There are no endgames in league operations. Or is it? Even if Werder managing director Frank Baumann and trainer Florian Kohfeldt don’t want to hear anything about it, Bremen’s away game on Saturday at the bottom in Paderborn feels like a final.
In the event of a defeat, relegation seems to be a long way off – that is very clear when looking at the Bundesliga table. On the other hand, should the East Westphalia lose, the relegation of the sports club, depending on the outcome of Düsseldorf Fortuna, could also be mathematically sealed.
Excitement, explosiveness and a bit of drama are guaranteed when the kick-off takes place in the Benteler-Arena on Saturday at 14:30 p.m. The bookmakers rated the guests as favorites.
Paderborn:
Rising star Paderborn has only suffered one defeat since the break and yet the little miracle of staying in the class seems to be missing. The problem lies in the four draws, which Steffen Baumgart’s team simply did not advance in the table.
The gap to the saving bank has increased and now even the boldest optimists in East Westphalia no longer believe in saving. The last few appearances have clearly shown that the team does not simply let the rest of the season go.
Paderborn wants to leave the sinking ship with his head raised at least and confirm the good impression that the outsider has made throughout the season. In any case, the people of Bremen cannot look forward to gifts on Saturday. The hosts will put everything on the scale to celebrate another threesome in the home arena.
Central defender Uwe Hünemeier, who has to serve a yellow card, cannot help. For him, the king of the yellow box, Klaus Gjasula, could move into the back four. This season, Gjasula still has the chance to break the record of most yellow cards in a Bundesliga season.
There is also another offensive to complain about, because Streli Mamba, another player in the last guest appearance at RB Leipzig, was shown the fifth yellow box. In the 1-1 draw against the bulls, the protégés of Steffen Baumgart once again showed morale and scored a not undeserved point in the final phase against ten Saxons.
Again, a bet on the odds of the home side between Paderborn and Werder Bremen is not entirely illogical – even if the outsider role of the bookmaker is justified.
Werder Bremen:
Werder Bremen is probably the only team in the Bundesliga that is happy to finally be able to play abroad again this weekend. With a measly six points, the North Germans are by far the weakest home team in the Oberhaus and this record of horror would be the main reason if the relegation at the end was booked.
However, the green-whites, above all head coach Florian Kohfeldt, still believe in the rescue. Since the duel with Bayern is coming up in the coming English week, in which points are not necessarily to be expected, the duel on Saturday in Paderborn is all the more important. With three points behind relegation place 16 and a poor goal difference, a three is required.
In addition, the North Germans hope for Dortmund’s success in Düsseldorf. The last performances in the home games against Frankfurt and Wolfsburg were, as so often this season, not the worst overall. However, there is still a lack of determination in front of the opposing goal and the development of goal opportunities.
The weakness in the air made itself felt again at the back. In both home games, the men from the Weser got through a header against the loser road. In terms of personnel, the coach may have an ace up his sleeve on Saturday to at least give the stuttering engine new momentum in the game.
The long injured Niclas Füllkrug is about to make a comeback – at least as a joker. There was also speculation about the possible use of oldie Claudio Pizarro. In the starting XI, Davie Selke and / or Josh Sargent are suspected. The last injured Milot Rashica, who would bring speed into the game, is still struck. There is a question mark behind his use.
Leonardo Bittencourt, who scored the last two Werder goals, also has to wait until shortly before kick-off. Midfield motor Davy Klaassen will definitely be in the starting lineup. The Dutch put it aptly: “Saturday is everything! It will be seen in the Benteler Arena on Saturday afternoon whether the guests show this on the lawn.
