Niclas Füllkrug has been handed his second Werder Bremen debut as the Bundesliga side begins its season against fifth-tier opponents Lüneburger SK Hansa.
The Germany international leads the attack after returning to the club earlier this week, with fellow summer arrivals Alexander Schlager and Ludovit Reis also included in the starting lineup for the Green and Whites’ first competitive fixture of the campaign.
Schlager starts between the posts, with a defensive line of Schmetgens, Pieper, Friedl and Deman positioned ahead of him. The midfield trio features Reis alongside Lynen and Stage, while Justin Njinmah and Moses Mbangula provide width in support of lone striker Füllkrug.
The hosts, competing in Germany’s Oberliga, have named Exner in goal. Wilson, Hübner and Borges form a three-man defence, with Muhlack, Thinius, Perera, club captain Kunze, Gründker and Scheuer occupying midfield roles. Dörr starts as the lone striker tasked with testing the top-flight backline.
New faces in green and white
Füllkrug’s inclusion comes days after he completed his transfer back to Bremen. The 31-year-old previously enjoyed a prolific spell at the club before departing, and his immediate return to the starting XI indicates he will serve as the primary attacking option this season.
The fixture represents Bremen’s first competitive action of the new campaign. While the visitors enter as overwhelming favourites given the three-division gap separating the sides, the match offers valuable minutes for new signings seeking to integrate into the tactical setup ahead of league duties.
Reis arrives from Hamburg looking to cement a regular starting berth, while Austrian goalkeeper Schlager faces the task of establishing himself between the posts. Both have been afforded immediate opportunities to impress against lower-league opposition.
For Lüneburger SK Hansa, the encounter provides a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite competition. The regional league outfit will rely on captain Kunze to organise their midfield and limit service to Füllkrug, though containing a forward of his calibre presents a considerable challenge at this level of the German football pyramid.