Memories of the unlucky 1-0 defeat against Werder Bremen in the DFB Pokal is still fresh in the mind. Despite several goalscoring opportunities, the Black and Reds missed the chance to go through to the semi-finals. "We are expecting a similarly defensive approach from them as in the Pokal game. That's an approach they do well. They close down space and give little away," said the coach looking forward to the renewed clash: "In spite of the defeat in the Pokal, we want to build on this performance. We made some good moves at times but we have to be more clinical in taking our chances." Given the 1-1 draw in the Hinrunde and, above all, the exit from the DFB Pokal, Pätzold is expecting, "that everybody will be highly motivated for the game" and he added: "We want to prove to ourselves that we can beat Bremen at the third attempt."
Points record in sight
If the Werkself get a result on Sunday then they would have more points after 17 out of 22 matchdays than ever before in the Bundesliga season. The Pätzold team equalled the best of 33 points from the 2020/21 season with the victory in Jena last Sunday. "It's already been a top season for us despite the disappointments in the weeks before the Jena game," said the coach: "At the end of the day, we want to get the best possible result and achieve the best possible position in the table. So we definitely won't be playing for a draw to break our record with 34 points."
Melissa Friedrich is back in the squad after recovering from an infection. Sofia Cava Marin (torn cruciate), Piljic (rehab training after ankle injury) and Haim (rehab training after back problems) remain sidelined.
Family matchday at the im UHS
Bayer 04 fans can enjoy a wide range of events at the game on Sunday. In addition to hands-on activities, there is also an autograph session with Piljic and Haim from 13:15 to 13:45 CET. As usual, tickets are available HERE from the online shop or from the matchday ticket office from 13:00 CET on Sunday.
Werkself Live available here:
