Nmecha, Kevin Paredes and former Sassuolo defender Rogerio. Likewise, still dealing with a recent ankle injury, Croatian international Lovro Majer remains a doubt here.

Heading into October’s international break with a brace away at Bochum and featuring for Denmark over the past fortnight, Jonas Wind will lead Wolfsburg’s charge this weekend. Arriving from Copenhagen over the summer transfer window, Polish shot-stopper Kamil Grabara will start between the sticks.

Werder Bremen

As for the visitors, shocking many last season as they book a top-half finish among Germany’s elite, Werder Bremen are looking to establish themselves as another top-10 candidate this time around. However, entering October’s international break with a downbeat display as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home against Freiburg, the River Islanders are seeking some crucial Bundesliga stability. Getting proceedings underway on August 24th as they played out a pulsating 2-2 stalemate away at Augsburg, Ole Werner’s men have won just a pair of their first six showdowns against top-flight opposition. Slumping to an infamous 5-0 drumming against Bayern Munich on September 21st, Bremen are also seeking their own defensive steel. In fact, continuing on from last season, Sunday’s guests have notched just two clean sheets since the middle of February.

Team News

After being given a fortnight rest to recover from their respective injury issues, Werder Bremen will welcome back the likes of Niklas Stark, Sense Lynen and former Borussia Dortmund starker Justin Njinmah this weekend. However, not featuring since the end of August, Serbian international defender Milos Veljkovic remains a doubt.

Featuring for Denmark over the past week, former Copenhagen star Jens Stage will start in the middle of the park. Despite recently returning from a minor knock, Scotland international Oliver Burke will likely settle for a spot on the bench.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen last met back on March 30th, the Wolves collected a 2-0 victory at the Weserstadion.
• Wolfsburg have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous seven showdowns against Sunday’s guests.
• However, continuing on from last season, Wolfsburg have registered just three clean sheets from any of their previous 13 Bundesliga appearances.
• Werder Bremen’s first three Bundesliga matchups away from the Weserstadion have produced 15 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Five of Wolfsburg’s first six Bundesliga appearances this season have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who mark their respective returns from October’s international break separate by a single point, we could be set for an enjoyable showdown on Sunday afternoon. With both camps seeking their own crucial defensive resolve, chances could come thick and fast this weekend. It should be highlighted, with Wolfsburg seeing five of their first six Bundesliga contests finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet