Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 German Bundesliga
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THE FACTS
When is Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne on and what time does it start? Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne will take place on Saturday 20th May, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne
Where can I stream Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Werder Bremen vs FC Cologne can be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
WERDER BREMEN
A poor run of results of Werder Bremen means that their Bundesliga safety is not yet guaranteed, although a draw here would surely be enough for them. However, to gain at least a point in this one, Werder would need to end a run of results which has seen them lose each of their last three league fixtures. To go even further, the home side have won only one game of their most recent ten in the Bundesliga, that being against lowly Hertha Berlin. Defensively, Werder Bremen have been unable to contain any opponents whom they have faced, shipping at least two goals in all of those last ten league games.
All of the home side’s most recent three losses have been by two goals to one, firstly against struggling Schalke 04 and then Bayern Munich the week after. Last Sunday, Werder travelled to RB Leipzig and it looked at one point like they would gain a point at the very least after taking the lead in the 70th minute through Leonardo Bittencourt. However, the hosts had other ideas and staged a dramatic late comeback, equalising with three minutes of normal time to play before a last-gasp 96th minute winner from Dominik Szoboszlai broke Bremen hearts.
FC COLOGNE
FC Cologne don’t have to worry about relegation with them comfortably in mid-table, but this hasn’t stopped them from finishing the season strongly. Their recent 5-2 triumph on their own ground against Hertha Berlin is testament to that and Steffen Baumgart’s men have now gained nine points from the last 12 available to them, winning three of their last four in the Bundesliga. From an offensive point of view FC Cologne are playing with refreshing freedom and potency, racking up ten goals across those most recent three victories, so this fragile Werder Bremen backline will have their work cut out to contain them.
Even more impressive was the fact that FC Cologne were trailing at one stage vs Hertha, a Davie Selke opener having been cancelled out by two goals from the visitors. However, Baumgart’s men responded emphatically through the rest of the piece, equalising through Timo Hubers before Ellyes Skhiri put FC Cologne ahead before half-time. The home side then put the contest firmly to bed in the second half, Hubers and Denis Huseinbasic adding a fourth and fifth respectively.
THE TEAM NEWS
WERDER BREMEN
Werder Bremen continue to sweat on the fitness of Niclas Fullkrug, the 30-year-old German international is still nursing a calf problem and remains doubtful, although Werder will no doubt give him every opportunity to prove his fitness. Should he miss out, then Max Philipp or Romano Schmid are candidates to partner Marvin Ducksch. Both Felix Agu and Amos Pieper are expected to be out for Werder.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Pavlenka; Veljkovic, Stark, Friedl; Weiser, Bittencourt, Gross, Stage, Jung; Fullkrug, Ducksch
UNAVAILABLE: Agu (Injured), Pieper (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Fullkrug (Injured)
FC COLOGNE
FC Cologne will be without injured forwards Florian Dietz and Mark Uth for this one, but head coach Steffen Baumgart has a decision to make regarding who to field up top, with both Davie Selke and Steffen Tigges chomping at the bit to be picked to lead to line. But the expectation is that little to no changes will be made to the team unless any late injuries are picked up in training following victory last time out.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Schwabe; Schmitz, Hubers, Chabot, Hector; Skhiri, Martel; Ljubicic, Kainz, Maina; Selke
UNAVAILABLE: Dietz (Injured), Uth (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
It’s hard not to see FC Cologne continuing to profit in front of goal here when considering Werder Bremen’s inability to contain their opponents over the course of several weeks. They have been unable to stop conceding goals and against a side who have looked so strong going forward recently, you’d expect FC Cologne to take advantage. Although, Werder themselves have enough quality amid their ranks from an attacking perspective to hurt the visitors, who are without a clean sheet in their last six league matches. When factoring in the defensive instability of both sides, over 2.5 goals scored has to be favoured in this one.
TIP: OVER 2.5 GOALS
