Werder Bremen hope to return to winning ways after losing to title chasers Bayern and their excellent home form gives the team reason for optimism before the clash with Wolfsburg. The Wolves continued to struggle as they squandered a two-goal advantage over Mainz, once again showing that they are completely out of confidence.

Great home form

After the team largely struggled to fulfill their potential over the last few Bundesliga campaigns, Werder chiefs decided to rebuild the side over the summer and it looks as though they have done a great job. While Per Mertesacker was the only notable departure, die Grun-Weissen added some fresh blood to the squad, with Mehmet Ekici, Lukas Schmitz, Aleksandar Ignjovski and Sokratis Papastathopoulos all arriving. The changes had a pretty good effect on team’s results as Werder started the season in bright fashion and after 15 Bundesliga rounds they sit in 5th place, just five points behind leaders Bayern Munich. While the team are far from impressive on the travels, they are becoming a real force to be reckoned with at their Weserstadion, having won six of seven home games this season. After beating sides like Hamburger, Koln and Stuttgart at Weserstadion, Werder should be able to do the same against struggling Wolfsburg.

Coach Thomas Schaaf will be without Marko Marin and Aron Hunt through injury and suspension respectively, which could see Markus Rosenberg start up front. Mehmet Ekici, Tim Borowski, Aleksandar Stevanovic and Sebastian Boenisch remain sidelined.

Felix Magath unable to control his squad

Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath is widely regarded as one of the most controversial coaches in world football and while his strict methods have produced results in some clubs where he worked, it is more than evident that Wolfsburg players do not like his coaching methods. Without the right dressing room atmosphere, the players are not very motivated to give their best for the team and nobody is surprised that Wolves are once again fighting to avoid relegation. Wolfsburg have been pretty disappointing of late, losing three of their last five league games, whereas the 2:2 home draw with Mainz can also be regarded as a slip-up, especially considering the circumstances. The Wolves had a two-goal lead at half-time, but they were unable to hold on to the lead, and Mainz ended up taking one point from the game. Felix Magath threatened to send several players to the reserves after the poor performance against Mainz, but his bad treatment of the squad is unlikely to produce positive results.

Makoto Hasebe is suspended after being sent off against Mainz, but Srdjan Lakic should return after recovering from illness. Aleksandar Hleb, Thomas Kahlenberg and Patrick Helmes are all unavailable.

Verdict

Werder Bremen are doing really well this season and they are winning their home games with ease. Wolfsburg, on the other hand, are largely struggling under Felix Magath and it is only a matter of time before the experienced coach was sacked. Therefore, I see home win as the best option here.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 1.67 (2/3)

Bookmaker: Victor Chandler