Following their surprising 3-1 home win against RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen face their first away match of the new season. On Saturday (3:30 PM), FC Cologne hosts the Green-Whites for the third matchday of the Bundesliga.
The victory over Leipzig was a clear response to the opening defeat in Freiburg. Manager Daniel Thioune could rely on the returning forwards Eren Dinkçi and Niclas Füllkrug, who both scored. New signing Youri Regeer also impressed in the starting lineup. The team showed passion and an improved defense, which significantly brightened the mood at the Weserstadion. Now the task is to confirm this performance and not let it fizzle out as a one-off. A success in Cologne would further dispel early doubts about the team and lay the foundation for a calmer season.
Cologne's Mixed Start
The opponent from Cologne started with a 3-2 win against Hoffenheim but then suffered a 1-4 defeat in Stuttgart. The Billy Goats' defense looked vulnerable, giving Werder hope for further goals. However, Cologne is struggling with personnel concerns: several key players like Saïd El Mala, Thijs Dallinga, and Timo Hübers are injured and questionable for the match. The home strength at the RheinEnergieStadion remains a factor Werder must prepare for.
Werder's Personnel Situation
For Bremen, the injury list remains largely unchanged. Felix Agu, Senne Lynen, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah, and Keke Topp will again be absent. Thioune must therefore once again rely on the proven forces that impressed against Leipzig. The return of Dinkçi and Füllkrug gives the attack a new quality that was often missing last season. "The lads showed what they are capable of," Thioune said after the last match. The current squad and the upcoming fixtures offer the chance to build a run.
A look at the standings shows that an away win could push Werder into the secure mid-table ranks early on. The team does not want to be stuck in a relegation battle like last year but aims to operate higher up. The next test in Cologne will show if the win against Leipzig was a turning point. The match kicks off on Saturday afternoon.
