Watch to watch for as Werder Bremen travel to FC Heidenheim | OneFootball

Werder Bremen have been away for too long thanks to the international break, but fortunately they will make their return to the field this Saturday afternoon. They’re coming back to a tough venue, as the Green-Whites travel to FC Heidenheim.

The opposition go into the weekend in last place, but you'd be silly to think that they'll just lay down and roll over. Heidenheim have proven to be a nuisance in the Bundesliga, and that’s especially true when they’re against Bremen.

Werder did finally grab a win versus them to end last season, and it was at the Voith-Arena as well. However, a lot has happened since then, and there’s plenty of new storylines to watch out for.

The rise of Mbangula?There were plenty of eyes on Bremen this summer when they announced the signing of Samuel Mbangula. He was coming in from Italian giants Juventus, and he cost the club about 10 million Euros.

He’s lived up to the billing so far. Mbangula had a goal and an assist in his opening four games, and he drew two penalties during this time, which should add to his assist tally. Despite needing time to adjust to his new surroundings, he quickly showed the sort of impact he can make.

The winger proved that true again in the last game before the break, scoring the matchwinner early on at home to St. Pauli. The ball sat perfectly on the edge of the box, and he pounced on the opportunity by slotting a shot into the bottom corner.

Mbangula was mainly signed to be a gamechanger, someone who can provide a moment of magic at any given moment. So far, so good. Now, supporters will be eager to see if he can take that next step this time around.

Heidenheim will likely sit back deep and be a team that’s hard to break down. It’s matches like these where mercurial talents really shine, and the Belgian is on his way to becoming just that. Maybe he’ll dance past a defender, pick out a teammate with a cross, or rifle the ball into the back of the net himself.

Mbangula will be one to watch for, and he could carry Bremen to victory on his own.

The return of Victor Boniface?Another incredibly talented Werder player is Victor Boniface, but he’s failed to come close to the heights of the former.

Signing on loan on deadline, the Bayer Leverkusen forward used to be one of the best the league had to offer. He was monumental during their double-winning season, securing 31 goal contributions in all competitions. While injuries have hampered him since, Die Werderaner were still thrilled to acquire his services.

Things haven’t gone too well. It’s clear Boniface didn’t arrive to the Weserstadion in top-shape. He was dealing with nagging injuries, and he was far behind the fitness of others. That meant he was gradually integrated into the lineup, getting 15 minutes one game and then a half hour in the next two.

However, there must have been some sort of setback, with the Nigerian then only seeing the field for nine minutes versus St. Pauli. He nearly scored in that cameo, to be fair, but he curled a shot well wide of the frame.

Bremen fans have been patient, but they’re ready to finally see him start. Boniface has been in the city for six weeks now, and he had an additional week of training where there was no matchday to worry about.

If the number #44 gets onto the field and is close to full-fitness, he’ll be an important player for Werder. He’s lethal in the final third, able to score or assist in a number of different ways. Either he’ll get open, or he’ll create space for others.

The club will hope this Saturday is finally the beginning of something special for them and Boniface.

Can Karim Coulibaly keep it up?One of the stories of the season for the Green-Whites has been the blossoming of Karim Coulibaly.

Only getting a chance in the lineup due to a defensive injury crisis, the academy product has made the most of the gift given to him. While he struggled at the back on his debut, he scored a thrilling equalizer at the death to create a memorable moment.

Coulibaly has only grown in confidence and stature since then. Possessing an incredible build for the position, he’s incredibly lengthy, which lets him sprint after attackers and then fly into challenges to win the ball. Now, with the experience he’s rapidly gaining, he’s learning when to make these moves.

Instead of being a temporary replacement, the 18-year-old is now a key cog in the back four. He’s lined up next to captain Marco Friedl, and the two have formed quite the partnership in the weeks they’ve played together. More senior defenders are getting healthy, but there’s no longer a spot for them.

Coulibaly has already attracted interest from other European clubs, but Bremen are planning a long future with him at the heart of the defense.