Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction: 26/10/2024

It didn’t take much—just one goal—for Werder Bremen to qualify for European competition this season. Finishing 9th last year, they are eager to secure a spot for next spring in order to compete on the continental stage. Currently, Werder Bremen are holding onto 8th place in the league, just four points off the podium.

Although they’ve struggled at home, suffering heavy defeats against Bayern Munich (0-5) and Freiburg (0-1) before the international break, they’ve been more effective on the road, securing wins against Hoffenheim (3-4) and Wolfsburg (2-4) last week.

On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen have started the defense of their title, having gone unbeaten throughout last season. While they may not have hit the same heights as last year, they remain a formidable side, with just one loss in their first seven games.

Despite dropping points with draws against Bayern Munich (1-1) and Holstein Kiel (2-2) before the international break, they bounced back last weekend with a 2-1 win over a strong Eintracht Frankfurt team, climbing to 4th place in the Bundesliga. This week, Leverkusen will aim for a third consecutive win in the Champions League as they travel to face Brest in the group stage.

For Werder Bremen, Scottish striker Oliver Burke is back in the squad, but they will be without key players such as Njinmah (1 goal this season), defender Stark, and former Lyon player Alvero. Current top scorer Stage (3 goals), defender Jung, and forward Grüll (1 goal) are also unavailable, while midfielder Keita remains out.

Forward Ducksch (2 goals, 3 assists), who had a standout performance last week with a goal and two assists, will likely lead the attack.

Bayer Leverkusen could field a full-strength squad, though there is some doubt regarding the availability of Nigerian striker Boniface (5 goals), who sustained an arm injury in a road accident. Manager Xabi Alonso will rely on key players like Florian Wirtz (4 goals, 1 assist in the Bundesliga, plus 2 goals in the Champions League), full-backs Jeremie Frimpong (1 goal, 1 assist) and Grimaldo (1 goal, 1 assist), as well as midfielders Robert Andrich (2 goals) and Granit Xhaka (1 goal, 3 assists). Martin Terrier, who provided his first assist in last weekend’s win, could also feature prominently.

 

Prediction

Werder Bremen have been in poor form, collecting only two points from their last 23 available and losing four consecutive home matches. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen have been in great shape, winning nine of their last 12 Bundesliga matches, including their most recent four.

Prediction: Werder Bremen 1 : 4 Bayer Leverkusen