Werder Bremen vs FC Koln prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2023-09-22 16:30.
Despite fighting back from 2-0 down to draw level with Heidenheim on Saturday, Werder Bremen went on to lose their latest Bundesliga outing 4-2, a result that means they’ve picked up just three points from a possible 12 so far. Their leaky defensive line remains the main culprit for that, conceding nine goals in their opening four outings, two of which have seen them concede exactly four goals.
If the hosts are to fight off any relegation concerns this year, then an improvement to their home form is desperately needed. That’s because they’ve lost five of their last seven Bundesliga fixtures at Weserstadion with four of those seeing them suffer defeat despite getting on the scoresheet, which further points to the impact of their defensive troubles. Amongst other things, manager Ole Werner has also been particularly frustrated with the progression of star recruit Naby Keïta, who has not yet been selected due to a lack of fitness.
But for those who think Werder’s form at this venue is poor, spare a thought for visiting Cologne who have remarkably taken just one victory from their prior 18 visits (D5, L12). That one win was accompanied by their only clean sheet during that streak, something that won’t be repeated in this latest clash if Steffen Baumgart’s side concede for a fifth straight time this Bundesliga season.
Now awaiting an International Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on their one-year transfer ban, Cologne’s existing squad will have to fight their way out of the relegation play-off spot. Over their last six away league outings, the Billy Goats have lost just once (W3, D2) and have got on the scoresheet in five of those matches, so they ought to take some confidence with them to Bremen as they bid to steer clear of the drop zone at this early stage.
Players to watch: Marvin Ducksch is the only Bremen player to have netted more than once in the Bundesliga this season (G2) but has failed to score in all three prior personal H2Hs. As for Cologne, they could be relying on Davie Selke after he collected his first goal of the campaign last weekend, whilst five of his six for the club overall have come before half-time.
Hot stat: The last five Bundesliga H2Hs averaged a mammoth 4.2 total goals per game!