As the 2023-24 Bundesliga season draws to a close, Werder Bremen will face VfL Bochum in a crucial clash at the Weserstadion on May 18, 2024.
Both teams have significant stakes in this final matchday, making this encounter highly anticipated among fans and analysts alike.
Team Form and Standings
Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen enters the match positioned 11th in the Bundesliga table with 39 points.
Their season record includes 10 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses from 33 games. Bremen still harbours hopes of European qualification, sitting just three points behind eighth-placed Freiburg.
A victory, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, could potentially propel them into the Conference League playoff spot, especially if Bayer Leverkusen wins the German Cup.
Bochum
VfL Bochum, on the other hand, finds themselves in 14th place with 33 points.
Despite a poor away record, having secured only 10 points from 16 away matches, Bochum can ensure their Bundesliga survival with a draw or better against Bremen, provided Mainz 05 loses to Wolfsburg or Union Berlin fails to beat Freiburg.
Recent Performances
Bremen comes into this fixture on the back of a 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig. They have demonstrated a solid home form this season, collecting 22 points from 16 matches at the Weserstadion.
Bochum, however, suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in their last outing, which could impact their confidence ahead of this crucial match.
Team News
Werder Bremen will be without Naby Keita due to suspension, while Nick Woltemade is a major doubt following a head injury.
Other absentees include Justin Njinmah, Skelly Alvero, and Amos Pieper. Key player Marvin Ducksch, who has scored 12 league goals this season, will be pivotal for Bremen's offensive efforts.
Bochum faces their own set of challenges with Felix Passlack suspended and several players, including Moritz Kwarteng and Niclas Thiede, sidelined due to injuries.
Coach Heiko Butscher is likely to make minimal changes despite the recent heavy defeat, with Tim Oermann expected to replace Passlack.
Prediction
Given Bochum's dismal away form and Bremen's relatively stronger home performance, Werder Bremen is favoured to secure a win in this fixture.
We're anticipating a 2-1 victory for Bremen, although this may not be sufficient for them to clinch a European spot.
Bochum, even with a loss, might still avoid relegation depending on other match outcomes.
