TSG Hoffenheim v Werder Bremen
Rhein-Neckar Arena
Saturday, 21th August 2010 – kickoff 15:30

TSG Hoffenheim

TSG Hoffenheim had a good pre season preparations as they had some notable wins especially 3-1 win over Sunderland and this last Saturday's 4-0 DFB Cup win over Hansa Rostock.

The team is in good spirits and their main aim for this season should be around mid-table finish. The team is almost the same as last season with one exception-they signed 19-year-old Togolese Peniel Kokou Mlapa from TSV 1860 Munchen and he had some great pre-season performances with goals against lower sides and couple assists in the last DFB Cup win. He probably will start in the attack in this match partnering Vedad Ibisevic up front. Demba Ba will play behind them as offensive midfielder.

The 23-year-old Andreas Beck will take command in the defense and he is also announced as new TSG Hoffenheim`s captain this season. Josip Simunic will take his place in the central defense which is probably the best part of this team.

Chinedu Obasi is recovering from injury and is not able to participate in this match.

Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen sold probably their greatest talent Mesut Ozil to Real Madrid and it will be interesting how will the team respond to this situation. Last season was successful for the team that finished third behind Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 and they set up goal for this season to make a step forward and at get in the first two spots that will directly lead them in the Champions League.

However, after selling of Ozil their goal seems a bit unrealistic at the moment having on mind that this team mainly relies on veterans such as Frings, Pizarro, Borowski, Almeida and i think that they need at least two or three very good signings if they want to reach their target.

One of the players that should step up and fill the gap with Ozil's absence is the youngster Marko Marin who had a very good last season and its perfect time for him to shine this season, and i expect him to be among the best young players in the Bundesliga this season.

Last weekend Werder Bremen had a warm-up DFB Cup 4-0 victory over Rot Weiss Ahlen and coach Schaaf had used several youngsters in the squad that proved to be good enough for an easy victory.

The Brazilian central defender Naldo has a chronic knee injury and will have to go on surgery so he is definitely out of the combination for this match. Christian Vander has a groin injury and also is not able to play. The 26-year-old midfielder Peter Niemeyer left the club and joined the 2.Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

The Betting Verdict

Werder Bremen have a very tough Champions League play-off encounter against Sampdoria, but i think that that match will prepare them very well for the following Bundesliga matches.

TSG Hoffenheim plays at home and will be eager to start good, but Werder Bremen have too much quality and experience not to take this match seriously. Ozil will be huge absence for the team, but i expect Marin and Hunt to step up and lead the team to a victory.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

TSG Hoffenheim 2-3 Werder Bremen

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take the Away win for Werder Bremen