Leverkusen ready to restart top four push at struggling Bremen

The eyes of the sporting world will be on the Weserstadion on Monday night as Werder Bremen host Bayer Leverkusen to complete the first round of the Bundesliga’s return.

There could be potential implications at both ends of the table in northern Germany – Bremen will be looking to kick start their survival bid, whilst Bayer are hoping to pile pressure on the top four.

Where they stand

Leverkusen currently sit fifth in the Bundesliga and a victory would move them to within a single point of fourth place RB Leipzig and the Champions League places.

Hosts Bremen, in stark contrast, are currently languishing second bottom of the table and will stay there even with a win.

Three points would see them, still with a game in hand, move within two points of Düsseldorf though, who currently occupy the relegation play-off place.

But Werder Bremen’s form before the suspension of the Bundesliga was terrible, whatever way it’s broken down: One point in six games, two wins in 15, six consecutive home defeats.

They haven’t even managed a goal in their last five home matches, so the absence of fans from the stands could actually be a positive and take some of the pressure off for a team severely lacking confidence in front of goal.

Leverkusen’s record has been, unsurprisingly, much more impressive since Christmas.

They’ve registered six wins, one draw (at Leipzig) and one defeat (at Hoffenheim), scoring 22 and conceding just nine in the process.

Before the winter break, the sides played out an end-to-end 2-2 draw, but Leverkusen’s last visit to Bremen was much more one-sided and resulted in a 6-2 win for the visitors.

Team News

Bremen will be missing defenders Ludwig Augustinsson (thigh) and Ömer Toprak (calf), influential Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen (suspended – yellow cards), and veteran centre forward Claudio Pizarro (thigh).

First choice goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka should be fit to return to action after a groin injury before the coronavirus shutdown, whilst Werder’s main attacking threat is likely to be the exciting Kosovan winger Milot Rashica.

An unnamed Werder player has entered a two week quarantine period after somebody close to him tested positive for Covid-19.

The high-flying visitors, meanwhile, will be without their captain striker Kevin Volland (torn ankle ligaments) and captain Lars Bender (minor foot injury).

Twin brother Sven Bender will be available at the heart of defence, but all eyes will be on Kai Havertz leading the line for Leverkusen.

Barcelona are the latest big name to be linked with the 20-year-old, who already has 30 goals in 110 games since becoming his clubs youngest Bundesliga debutant in 2016.

Havertz can play anywhere across the front four and is valued at around £90 million.

Managers

Werder head coach Florian Kohfeldt feels his side have used the enforced break to their advantage.

He said that “this is the best personnel situation we had this season” and that his players have “definitely got fitter”, despite recognising that the continued absence of some key individuals was “not exactly positive”.

Kohfeldt also talked up the opportunity to boost their battle against the drop: “This game is a huge opportunity for us to reduce the gap, build pressure and make others think.

“The threat of our additional catch-up game becomes even more real.

“We have to be brave from the first moment – and we will be.”

Bayer manager Peter Bosz tried to play down the pressure on his side though, as they chase down a Champions League place.

Bosz said: “Of course we’re looking at our direct rivals. But I don’t think we’re under more pressure because of that. We have to mind our own business and win our games.”

He added that the temporary change to allow give substitutions could be a positive, as it “gives us coaches extra chances of having more influence on the game”, but acknowledged that “the emotions will be different and also the situation of being able to hear more.”