Preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Werder Bremen
Both teams will be aiming to bounce back from defeat when Borussia Monchengladbach host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Friday evening.
Gladbach were dispatched 3-0 away to RB Leipzig last time out, while Werder Bremen were beaten 3-2 by Bayer Leverkusen.
Indeed, Gladbach’s dismal away form continued under Daniel Farke, with Leipzig completely outclassing their opponents during the encounter at the Red Bull Arena last Saturday.
In fairness to Die Fohlen, they managed to keep their opponents at bay until Timo Werner broke the deadlock two minutes prior to the hour mark, with Emil Forsberg’s penalty and a late strike from Josko Gvardiol handing Die Roten Bullen a deservedly comfortable victory.
Farke will be concerned by his side only managing 33% possession across the course of the match, with the former Norwich City boss priding himself on implementing a controlled passing style of football during his managerial career so far.
With only one away win to their name all season, Farke and his players will almost certainly be delighted to return to home soil against Werder Bremen on Friday, with Gladbach winning seven of their 12 league games at Borussia Park so far this campaign.
Werder Bremen, meanwhile, suffered defeat for the fourth time in their last five matches, with Ole Werner’s side unable to find a late equaliser against Bayer Leverkusen.
Marvin Ducksch had handed the hosts the lead after half-an-hour at Weserstadion, but Xabi Alonso’s side fired in three goals in response either side of the break, with Adam Hlozek’s 83rd-minute effort all but ending the match as a contest despite Niclas Fullkrug dispatching his penalty late on.
With a 10-point cushion ahead of the relegation places, Werner and his players will certainly harbour no concerns regarding an instant return to the second tier, with their excellent form during the early months of the campaign ensuring that their stay in the top flight should not be a short-lived one.
However, with a top-half finish still more than up for grabs, the 34-year-old will be determined to see his side return to winning ways sooner rather than later, potentially starting with their trip to Monchengladbach on Friday.
Borussia Monchengladbach Bundesliga form:
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Werder Bremen Bundesliga form:
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We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 Werder Bremen
With both teams far more proficient offensively than they are defensively, and with neither having a great deal to play for throughout the rest of the season, this has all the makings of a highly entertaining encounter.
Gladbach’s home form has remained consistent all season, and they should have a little too much quality for Werder Bremen, whose results have significantly dipped in recent weeks.