Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, May 16th
In the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen will face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, May 16th. The match will take place at the wohninvest WESERSTADION, providing a familiar backdrop for the home team. This encounter is set to be a significant test for both sides as they vie for crucial points in the league standings.
Werder Bremen, playing on their home turf, will look to leverage their local advantage against Borussia Dortmund, a team known for their strong performances in recent seasons. With both teams eager to secure a win, this match promises to be a compelling contest in the Bundesliga calendar.
Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund to Win | 1.97 |
Looking at the current form and statistics, our recommended betting tip is to back Borussia Dortmund to win. Dortmund have been dominant this season, securing their place as the second-best team in the league and maintaining a strong head-to-head record against Werder Bremen. With Bremen’s key players out due to injuries and Dortmund’s potent attack led by Serhou Guirassy, who has 14 goals this season, the visiting team is well positioned to claim victory.
- Borussia Dortmund have won four out of their last five meetings with Werder Bremen, including a 3-0 win in January 2026.
- Werder Bremen are missing key players due to injuries, severely affecting their chances.
- Dortmund have scored first in 76% of their matches this season, showcasing their aggressive start and control over games.
Betting Odds
Werder Bremen are set to host Borussia Dortmund at the wohninvest WESERSTADION, and the betting odds suggest a challenging match for the home side. With Dortmund priced at 1.97, they are the favourites, but Bremen’s odds of 3.36 indicate potential value for those backing an upset.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Werder Bremen to win | 3.36 |
| Draw | 3.94 |
| Borussia Dortmund to win | 1.97 |
A draw, priced at 3.94, could also be tempting for punters considering Bremen’s ability to hold strong at home. Given the attacking prowess of both teams, markets for over 2.5 goals and both teams to score are worth a look.
Werder Bremen Analysis & Past Performance
Werder Bremen have struggled to find consistent form recently, with their last five games yielding just one win, one draw, and three losses. Their recent results, including a 0-1 defeat to Hoffenheim, underline their difficulties in securing points consistently, contributing to their current standing of 15th in the Bundesliga table.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoffenheim | Werder Bremen | 1 – 0 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 9 May 2026 |
| Werder Bremen | Augsburg | 1 – 3 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 2 May 2026 |
| VfB Stuttgart | Werder Bremen | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Bundesliga | 26 Apr 2026 |
| Werder Bremen | Hamburger SV | 3 – 1 (Win) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| FC Koln | Werder Bremen | 3 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 12 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
In the past five matches, Werder Bremen have managed an average of 1.20 goals per game while conceding 1.80, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of these games, which highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining defensive solidity. The team’s inability to secure a win at home has further compounded their struggles, with a home win ratio of just 0.40 over their last five matches.
Performance Insights:
- LLDWL
Werder Bremen’s offensive efforts have been inconsistent, with Jens Stage emerging as a key player, scoring 10 goals so far. Despite scoring in four of their last five matches, the team has been unable to capitalise on these opportunities fully. Their reliance on both teams scoring, evidenced by an 80% occurrence in recent fixtures, showcases an attacking approach but leaves them vulnerable at the back.
Werder Bremen Suspensions & Injuries
Werder Bremen face some notable absences ahead of their clash with Borussia Dortmund. The suspension of Yukinari Sugawara due to a red card leaves a gap in the defence that will likely see Isaac Schmidt stepping in, as seen in the current starting lineup. Sugawara’s absence, albeit for just one match, could slightly affect the defensive dynamics given his usual starting role.
| Player | Suspension | Matches Remaining | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yukinari Sugawara | Red Card | 1 | Unknown |
Injuries are also a concern for Werder Bremen, with several key players sidelined. Mitchell Weiser’s cruciate ligament injury means he will miss the match, impacting the team’s width and attacking options from the back. Felix Agu’s muscle injury, expected to keep him out for about 1-2 weeks, further limits their defensive choices. This could see more reliance on their current defensive lineup, and possibly a more conservative approach against Dortmund.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Weiser | knee ligament injury | Late May 2026 |
| Julian Malatini | ankle injury | Out for season |
| Karl Hein | hand injury | Out for season |
| Keke Topp | knee ligament injury | Out for season |
| Felix Agu | muscle injury | About 1-2 weeks |
| Leonardo Bittencourt | thigh injury | Out for season |
The tactical impact of these absences could see Werder Bremen adopting a more cautious strategy, focusing on solidifying their defence while relying on the available attacking trio of Justin Njinmah, Salim Musah, and Romano Schmid to exploit counter-attacks. Such adjustments might influence betting markets, with expectations possibly leaning towards a lower-scoring game.
