Werder Bremen aim to continue their role as the Bundesliga's surprise package by causing an upset against Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal. Head coach Daniel Thioune has indicated possible rotation for Tuesday night's round of 16 tie at Signal Iduna Park (20:45), which could see top scorer Niclas Füllkrug start on the bench.
Thioune confirmed that the 33-year-old striker, on loan from West Ham United and with eight goals in seven league appearances this season, might not begin the game. "Niclas is of course irreplaceable for us," said the coach, but pointed to the heavy workload. Füllkrug scored two penalties in last Friday's 3-2 win at Mainz and was substituted in the 80th minute. With an important Bundesliga home game against 1899 Hoffenheim coming up on Saturday, Thioune may opt to rest the attacker.
Beyond Füllkrug, other changes to the starting lineup are possible. Mitchell Weiser, recovering from a knee injury, could make his return to the starting eleven. Olivier Deman, however, is a doubt due to tendon problems and may be replaced by Mick Schmetgens. In goal, Alexander Schlager could get the nod over regular keeper Karl Hein.
Thioune stressed that his team, despite being underdogs, are travelling with the aim of progressing. "Our goal is to advance to the next round. We don't just want to be guests," explained the Werder boss. He sees BVB as clear favourites but believes in his squad's capabilities. "We are outsiders, BVB are the favourites. We look forward to possibly crashing their party."
Historical precedent
Werder can draw on positive cup history against Dortmund. They have eliminated BVB from the competition three times in the past, most recently with a 3-2 victory in the 2020 round of 16. The last three cup meetings between the sides have all been won by Bremen. Niclas Füllkrug himself knows the feeling of scoring a late goal against Dortmund, having netted a 2-2 equaliser in a Bundesliga match during the 2023/24 season.
Werder go into the match in good form. The team from the Weser sit sixth in the Bundesliga table with 12 points from seven games and have lost only one of their last five competitive matches. Their most recent outing was the 3-2 win at Mainz, sealed by goals from Füllkrug (7th/25th minutes) and Ludovit Reis (61st). The next league assignment is the home game against Hoffenheim, currently tenth, on Saturday.
The match at Signal Iduna Park will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV by ZDF and on Sky. For Werder Bremen, the task is to extend their strong early-season form into the cup and pull off a shock in Dortmund.
This story first appeared at ndr.de
