Bayer Leverkusen vs Werder Bremen preview

February 5, 2018
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Bundesliga high-flyers Bayer Leverkusen play host to struggling Werder Bremen in the DFB Pokal quarter-finals clash at Bay Arena, with both sides hoping to edge one step closer to the trophy.

Die Werkself have so far done really well in the league campaign, climbing to second in the overall standings, but they clearly cannot afford to relax just yet.

With RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Eintracht Frankfurt all breathing down their necks, Bayer Leverkusen will have to work hard for a place in the top 4.

Die Werkself remained in second in spite of the goalless draw with Freiburg and this will feel as a good opportunity to return to winning ways.

It remains to be seen whether Heiko Herrlich will be making wholesale changes to his side, but it has to be noted that he had field a strong team in the previous round against Borussia M’gladbach.

Important midfielder Julian Baumgartlinger is battling a viral infection, but Sven Bender has returned into action.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Leno – L. Bender, Tah, S. Bender, Wendell – Kohr, Aranguiz – Brand, Havertz, Bailey – Volland.

Werder Bremen have had some very difficult years of late and they continue to battle relegation from the Bundesliga.

The Weserstadion outfit managed to climb out of the bottom three thanks to an impressive away win over Schalke, their first league triumph since 9th December.

While they were beaten by RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich on the road, Werder managed to win away games vs Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, meaning they have reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Bay Arena.

Buoyed by the late win over the Miners, Werder will attempt to make it back to back wins and secure their place in the DFB Pokal semis.

Holding midfielder Philipp Bargfrede is expected to miss out through a foot problem, while Fin Bartels is also unlikely to feature.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Pavlenka – Gebre Selassie, Veljkovic, Moisander, Augustinsson – Eggestein, Delaney, Junuzovic – Rashica, Kruse, Belfodil.

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