For many years, a game against SC was something every Werder Bremen fan would eagerly look forward to, as the matchup almost promised three points for the Green-Whites. In the first 27 league encounters between the sides, Freiburg were defeated 19 times. The tables have undoubtedly turned in recent years, however, as SC have secured victory in five of their last six meetings with Werder.

Last weekend, both teams were able to record their first win of the season in style. SC left it late to pull off a stunning comeback against Baden-Württemberg rivals VfB Stuttgart, while SVW romped to an impressive 4-0 victory away at Borussia Mönchengladbach. “In total, head coach Horst Steffen’s Werder side have put away eight goals across the first three matchdays – the first time they’ve done so since the 2005/06 season.”

SC will therefore be coming up against a team riding high after last weekend’s win, which Julian Schuster believes could be reflected in the way they press his side. “It’s obviously a possibility that an opponent playing at home could want to start the game with a high press. They are able to change the way they play and have a dynamic shape that they’ve been varying a lot recently,” said the Freiburg head coach. “We have our own strengths in play, though. We’re ready for Bremen.”

Manzambi unavailable, Suzuki and Irié recovered from illness

More than 2,500 SC fans will accompany Freiburg for the away day in Bremen, although not travelling with the squad this weekend will be Johan Manzambi. Having received a red card during added time against VfB Stuttgart, the midfielder is now serving a two-match ban. “He is really capable of making his mark in the final third, which makes us stronger going forward and causes problems for the opponents. The red card is a bitter pill to swallow and was unnecessary in a situation like that. However, we definitely have solutions for Saturday,” said Schuster.

Yuito Suzuki, who, like Manzambi, is an option in the second striker role, was absent from the squad last weekend. Along with Cyriaque Irié, he returned from international duty with an illness, although both players are now recovered. Igor Matanovic was also able to take part in team training again this week – the striker was included in SC’s squad against Stuttgart for the first time since recovering from a muscular problem, and made his mark despite coming on late in the game as a substitute, scoring two goals in SC’s comeback win in the derby.

Photo: SC Freiburg