At the start of the twelfth matchday, SV Werder Bremen hosts Hertha BSC on Friday evening (kick-off 8:30 p.m.). After three competitive defeats in a row, the green-whites want to get back on the road to success in front of a full house. With the old lady from Berlin, however, no easy task awaits.
After a weak start to the season, the club in the capital has found itself better in the past few weeks. Sandro Schwarz’s team has only lost one game in the last seven matchdays and has managed to draw against clubs from Freiburg and Hoffenheim, among others. Most recently, the table thirteenth kept the upper hand against Schalke 04 with 2:1.
“Hertha is a team that defends very well,” emphasized Ole Werner at the media round on Thursday. “Offensively, they have exceptional power and speed. We know what strengths we are facing,” said the trainer, who is also relying on team spirit in the current phase. “It’s important for us to know that we can only solve a lot of things that come our way in the Bundesliga as a group,” explained the 34-year-old.
The personnel situation at the promoted team has relaxed noticeably in the last few days. While Niklas Stark, Niklas Schmidt and Christian Groß reported back at the beginning of the week, Milos Veljkovic was also part of the final training session. “In terms of personnel, things are looking a lot better than last week,” Werner said happily. “Basically, everyone is eligible from the start.”
The Werder coach has to do without Jean-Manuel Mbom (rehabilitation after a torn Achilles tendon), Nicolai Rapp (rehabilitation after muscular problems), Dikeni Salifou (U23) and captain Marco Friedl, who lost 2-0 in Freiburg on the last day was sent off with an emergency brake and was suspended for two games.
TW: Jiri Pavlenka – In the 2-0 away win in Bochum on the fifth day of play, the goalkeeper did not concede a goal for the last time. IV: Niklas Stark – The 27-year-old, who left Hertha for Bremen on a free transfer in the summer, should be in the back three take over on the left side.IV: Milos Veljkovic – If the central defender gives the green light, he runs into the middle of the back three. IV: Amos Pieper – The new signing from Bielefeld will probably switch sides compared to the last game and run up the chain on the left to represent Friedl there.RM: Mitchell Weiser – Weiser is still the first choice on the right flank.DM: Christian Large – After a break due to illness, the veteran should return to his usual position in front of the defense in the starting XI.LM: Anthony Jung – After Jung was part of the back three on the last matchday, he is expected to play on the left wing again against Hertha BSC.OM: Romano Schmid – For the two places in attacking midfield, Werner has a few options to choose from. Leonardo Bittencourt could also start instead of the Austrian national player. OM: Ilia Gruev – If Gruev does not start in the sixth position, Werner could also call up the 22-year-old a little more offensively. Jens Stage and Schmidt are the alternatives. MS: Niclas Füllkrug – The top scorer is part of the double leadership as usual. MS: Marvin Ducksch – With five assists, Ducksch is currently the best preparer for the green-whites.
On Friday evening Werner will line up his eleven in the usual 3-3-2-2 system.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Werder Bremen: The expected line-up against Hertha BSC.
