Werder’s first Bundesliga game after the international break is away at Hertha BSC. The game at the Olympiastadion will kick off at 15:30. Werder will be looking to put in a positive performance in the nation’s capital, and with it pick up their first points of the season.
The history of the tie: In the last eight games between these two sides, Werder have scored 15 goals against the men from Berlin. In fact, the Green-Whites’ unbeaten streak against Hertha is longer than any other Bundesliga club. Their last loss against Hertha was all the way back in December 2013.
Last season’s fixtures: The two games last season against Hertha both ended very positively for the Green-Whites. After a series of unlucky results, Werder managed a well fought away victory in Berlin on 10 December 2016 where Max Kruse scored the game’s only goal. Max Kruse was also on the scoresheet alongside Fin Bartels in Werder’s home fixture against Hertha, and the game finished 2-0.
Pre-match quotes: Alexander Nouri is very aware of the fact that an away trip to Berlin poses a tough challenge for his team. “Hertha have strengthened their squad again for this season, and they’re also very good at home.” Nouri knows very well what his team needs to focus on. “It’s crucial that we concentrate on ourselves and our strengths. Maintaining the balance between defence and attack will also be really important. We’ll be travelling to Berlin confident and in good spirits.”
The stats battle: Werder will be facing a Hertha team this weekend that has not lost their last six games to be played on a Sunday. However, Werder are also the only team that didn’t concede to Hertha once last season. Which statistic will hold true come Sunday?
The twelfth man: Lots of Green-White supporters are expected to make the trip to the Olympiastadion this weekend. Around 6000 fans will be getting behind the Werder boys in Berlin.
Ex-Green-Whites: The clash with Hertha will also mean a reunion with Davie Selke. The ex-Werder striker moved to the capital in the summer. However, Selke will likely not see the pitch against the Green-Whites, as he hasn’t been available for selection recently due to injury.
The referee: Sunday marks the first time in history that a Bundesliga game will be officiated by a woman. The referee will be Bibiana Steinhaus and her assistants will be Christof Günsch and Thomas Stein. The fourth official will be Robert Schröder.
