Werder Bremen v FC Koln
Weser Stadion
Saturday, 28th August 2010 – kickoff 15:30

Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen were unexpectedly trashed 4-1 away at TSG Hoffenheim in the opening round but have secured a place in the Champions League after the thriller match in Genoa against Sampdoria where after being 3 goals down they scored twice for celebration in Bremen. This was a sixth qualification in the Champions League group phase for the team in the last seven years.

Now their focus is back on the Bundesliga where they will face FC Koln in the second round. Naldo is absent due to his knee injury, but the 23-year old new signing – the Brazilian International Wesley is expected to make his debut for Werder Bremen.

Werder Bremen have a positive home record against FC Koln as they have lost only once and drew three times in the last 13 matches against them. Since September 2001 FC Koln have not managed a single point against Werder when playing in Bremen.

Despite the last week`s opening loss, Werder Bremen have a good home form as they have five wins and three draws in the last eight home Bundesliga competitive matches. However, Coach Schaaf is worried by the instability of the back line of the team. Fritz was really insecure in the back against Hoffenheim but yet he is expected to start once again.

Probable Werder Bremen line-up :
Wiese,
Fritz, Mertesacker, Prodl, Boenisch,
Bargfrede, Frings
Wesley, Hunt, Marin,
Pizarro

FC Koln

FC Koln also have lost their opening Bundesliga match 1-3 against Kaiserslautern. Bad thing was that FC Koln took the lead but eventually lost heavily. Big blow for the team was the sent off of the Koln`s captain Youssef Mohamad who set a new record after receiving a red card just after 90 seconds of play and he is suspended for three matches.

FC Koln had a good preparation prior this match as they have played a midweek friendly against Schalke 04 which they have won 2-1 away. The main players weren`t used but some of the youngsters impressed like Sebastian Freiss who scored twice.

Coach Zvonimir Soldo will use two strikers in the formation – Milivoje Novakovic and Lucas Podolski in a same formation from last week, except for Mohamad who will be absent and replaced by McKenna.

Probable FC Koln line-up :
Mondragon,
Brecko, McKenna, Pezzoni, Salger,
Lanig, Petit, Yalcin, Jajalo,
Novakovic, Podolski

The Betting Verdict

Interestingly, these teams have an equal and balanced record of 31 wins each combined with 18 draws in their total of 80 matches. Last time when FC Koln won in Bremen was 15 years ago in the 1995/96 season when they have managed a narrow 1-0 victory.

I expect Werder Bremen to bounce back after their heavy defeat from last week and to ride on the team`s positive atmosphere after reaching the Champions League group stages. This should be a home victory for Werder Bremen.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Werder Bremen 2-0 FC Koln

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take the Home win for Werder Bremen