Match Previews

Werder Bremen defend a 3-0 win from the first leg.... solid 2-0 home win over Nurnberg in the Bundesliga.... Frings (k)(mid) and Pasanen (r)(def) out injured.... Sanogo (r)(att) back in the squad.... Diego (k)(mid) out injured.... Owomoyela (def) back from injury.... Werder Bremen made a big step into the next round of the Uefa Cup with a 3-0 home win over Portuguese side Braga in the first leg. In an entertaining encounter, goals from Naldo and Jensen gave Bremen a 2-0 half-time lead, while goalkeeper Wiese became the hero by saving 2 penalties before Almeida sealed the 3-0 win in the last minute of the game. On Saturday Bremen took their decent form into the Bundesliga as they claimed a solid 2-0 home win over Nurnberg through goals from Rosenberg and Klasnic as they remain close behind league leaders Bayern Munchen. On Thursday the away leg at Braga awaits, which looks to become a formality given the clear score from the first leg. Early team news is positive as several injuries have cleared with players like Fritz, Hunt and Klasnic all being back from long-term injury, while striker Sanogo is back from the Africa Cup as coach Schaaf has a real luxury problem in attack with Almeida, Rosenberg, Hunt and Klasnic all competing for starting places. Key midfielder Frings is the only confirmed absentee for now as he remains out with a long-term injury. Updated team news is that defender Pasanen remains out injured as he can only do light individual training so far. Updated team news is that Diego will not be risked in this match as he is struggling with a light injury and will be rested for the weekend Bundesliga match as Bremen are confident to defend their 3-0 lead without their influential play maker. Positive news on the other hand is that striker Sanogo is back in training from injury and should be in the squad for this match. Latest team news is that Naldo, who was suspended in the Bundeliga against Nurnberg, returns in central defense, while team captain Baumann will switch back into his regular position in defensive midfield as Jensen on his turn could switch into the play maker role to replace Diego. Furthermore Owomoyela looks set to return from injury and start on the left-back position as a deep squad gives coach Schaaf plenty of options.