Borrussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen: Preview
We discuss the expectations for the Borrussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen match in the second round of the 2026/27 German Cup.
Three weeks ago, "Werder" stole a draw from "Borrussia" D on their own turf, marking the start of a poor run for Niko Kovac’s side.
Key points
Borrussia Dortmund
1. Dortmund won in the league, but has not recovered yet
After a long break, Kovac’s team started with a winning streak that put them in an optimistic mood. The board thought so, renewing Kovac’s contract, his brother and the coaching staff. And right after that came the defeats, which sparked criticism of Dortmund’s style of play. It can only be accepted on winning days.
And the period of failures began with an inexplicable draw against "Werder" (2:2), with Bremen’s goals scored after the 87th minute. Then Dortmund failed to score consecutively against "Bud-Glimt" and "Union", and then beat "Sabadell" (2:1) in the Champions League and "Eintracht" (1:0) in the league. With territorial dominance, they maintained 1.54 xG, and Maxi Bayer’s goal was scored only in the 80th minute.
2. Kovac must prepare for the next match against "Bayern"
They already travel to Munich on weekends to face the stumbling "Bayern". If they want to fight seriously for the title, they must aim for points. But the question of resources arises. Niko Kovac is already happy that after the game against "Eintracht" he did not lose to any of the leaders, because he had already lost them anyway. Ioannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karakas are not assistants now. Whatever Kovac can do with squad rotation, but there is no room for it. It is known for sure that instead of the excluded Remi Ben Sebaini, Joan Gadau will start in defense.
3. Dortmund turns possession poorly into goals
Five matches after the break – a period long enough to fix the problems. Only with "Sabadell" everything was relatively good, at the start of each half Sergio Giras scored. In other days the situation is serious. Everything boils down to standards or individual class. And the two goals against "Werder" in the league should not deceive, because they came at the final whistle. In the cup with such football, it is easy to fall into defeat.
Werder Bremen
1. Rumours of Werder’s death are exaggerated
In pre‑season expectations, "Werder" almost went to the relegation zone. In reality, in eight league and cup matches they only lost once, and the current run is six matches. On the weekend tour, Bremen’s musicians won away against "Mainz" (3:2), and veteran Niklas Fullkrug scored a brace from penalties. In total, "Werder" has three wins and three draws in five matches, with at least two goals in the attack. Solid, right?
With that statistic, it is possible to think about the fight at "Signal Iduna Park". Three weeks ago, "Werder" stole a draw here. In general, with the team’s character, the order is clear. They also scored two goals against "Augsburg" and "Paderborn".
2. Niklas Fullkrug on the bench – a crime against everyone
In the end, the rule of the ex was not annulled. The striker’s goal set the score 2:2 in the league against Dortmund. In total, Fullkrug scored nine impressive goals this season, and only "Freiburg" was not affected. And yet the head coach Daniel Töne hinted that in the cup Fullkrug might not play due to fatigue. But it is believed to be a "mind game" for Kovac. If he is not in the starting lineup, we will see him on the bench.
What can be predicted with more confidence: the entry of goalkeeper Alex Schlagert, who lost the competition to Karl Heinz in the Bundesliga.
3. "Werder" does not lose when they leave
For Dortmund, every defeat is fuel for the flame. For "Werder", a cup exit is simply a local mishap. The team is in good shape and good mood, plays well. In such a context, unexpected successes normally occur. Unlike Dortmund, "Werder" has no problems with goals. If the correct playing scenario is captured, there will be room for a surprise. At least once more, the Bremen can score safely.
Approximate lineups 3-4-3 4-2-2 1-1 1-1
Betting on the trend
In six of the last eight personal meetings, no more than three goals were scored. TM 3.5 costs 1.68.
In seven of the last personal meetings, Dortmund only won twice with a margin of two goals or more. The odds 2 (+1.5) cost 1.80.
Prediction
Borrussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen 27.10.2026 23:45
Dortmund’s bosses chose the most unfortunate moment to renew Niko Kovac’s contract. Right after the game, the team became weak, and the result was achieved with difficulty. Five matches after the break, Dortmund did not score or suffered until the last minutes. The only exception is the game against "Sabadell" in the CL, where there is still room for criticism.
Against "Werder" in the league three weeks ago there was an inexplicable 2:2 draw. And everything is "musicians". Before the start of the season, they sent them almost to the last place, and they are undefeated, consistently score with two goals, and Niklas Fullkrug scores as in the best times. A German striker in the summer World Cup. Oh, dreams.
In the cup there is its own specificity, lineups are often rotated. The same Fullkrug may not appear against Dortmund. But even without him, "Werder" can make "Borrussia" D hit the wall, even reaching a penalty shootout.
Prediction: 1-1
