Werder Bremen vs Darmstadt 98 Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Werder Bremen find themselves on the cusp of the relegation zone after starting the new year with four consecutive defeats – a record last seen at Werder in 1980. Bremen and coach Alexander Nouri have, however, bought themselves some time with consecutive wins against Mainz and Wolfsburg steering them 2 points clear of the 16th place relegation play-off position. Werder Bremen should consider this match at home to Darmstadt, who have lost all of their 10 matches on the road this season, a prime opportunity to win three in a row for the first time in two years.

Darmstadt 98’s 2-1 defeat at home to Augsburg last weekend was another devastating blow for the 2015/2016 promotees. Darmstadt sit rock bottom of the Bundesliga and find themselves 10 points behind Werder Bremen and safety – this relegation “six-pointer” may well decide Darmstadt’s fate.

Werder Bremen are the favourites here at 8/13 with bet365, which is not surprising given Darmstadt’s awful away form (L10). Though we also fancy Bremen’s chances, there’s much better value to be had backing “over 2.5 goals and both teams to score” for the following reasons: Bremen are not much improved in the defensive department since last season’s embarrassing run of 34 consecutive matches without a clean sheet. The North Germans currently hold the joint second worst defensive record in the Bundesliga (43 goals conceded), have kept a clean sheet in none of their matches at the Weserstadion, 64% of which they have lost (W3 D1 L7), and are averaging towards 2 goals conceded per match at home. However, unlike other teams in the relegation battle, Bremen seem not to struggle in front of goal, scoring at least one goal in 90% of their matches so far this season. Consequently, over 2.5 goals and both teams to score has landed in 9 of Bremen’s 11 matches at home this season (82%).

For those looking to back an anytime goalscorer, it’s ex-Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry who finds himself in form for Bremen. He’s the Bundesliga’s joint 5th top scorer with 10 goals, scoring three in his last two outings, and would be a decent shout to get another here against the “travel-sick” Darmstadt at 13/10 with bet365.

Though Darmstadt’s problems this season have stemmed from a lack of goals, the pressure of looming relegation will no doubt make them even more desperate to get a result here. Darmstadt should be looking for three points against a side with the 2nd worst home record in the Bundesliga. Hence, a goal for the Lillies seems a reasonable outcome when considering Darmstadt’s likelihood to push men forward aggressively and Bremen’s own defensive downfalls. As such, we feel that a 2-1 Werder Bremen win at 7/1 is a decent shout here.