Preview: Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Werder Bremen - prediction, team news, lineups

Gladbach were dispatched 3-0 away to RB Leipzig last time out, while Werder Bremen were beaten 3-2 by Bayer Leverkusen.

Match preview

Indeed, Gladbach's dismal away form continued under Daniel Farke, with Leipzig completely outclassing their opponents during the encounter at the Red Bull Arena last Saturday.

In fairness to Die Fohlen, they managed to keep their opponents at bay until Timo Werner broke the deadlock two minutes prior to the hour mark, with Emil Forsberg's penalty and a late strike from Josko Gvardiol handing Die Roten Bullen a deservedly comfortable victory.

Farke will be concerned by his side only managing 33% possession across the course of the match, with the former Norwich City boss priding himself on implementing a controlled passing style of football during his managerial career so far.

With only one away win to their name all season, Farke and his players will almost certainly be delighted to return to home soil against Werder Bremen on Friday, with Gladbach winning seven of their 12 league games at Borussia Park so far this campaign.

Werder Bremen, meanwhile, suffered defeat for the fourth time in their last five matches, with Ole Werner's side unable to find a late equaliser against Bayer Leverkusen.

Marvin Ducksch had handed the hosts the lead after half an hour at Weserstadion, but Xabi Alonso's side fired in three goals in response either side of the break, with Adam Hlozek's 83rd-minute effort all but ending the match as a contest despite Niclas Fullkrug dispatching his penalty late on.

With a 10-point cushion ahead of the relegation places, Werner and his players will certainly harbour no concerns regarding an instant return to the second tier, with their excellent form during the early months of the campaign ensuring that their stay in the top-flight should not be a short-lived one.

However, with a top-half finish still more than up for grabs, the 34-year-old will be determined to see his side return to winning ways sooner rather than later, potentially starting with their trip to Monchengladbach on Friday.

Borussia Monchengladbach Bundesliga form:

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Werder Bremen Bundesliga form:

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Team News

Gladbach will remain without Ramy Bensebaini due to suspension, although the left-back is currently suffering with a hamstring issue in any case. Luca Netz is set to continue in the Algeria international's absence.

Likewise, the club's third-choice Tobias Sippel is expected continue in goal until after the upcoming international break, when Jan Olschowsky and Jonas Omlin should be available once again.

Julian Weigl and Tony Jantschke remain sidelined by serious ankle and knee injuries respectively, but club captain Lars Stindl should be ready to start after only being used from the bench during the defeat to Leipzig.

Werder Bremen, meanwhile, were struck down by a virus circulating around the club prior to their defeat to Leverkusen last time out, with Leonardo Bittencourt, Dudu, Romano Schmid, Marco Friedl and Christian Gross all ruled out as a result. It remains to be seen whether the quintet will be available this weekend.

Should they be fit and raring to go as expected, Friedl will almost certainly return in his left-sided role in defence, with Bittencourt, Gross and Schmid all providing options to bolster the visitors' midfield.

However, Jean-Manuel Mbom and Felix Agu remain out due to long-term injuries, with Ducksch and Fullkrug hoping to continue their form in front of goal after both bagging last time out.

Borussia Monchengladbach possible starting lineup:

Sippel; Scally, Itakura, Elvedi, Netz; Kramer, Kone; Hofmann, Stindl, Plea; Thuram

Werder Bremen possible starting lineup:

Pavlenka; Pieper, Veljkovic, Friedl; Weiser, Bittencourt, Gross, Schmidt, Jung; Ducksch, Fullkrug

We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 3-2 Werder Bremen

With both teams far more proficient offensively than they are defensively, and with neither having a great deal to play for throughout the rest of the season, this has all the makings of a highly entertaining encounter.

Gladbach's home form has remained consistent all season, and they should have a little too much quality for Werder Bremen, whose results have significantly dipped in recent weeks.

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