Despite their recent success, the season continues to be anything but satisfactory for Bremen. After 24 Bundesliga games, they have only 22 points to their name, 15 of which came from their first ten games. This was one of the reasons why the club's management pulled the plug after only seven months of working together and parted ways with head coach Horst Steffen. However, his successor, Daniel Thioune, has not yet been able to significantly improve the lack of punch up front.

Since taking office at the beginning of February, Werder have had one of the most toothless attacks in the league, with no other team scoring fewer goals during this period. But even before that, the Green-Whites' attack was not exactly accurate. With only 25 goals scored, they are ranked 16th, even though they are one of the teams with the most shots on goal. In addition, they have conceded the third most goals in the league.

However, there is still a glimmer of hope in the individual quality of the squad. Above all, Romano Schmid influences Werder's play like no other. The Austrian has impressed throughout the league with strong tackling statistics, high running intensity and numerous crosses from open play. With six assists and two goals of his own, he is also the most dangerous scorer in the team. Winter signing Jovan Milosevic has also brought a breath of fresh air to the attack with three goals in less than 300 minutes of playing time.

Union and Bremen have played eleven Bundesliga matches and one in the cup. Union have six victories, Bremen five, and there has been one draw.

Oliver Burke signed for Union just under eight months ago and is now facing his former club for the second time. Between 2022 and 2025, the Scot made a total of 46 appearances for Bremen, scoring nine times. During this period, he was loaned out to England twice before moving to Union at the beginning of July last year.

Derrick Köhn had also been loaned out before his arrival in Berlin, but from the Bosphorus to the Weser. Last season, the defender played 30 of 37 possible competitive matches for Bremen, contributing two goals and two assists.

Tom Rothe, Robert Skov and Diogo Leite will not be in squad for the match on Sunday

“We had a very good training week and want to continue right there this weekend," said Union head coach, Steffen baumgart, during his press conference on Friday afternoon. "We are aware that we can play significantly better football and bring a completely different intensity to the pitch than we did recently. Bremen are coming to Berlin off a liberating home win, but they have always been a team that creates many chances. We need to face that with full concentration from the very beginning." 

Werder coach Daniel Thioune meanwhile had this to say: “They play somewhat like Heidenheim. They have a very physical approach. Additionally, they rely on pace, which is why our defensive shape will be important again, especially in transition. Furthermore, they often go for the second ball, which doesn’t mean they lack a creative approach. They also generate dangerous moments from set pieces. In the end, it will be the case that they will create actions in their home game that we need to defend consistently.”

As usual, the An der Alten Försterei stadium will open two hours before kick-off, and the match is sold out in both the home and away sections.

There are still extensive traffic disruptions on public transport, including a rail replacement service on the ‘Altstadt Köpenick’ tram line. All visitors are advised to arrive early.

Further information can be found in the fan letter from the Berlin police (German).