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Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to mark their return from October’s international break with a statement on home soil, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Werder Bremen to Signal Iduna Park on Friday night.
Borussia Dortmund
Starting with the hosts, while Borussia Dortmund might face a real uphill battle in their bid to punch a Champions League knockout stage ticket, the German giants are enjoying an eye-catching domestic flurry. Last seen heading into October’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 win against Union Berlin, Edin Terzic’s side have their sights firmly set on mounting another title charge this time around. Knowing that another victory on Friday night could see them temporarily find a route to the top of the Bundesliga table, the one-time West Ham coach should be smelling a real chance here. Including a stellar 3-1 romp away at Hoffenheim last month, BVB have lost just one of their first competitive appearances across all formats. Although Borussia Dortmund might still be seeking some defensive resolve, the title contenders have continued to gain a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
Team News
Making his return from a recent groin injury while away with Austria over the past fortnight, former Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer will make a first Bundesliga appearance since September 16th here.
Finding the net against Union Berlin earlier in the month and notching his second Bundesliga strike of the season, German international Niclas Fullkrug will spearhead Borussia Dortmund’s attack against his former employers. The ex-Werder Bremen striker will be joined in the final third by attacking talisman Marco Reus.
Werder Bremen
As for the visitors, while Werder Bremen might have eventually cruised their way to Bundesliga safety last season, it appears that the River Islanders are bracing themselves for another stern challenge this time around. Last seen heading into October’s international break with an action-packed 3-2 loss at home against Hoffenheim, Ole Werner’s side mark their return on Friday night holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone. With their recent issues highlighted by a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Bundesliga returners Darmstadt earlier in the month, Bremen have lost three of their last four top-flight contests. Gaining a reputation for their rather glaring issues at the back, Werner’s side will be worried by a nightmare record against the title contenders. Including a 2-0 defeat when the two sides last met back on February 11th, Bremen have lost four of their previous five showdowns against BVB.
Team News
After both missing out against Hoffenheim prior to the fortnight break, the duo of Olivier Deman and Amos Pieper will make a return to Werner’s squad on Friday night. Likewise, Werder Bremen are hopeful that defender Niklas Stark will be able to make a first Bundesliga appearance since September 23rd.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Hoffenheim earlier in the month and notching his second Bundesliga strike of the season, Danish midfielder Jens Stage could also be handed a full recall here.
Key Factors to Consider
When Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen last met back on February 11th, BVB claimed a 2-0 victory at the Weserstadion.
Likewise, Friday’s hosts have won four of their previous five meetings against the River Islanders.
Borussia Dortmund have suffered just a single defeat from any of their opening 10 competitive appearances across all formats.
Werder Bremen have lost three of their last four Bundesliga appearances prior to October’s international break.
Continuing on from last season, the River Islanders have picked up just a single away win since back on April 22nd.
Conclusion
Heading into October’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 victory against Union Berlin, Borussia Dortmund will be smelling the chance to make another statement here. With heir sights set on finding a route back to the top of the Bundesliga table, Friday’s hosts will also be excited by an eye-catching record against the River Islanders. Including a routine 2-0 win when they travelled to the Weserstadion back on February 11th, BVB are rightfully tipped as a standout contender in rural Germany this weekend.
Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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