Werder Bremen vs. Dortmund – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday at Weserstadion, Borussia Dortmund will face Werder Bremen, aiming to conclude the Bundesliga season with their highest points tally in seven years.

Bremen, sitting safely in 15th place with 32 points ahead of matchweek 34, while Dortmund, with 70 points, have already secured second place, but a victory would afford them their best points return in seven seasons.

Match overview

Despite a 1-0 defeat to Hoffenheim on May 9, the hosts secured their place in the top division as 16th-placed Wolfsburg lost by the same score to Bayern Munich, maintaining a six-point gap from the relegation zone.

Bremen experienced their first scoreless outing in seven matches last weekend, having conceded in each of their last six games, with a total of 11 goals against in that span.

To finish their campaign positively, the Green-Whites will need to overturn recent trends, as they have been unable to defeat Dortmund in their last six encounters, suffering a 3-0 loss in January—marking their fourth defeat during this run.

Head coach Daniel Thioune’s team is winless in three games, and another loss this weekend would extend their losing streak to three matches.

Weserstadion has not proven to be a stronghold for Bremen, with seven defeats in 16 home fixtures this season, four of which occurred in their last six matches at home.

Dortmund enters this fixture following a 3-2 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on May 8, where they overcame an early deficit and managed to keep a five-point cushion over third-placed RB Leipzig.

Despite their recent accomplishments, fans remain somewhat disheartened as head coach Niko Kovac could not replicate the success of former manager Jurgen Klopp by winning the title from Bayern Munich, who are currently 16 points ahead in the standings.

While it might be tough to see substantial progression, the team has surpassed 73 points only twice since the 2012-13 season. Additionally, Dortmund’s current league total of 34 goals conceded is 17 fewer than what they recorded at the end of the 2024-25 season.

The Black and Yellow have netted 68 goals in the Bundesliga this season and are on course to hit the 70-goal mark before the campaign concludes, which would be their second-lowest return since the 2018-19 season.

Kovac’s side aims to secure their third win in four matches, but a loss would mark their fourth defeat in six outings.

Recently, Dortmund has been struggling away from home, as they have lost their last two matches on the road by an aggregate score of 3-1.

Team News

Werder Bremen will be without several players for their final match of the season, including suspended right-back Yukinari Sugawara and center-back Julian Malatini.

Central defense is likely to be entrusted to Amos Pieper and Marco Friedl, while Olivier Deman and Felix Agu may fill the right and left positions in the back four, respectively.

Borussia Dortmund has been dealing with defensive injuries throughout much of the season, which will continue as both Ramy Bensebaini (foot) and Emre Can (knee) are unavailable for Saturday’s fixture.

Teenager Luca Reggiani is anticipated to join Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck in a three-man backline, while Jobe Bellingham and Marcel Sabitzer are expected to feature in midfield once more.

Given that it’s the final match of the season, young forward Samuele Inacio could make his fourth league start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Werder Bremen probable starting XI:

Backhaus; Agu, Pieper, Friedl, Deman; Stage, Lynen, Puertas; Njinmah, Musah, Schmid

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI:

Meyer; Reggiani, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Couto, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Svensson; Beier, Inacio; Silva

Werder Bremen’s defensive performance can improve, and their weak backline is likely to be challenged by BVB.

Borussia Dortmund has also encountered issues with consistency recently, yet given their historical dominance in this fixture, many expect them to secure another three points.