Werder Bremen vs FC Augsburg preview: A potentially fun one at the Weserstadion | OneFootball

Werder Bremen

Bremen’s last game really showcased their duality, the good and the bad.

They went on the road to take on FC Köln, a tricky test but not the toughest opposition in the Bundesliga. Both sides had made promising starts to the campaign, and neutrals were interested to see which team could take the next step.

Early on, it seemed like it would be the hosts. They were awarded an admittedly weak penalty kick in the 8th minute, and even though that wasn’t converted, the Billy Goats opened the scoring three minutes later. A defensive mistake kickstarted a counter, and Linton Maina managed to pick out the bottom corner.

Bremen came out flat. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, they just couldn’t pass and move the ball around. They really struggled with the opposition's high press, and that’s what led to the opening goal. That lasted until halftime, with something needing to change.

Things did improve following the break. Werder took control of proceedings. They were able to get the ball high up the pitch and keep it up there, swinging it around and around. The issue is the team still struggled to create clear cut chances.

A goal did come eventually, even if it was scrappy. A corner headed towards goal was blocked by a defender, but Niclas Füllkrug pounced on the loose ball, somehow squeezing a shot past everyone and into the back of the net.

That seemed to set up a grandstand final 20 minutes. Instead, the two sides were content to both settle for a point. That was fine for the Green-Whites, who still clinched a draw despite playing poorly early on while visiting a tough atmosphere.

As a result, Bremen concluded the weekend with four points from three games. That’s a solid start, and it kept them right in the middle of the league standings. That sets up an opportunity in this contest. A win here would give them a big boost, putting them in contention for a European push.

It won’t be easy given how well Augsburg have begun their campaign, but the two outfits tend to have close contests. Werder knows that if they can play at their best, especially in front of their passionate fanbase, then they have a real chance of securing all three points.

Team newsMoussa N'Diaye is a fresh injury concern for Werder, who are still without Felix Agu, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah, and Keke Topp. Meanwhile midfielder Senne Lynen is a doubt, with the coaching staff hopeful he can return.

Predicted lineupsHein, Arthur, Pieper, Friedl, Deman, Reeger, Reis, Chuki, Dincki, Fullkrug, Grull

FC Augsburg

It’s been a dream start to the season for Augsburg, and it was nearly a perfect one.

On opening day they dismantled newcomers Schalke at home. Michael Gregoritsch started the scoring in the 18th minute, and following a red card to the visitors, Die Fuggerstädter doubled their lead before adding a third and final goal in stoppage time.

Things got even better the following week, even though they did concede six minutes into their game away to Eintracht Frankfurt. After going into the break still down, Augsburg exploded in the second half. They scored twice in three minutes following the restart.

Alexis Claude-Maurice then nothced a lovely goal after the hour mark, turning on the ball and driving towards the defense before curling a strike into the far corner. Fabian Rieder wrapped the win in style, converting a free-kick in the final minutes.

FCA went back home to take on Bayer Leverkusen, and they went down early once again. However, once again, a second half outburst put them in front, as Michael Gregoritsch scored a brace in only five minutes. The issue is they did not add to their lead on this occasion. Instead, they gave up an equalizer in the 89th minute, so they had to settle for a tie.

While the ending of that contest was a tough pill to swallow, everyone involved with the club will be thrilled with how they’ve started the campaign. Augsburg go into this weekend in 3rd place, one spot above record-champions Bayern Munich. They’re confident, and they’re even playing some really pretty soccer. Who would have thought?

Somehow Augsburg is a team neutrals would enjoy watching. Is this just a purple patch, or is this team a legitimate European contender? We’ll know more on Saturday.

Team newsDie Fuggerstädter have done this without a few key players, as Faik Sakar, Klaus Sima Suso, Anton Kade, and Tim Breithaupt are all unavailable through injury.

Predicted lineupsDahmen, Banks, Matsima, Brackelmann, Wolf, Massengo, Rieder, Behrens, Fellhauer, Gregoritsch, Ibrahimovic