Borussia Dortmund are set to host Werder Bremen in a highly anticipated DFB-Pokal second round encounter on Tuesday. The match at Signal Iduna Park sees Dortmund aiming to secure a third successive victory across all competitions, building on their recent positive results.
Dortmund will be looking to continue their momentum as they navigate a crucial period in their season. The DFB-Pokal offers a direct route to silverware, and progressing to the next stage is a key objective for the six-time cup winners. However, they face a Werder Bremen side that has historically proven to be a tough opponent in cup competitions.
Team News
For the hosts, Borussia Dortmund will be without Konstantinos Karetsas and Ramy Bensebaini, both unavailable for the upcoming fixture. Their absence will require adjustments to the squad as Dortmund seeks to maintain their strong home record.
Werder Bremen, on the other hand, arrives with a significant injury list. Key players such as Jens Stage and Niklas Stark are sidelined. Additionally, Olivier Deman is listed as a doubt, adding to the selection challenges for the visitors. Despite these setbacks, Bremen will be keen to upset their hosts.
Cup History and Key Players
A notable statistic heading into this clash is Werder Bremen’s impressive DFB-Pokal record against Borussia Dortmund. The Green and Whites have prevailed in their last three cup encounters against Dortmund, all of which took place at the Round of 16 stage. This history suggests that Bremen often rise to the occasion when facing BVB in the cup.
One player who will be central to Werder Bremen’s hopes is striker Niclas Füllkrug. The former Dortmund player is currently in prolific form, leading the Torjägerkanone race with eight goals. His ability to find the back of the net will be a significant threat to Dortmund’s defence.
The stakes are clear for both teams: the winner of Tuesday’s match will earn a coveted place in the last 16 of this season’s DFB-Pokal, keeping their hopes of domestic cup glory alive.