Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways on Tuesday night, Borussia Dortmund will welcome Werder Bremen to Signal Iduna Park.
Borussia Dortmund
Starting with the hosts, while Borussia Dortmund might have eventually got the New Year underway with a sensational last-gasp 3-3 stalemate away at Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend, Niko Kovac’s camp are desperately searching for some essential stability in 2026. Although the former Champions League finalists might be sat in the driving seat to claim yet another silver medal finish among Germany’s elite, the former Monaco boss has seen his squad settle for a single point in three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, failing to register consecutive Bundesliga victories since the end of October, BVB have come under some recent scrutiny on either side of Germany’s festive break. However, pencilled in as a real standout contender on Tuesday night, Kovac’s side have suffered just a sole defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 10 months.
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Despite once again missing out away at Eintracht Frankfurt over the weekend as he served the second of his two-match Bundesliga suspension, England U21 ace Jobe Bellingham will return to Kovac’s squad here. However, dealing with a recent thigh issue, Argentinian youngster Aaron Anselmino remains a doubt in midweek.
Watching Algeria’s AFCON adventure come to an end last weekend, former Borussia Monchengladbach defender Rams Bensebaini could play some part on Tuesday night. Coming off the bench and bagging a sensational last-gasp equaliser away at Frankfurt on Friday, ex-Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka could be handed a full recall.
Werder Bremen
As for the visitors, while some in Werder Bremen’s camp might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine European charge, Horst Steffen’s men have drastically flattered to deceive. With some around the Weserstadion starting to look over their shoulder at a potential relegation scrap, the River Islanders have collected just a pair of points from any of their previous five Bundesliga appearances. Heading into Germany’s festive break in the midst of a public rut, Bremen’s nightmare run is underlined by a 4-0 drumming at home against Stuttgart on December 14th. Recording just a single Bundesliga victory on their travels so far this season and also drawing a blank in three of their last four showdowns away from the Weserstadion, Steffen’s downbeat squad will be more than aware that they face a stern examination on Tuesday night.
Werder Bremen Team News
Suffering yet another hour knee injury last month, Werder Bremen have already confirmed that summer recruit and former Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Likewise, fellow Nigerian international Felix Agu is still dealing with a long-term ankle issue.
However, serving a one-match Bundesliga suspension away at Augsburg prior to the festive break, 18-year-old Karim Coulibaly will return to Bremen’s travelling squad. Completing a loan switch from Southampton over the summer, Japanese international Yukinari Sugaware will start at right-back.
Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Key Factors to Consider
- When Borussia Dortmund last welcomed Werder Bremen to Signal Iduna Park 12 months ago, Tuesday’s opponents played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.
- BVB have failed to register consecutive Bundesliga victories since the end of October.
- However, Borussia Dortmund have suffered just a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 10 months.
- Werder Bremen have recorded just a sole Bundesliga victory away from the Weserstadion.
- Tuesday’s guests have also drawn a blank in three of their previous four showdowns on the road.
Conclusion
Seeking an immediate Bundesliga response on Tuesday night, Borussia Dortmund will know the importance of avoiding a potential banana skin here. Excited to make a return to Signal Iduna Park here, Kovac’s side have rightfully gained a real reputation for their success on home soil. Suffering just a single defeat in front of their own supporters over the past 10 months, BVB will also meet a Werder Bremen squad who signed off 2025 in the midst of an extended rut. Looking to shore up their spot in silver medal position, we are backing a home victory on Tuesday night.
Verdict: Borussia Dortmund win
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Luckster