Bundesliga: Can Werder Break Their Duck Against Leverkusen?

Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen

Werder Bremen are in the midst of their best run of form in the past 13 months, but they are in for a daunting challenge because they’re slated to host Bundesliga table leaders Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday night at Weserstadion.

With two draws and one win, Ole Werner’s boys are out of the relegation scrap, at least for now. The hosts are currently in 13^th place with 11 points, and an upset victory here could elevate them into the top half of the standings.

With a third of the 2023-24 campaign now gone, Bayer Leverkusen continue to stay hot, and they are out to further strengthen their hold on the top spot. Right now, they have 31 points, but with Bayern Munich lurking, they cannot take their foot off the gas pedal.

Talking Points

Ducksch not ducking from the challenge

With Niclas Fullkrug leaving for Borussia Dortmund this summer, Werder Bremen were looking for someone to shoulder their offencive cudgels. Fortunately for them, Marvin Ducksch has stepped up.

Ducksch currently leads the Green-Whites in scoring with four league goals, and he also has three assists, so he is on his way to matching his tally of 12 league goals last season. And in Werder Bremen’s three-game undefeated streak, he has scored a goal in all of those games.

At 6’2”, Ducksch is a handful to deal with because of his imposing presence, particularly when he’s inside the penalty box. He’s also known for his dead-ball prowess, since he’s good with his first touch.

Just like Fullkrug, Ducksch is also a late bloomer. Die Mannschaft called up the 29-year-old forward for the first time during the international break, and he made his first national team appearance in a 3-2 friendly loss against Turkey.

Besides Ducksch, Werder Bremen also has the likes of Rafael Borre and Justin Njinmah, who can also find the back of the net.

Borre was on target in his last two matches for the Green-Whites, and he now has three goals overall. Meanwhile, Njinmah is an exciting young winger that is often their first option off the bench, and he now has two goals and one assist.

Key returns for Bayer Leverkusen

Much has been said about Bayer Leverkusen’s success under Xabi Alonso, and things are only going to get better from them, especially with some of their injured players set to make their returns soon.

Centre-back Edmond Tapsoba is expected to be back in the mix after sitting out against Union Berlin due to a hand injury. Meanwhile, Patrik Schick might be an option from the bench if his rehab continues to go according to plan.

Bayer Leverkusen have five different players recording at least four goals and four assists this season (Boniface, Grimaldo, Hofmann, Wirtz, and Frimpong). And the return of Schick, who was their best attacker before getting injured, should further strengthen their attacking corps.

History

Werder Bremen have won just one of their last 12 matches against Bayer Leverkusen in all competitions (D6, L5), with their last victory being a 3-1 result in a Bundesliga contest in March 2019.

The Green-Whites’ last home win against Die Werkself was a 2-1 victory in October 2016. Since then, they are winless in their last five (D2, L3).

With 31 points after the first 11 matchdays, Bayer Leverkusen have matched Bayern Munich’s tally at this juncture during the 2015-16 season (which has Xabi Alonso in the lineup), when Pep Guardiola was still their manager.

And for the first time since 2016 under Roger Schmidt, Die Werkself have won seven Bundesliga matches in a row. Overall, Xabi Alonso’s men have not lost any of their 17 competitive games this season (W16, D1) for the first time since their promotion to the German top-flight in 1979.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds have the visitors as the favourites to win this weekend. Bayer Leverkusen are priced at 1.45 to win, whereas Werder Bremen are at 5.60 odds, and a draw is at 4.40 in the 1X2 market.

Werder Bremen may have done well recently, but their positive stretch of Bundesliga 2023 results doesn’t involve a Top 5 opponent. And given how they’ve fared against a team like Bayern Munich earlier this year (a 4-0 loss), for example, that’s a good indicator of things to come on Saturday.

Die Werkself should score a handful of goals to dispatch their hosts. So, other than our recommended bet above, you wouldn’t go wrong with alternative bets like Over 3.25 at 1.83 and Total Goals 4-6 at 2.29.

 

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