Werder Bremen Key Players
Werder Bremen’s attacking threat is spearheaded by Jens Stage, who has netted an impressive 10 goals this season, making him their top scorer. Stage’s proficiency in finding the back of the net is crucial for Bremen’s offensive setup. His ability to exploit spaces and finish clinically will be pivotal against Borussia Dortmund. Additionally, the forward line featuring Justin Njinmah and Salim Musah is expected to support Stage in stretching the opposition’s defence, with Romano Schmid as a creative force in the attacking trio.
The midfield battle will be orchestrated by Senne Lynen, whose role in breaking up play and transitioning the ball forward is vital. His partnership with Cameron Puertas adds a layer of creativity and defensive solidity, ensuring Bremen can maintain control in the middle of the park. Defensively, Marco Friedl and Amos Pieper form a formidable centre-back duo, tasked with neutralising Dortmund’s potent attack. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions could define Bremen’s defensive resilience.
Expected lineup for Werder Bremen
- Goalkeeper: Mio Backhaus
- Defence: Isaac Schmidt, Amos Pieper, Marco Friedl, Olivier Deman
- Midfield: Jens Stage, Senne Lynen, Cameron Puertas
- Forward: Justin Njinmah, Salim Musah, Romano Schmid
Werder Bremen Tactics and Formation
Werder Bremen Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Romano Schmid
- Midfield Pivot: Jens Stage and Senne Lynen
- Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and counter-attacks.
Werder Bremen’s 4-3-3 formation aims to exploit the width of the pitch through their wingers, Justin Njinmah and Salim Musah, flanking Romano Schmid in the central forward position. This setup allows them to stretch opposition defences, creating space for Schmid to operate and for midfielders like Cameron Puertas to make late runs into the box.
Defensively, the back four of Isaac Schmidt, Amos Pieper, Marco Friedl, and Olivier Deman must address their vulnerability, having failed to keep a clean sheet in recent matches. The absence of key players like Mitchell Weiser and Felix Agu due to injury could impact their defensive solidity, requiring coach Daniel Thioune to adapt his strategies.
Offensively, Bremen rely on swift counter-attacks, utilising the pace of their front three. However, with a possession rate of just 34% in their last outing against Hoffenheim, they must improve in maintaining control to prevent being overrun by Dortmund’s attacking prowess.
Borussia Dortmund Analysis & Past Performance
Borussia Dortmund’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins and three losses in their last five Bundesliga matches. Their recent performances include a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt and a commanding 4-0 win against Freiburg. However, they suffered narrow defeats against Borussia Mönchengladbach (0-1) and Bayer Leverkusen (0-1).
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Eintracht Frankfurt | 3 – 2 (Win) | Bundesliga | 8 May 2026 |
| Borussia Mönchengladbach | Borussia Dortmund | 1 – 0 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 3 May 2026 |
| Borussia Dortmund | Freiburg | 4 – 0 (Win) | Bundesliga | 26 Apr 2026 |
| Hoffenheim | Borussia Dortmund | 2 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 18 Apr 2026 |
| Borussia Dortmund | Bayer Leverkusen | 0 – 1 (Loss) | Bundesliga | 11 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
Dortmund have displayed attacking prowess, averaging 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches, with a total of 8 goals scored. Defensively, they have conceded 6 goals, averaging 1.20 goals against per match. This period saw them keep just one clean sheet, highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. Away from home, they have managed two wins and three losses, indicating a need for greater consistency on the road.
Season Overview:
- WLWLL
Currently sitting 2nd in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have accumulated 70 points from 33 games. They have been prolific in attack, with an overall average of 2.06 goals per game across the season. Defensively, Dortmund have maintained 14 clean sheets, showcasing their ability to shut out opponents when in form. However, their recent away form needs improvement, with a win ratio of only 40% in their last five away matches.
Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries
Borussia Dortmund face the challenge of overcoming the absences of Emre Can and Ramy Bensebaini due to injuries. Can’s cruciate ligament injury rules him out for the season, removing a vital piece from Dortmund’s midfield puzzle. His ability to shield the defence and distribute the ball effectively will be sorely missed. Bensebaini’s foot injury also sidelines him for the remainder of the campaign, reducing options in defence.
The absence of these two players may force Niko Kovač to rely more heavily on the likes of Julian Ryerson and Waldemar Anton in defensive roles, with Marcel Sabitzer potentially taking on more responsibility in midfield to cover for Can’s absence. This could lead to a more conservative approach, particularly in the midfield, to ensure defensive solidity.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Emre Can | cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Ramy Bensebaini | foot injury | Out for the season |
Despite these setbacks, Dortmund’s attacking lineup remains largely intact, with Serhou Guirassy leading the line. This continuity in attack could be crucial as they look to exploit any weaknesses in Werder Bremen’s defence. The impact on betting markets might see a slight shift, with Dortmund’s odds potentially lengthened due to their defensive vulnerabilities.
Borussia Dortmund Key Players
Spearheading Borussia Dortmund’s attack is the prolific Serhou Guirassy, who has impressively netted 16 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a crucial asset for Dortmund’s offensive strategies. Guirassy’s physical presence and clinical finishing are expected to be pivotal against Werder Bremen’s defence.
In midfield, the creative prowess of Julian Brandt cannot be overlooked. Brandt’s vision and playmaking abilities enable him to orchestrate attacks and provide key passes to forwards, making him an essential link between defence and attack. Alongside him, Marcel Sabitzer offers a balance of defensive solidity and forward thrust, contributing to both ends of the pitch. Defensively, Nico Schlotterbeck stands out with his robust tackling and aerial strength, vital for maintaining Dortmund’s defensive resilience.
Expected lineup for Borussia Dortmund:
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Luca Reggiani, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck
- Midfielders: Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham, Maximilian Beier, Julian Brandt, Samuele Inacio
- Forward: Serhou Guirassy
Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation
Borussia Dortmund Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Serhou Guirassy
- Midfield Engine: Marcel Sabitzer and Jobe Bellingham
- Defensive Line: Three-man defence with Nico Schlotterbeck as a key figure
- Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transition play
Dortmund’s 3-4-2-1 formation offers a dynamic balance of defensive solidity and offensive creativity. The back three, led by Nico Schlotterbeck, provides stability, allowing the wing-backs, Julian Ryerson and Maximilian Beier, to push forward. This formation enables Dortmund to maintain possession effectively, as evidenced by their 56% possession in their recent 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Offensively, the presence of Serhou Guirassy as the central striker is pivotal. With 16 goals this season, Guirassy benefits from the creativity of Julian Brandt and Samuele Inacio operating just behind him. Their ability to execute high pressing and quick transitions has been a hallmark of their play, often catching opponents off guard.
Defensively, Dortmund’s structure has been tested, as seen in their recent matches with only one clean sheet in their last five games. The absence of Ramy Bensebaini due to injury means the defensive duties fall heavier on Schlotterbeck and his partners, Waldemar Anton and Luca Reggiani, to maintain organisation and prevent conceding goals.
Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund H2H Record
In the head-to-head record between Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund, Dortmund have the upper hand with 29 wins compared to Bremen’s 14, alongside 8 draws. The last encounter saw Dortmund cruise to a 3-0 victory at home in the Bundesliga earlier this year.
The last time these two met at the wohninvest WESERSTADION, it ended in a 0-0 draw back in August 2024, showing that Bremen can hold their own at home. However, Dortmund’s recent form suggests they might have the edge again.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | League | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Werder Bremen | 3 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2026-01-13 |
| Borussia Dortmund | Werder Bremen | 2 – 2 | Bundesliga | 2025-01-25 |
| Werder Bremen | Borussia Dortmund | 0 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2024-08-31 |
| Werder Bremen | Borussia Dortmund | 1 – 2 | Bundesliga | 2024-03-09 |
| Borussia Dortmund | Werder Bremen | 1 – 0 | Bundesliga | 2023-10-20 |
