The Nordderby is back! As Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV prepare to renew their historic rivalry, both managers have shuffled their decks following disappointing results last weekend. The hosts, coming off a 3-1 defeat to Köln, have made four significant changes to their starting eleven.
In defense, Karim Coulibaly steps in for the suspended captain Marco Friedl. The midfield sees a double change with Senne Lynen and Jens Stage returning, while up front, Jovan Milosevic gets the nod. They replace Felix Agu, Leonardo Bittencourt, and Marco Grüll as Bremen looks to rediscover its attacking spark.
For Hamburger SV, reeling from a 4-0 loss to Stuttgart, three alterations aim to steady the ship. Captain Lucas Capaldo returns to the lineup, bringing vital experience, while Miro Muheim and target man Robert Glatzel also come into the side, replacing Fabio Baldé and Rayan Philippe.
Here is how the two rivals will line up from the start:
Werder Bremen (4-3-3): Backhaus; Sugawara, Pieper, Coulibaly, Deman; Puertas, Lynen, Stage; Njinmah, Milosevic, Schmid
Hamburger SV (3-4-1-2): Heuer Fernandes; Omari, Torunarigha, Capaldo; Mikelbrencis, Grönbaek, Remberg, Muheim; Viera; Königsdorffer, Glatzel
With key players returning and formations set, this classic clash promises high intensity from the first whistle. Will Bremen's refreshed midfield control the game, or can HSV's revised attack find a way through?
