The Bundesliga action is heating up with Borussia Dortmund taking on Werder Bremen at the legendary Signal Iduna Park on January 13, 2026. Currently, Dortmund stands strong in second place with 33 points. They’re on a stellar unbeaten streak in their last five league games, securing three wins and two draws. They want to keep this fiery form going as they face Werder Bremen, who is in 10th place with 17 points. Bremen hasn’t won in their last five Bundesliga matches, managing only two draws and suffering three losses, indicating a struggle (Link). The last clash between these squads ended in an intense 2-2 draw in January 2025, showing a keenly contested rivalry. Dortmund has been on fire in front of goal, with ten goals scored and five conceded in their recent games. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen has only netted three goals and let in ten. With a solid defense shaped by Coach Niko Kovac’s strategy, Dortmund has one of the tightest defenses in the league, allowing just 12 goals in 15 matches. The excitement is building for this fixture at Signal Iduna Park, where the atmosphere is expected to be buzzing, complementing Dortmund’s excellent home form.
Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Prediction & Betting Tip
This matchup puts Dortmund’s offensive might against Bremen’s disciplined defense, promising an intriguing first-half battle. Dortmund’s intense press and rapid ball movement often open things up but may leave them exposed to quick counterattacks. Historically, the first halves in their matchups have been closely fought, with a noteworthy goalless draw in August 2024 setting a pattern. Bremen has shown defensive strength with clean sheets in three recent games. This suggests they might capitalize on early openings to possibly take a 1-0 lead in the first half. The high-risk, high-reward bet for Bremen’s early edge is shown in the 24.00 odds for Werder Bremen (-1) in the first half.
| Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Werder Bremen -1 in 1st Half (EH) | 24.00 |
Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Odds
The focus here is on the first-half European Handicap market, with Bremen at -1 in the initial period having significant odds of 24.00. This highlights their underdog standing. Notably, full-time 1X2 or total goals odds are absent in the current match data, steering the analysis towards the trend of under 2.5 goals often seen in these teams’ head-to-head encounters. Recent Dortmund games have also leaned towards low-scoring affairs, frequently staying under the 2.5 goal mark, further corroborated by Bremen’s own struggles in front of goal. Such high odds mirror the belief in Bremen beating the odds early in the game (Link).
| Market | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| First Half European Handicap (EH) | Werder Bremen -1 | 24.0 |
Borussia Dortmund Team Analysis
Borussia Dortmund Recent Performance
Borussia Dortmund has made the most of their remarkable form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches across different competitions. Their recent 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt underscores their attacking skill, despite revealing some defensive gaps. Back-to-back 2-0 wins against Borussia M’gladbach and Hoffenheim show Dortmund’s capacity to dominate mid-table teams. Despite occasional missteps, like their 1-1 draw with Freiburg, the team’s core strength is evident. In the Champions League, their spirited 2-2 draw against Bodø/Glimt highlighted both their potential and areas to work on. Scoring ten goals and allowing five, Dortmund’s average is around two goals per match, pointing to their attacking vigor and need for defensive solidity.
| Date | Opponent | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-09 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 3-3 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-12-19 | Borussia M’gladbach | 2-0 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-12-14 | Freiburg | 1-1 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-12-10 | Bodø/Glimt | 2-2 | Champions League |
| 2025-12-07 | Hoffenheim | 2-0 | Bundesliga |
Borussia Dortmund Key Players
Leading the attack is Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s top striker with five goals this season, able to tear defenses apart with ease. Gregor Kobel, the steady goalkeeper, is pivotal between the posts, guiding a defense that’s hard to break through. Julian Brandt continues to impress with his creativity, having scored four goals recently, boosting Dortmund’s attacking momentum. In the midfield, Marcel Sabitzer adds a mix of experience and versatility, crucial for both attacking and defensive duties. Bringing energy with late runs is Felix Nmecha, adding seamless flow from box-to-box. The protective midfield pair, Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson, enforce a strong shield in front of the defense. Heading the backline is Nico Schlotterbeck, partnering with Niklas Süle, sparking interest across Europe with his strong presence in defense, maintaining their stability in Anselmino’s absence (Link).
Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries
The injury of Aaron Anselmino, out with a muscle issue, slightly strains Dortmund’s defensive depth. He is expected to return by late January 2026, prompting his defensive teammates like Niklas Süle and Waldemar Anton to adjust to cover his absence. Fortunately, no players face suspension, allowing Dortmund to play their best formation minus Anselmino. Coach Kovac is exploring alternatives to manage the busy winter schedule and maintain fitness levels effectively.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Anselmino | Muscle injury | Late January 2026 |
Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation
Using a 4-2-3-1 setup, Dortmund focuses on attacking, with smooth transitions from defense to offense. Their aggressive press from the front is designed to disrupt Bremen’s build-up play. The dual midfield anchors, Ryerson and Svensson, are essential for regaining possession and protecting the defense. The full-backs push forward to provide crossing chances for the striker Guirassy. The attacking midfield trio – Beier, Brandt, and Sabitzer – takes on forward roles, aiming to break down Bremen’s defense. Their high line defensively remains solid but can be vulnerable to quick counterattacks. Coach Kovac’s strategy revolves around ball retention to control the tempo, vital for Dortmund’s approach.
Werder Bremen Team Analysis
Werder Bremen Recent Performance
Werder Bremen is facing a tough phase, with no wins, three draws, and two losses in their recent matches. They drew 0-0 against St. Pauli in a friendly and Augsburg in the league, showing tight defense but also highlighting their offensive issues. A heavy 0-4 defeat to VfB Stuttgart exposed their defensive weaknesses, adding to a close 2-3 loss to Hamburger SV, and a modest 1-1 draw with FC Köln, showing their struggles in scoring while conceding ten goals. Bremen’s ongoing challenges emphasize the need to regain their goal-scoring touch.
| Date | Opponent | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-04 | St. Pauli | 0-0 | Club Friendly |
| 2025-12-20 | Augsburg | 0-0 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-12-14 | VfB Stuttgart | 0-4 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-12-07 | Hamburger SV | 2-3 | Bundesliga |
| 2025-11-29 | FC Köln | 1-1 | Bundesliga |
Werder Bremen Key Players
Jens Stage is the standout player for Bremen, as their joint-top scorer with five goals, crucial amid the team’s attacking struggles. Coach Horst Steffen focuses on solid defense, relying on key players for secure setups. The absence of Victor Okoh Boniface after knee surgery continues to hurt their attacking options. Midfielders count on impactful play from Salim Musah’s recovery. Meanwhile, Samuel Mbangula’s ankle problems limit their wide play tactics. Defensive challenges grow with Mitchell Weiser’s absence, testing Bremen’s depth.
Werder Bremen Suspensions & Injuries
Struggling with injuries, Bremen faces multiple absences affecting the squad. With Mitchell Weiser out until late March 2026 due to a cruciate ligament injury, and Victor Okoh Boniface recuperating till mid-May 2026 after surgery, challenges are significant (Link). Samuel Mbangula’s ankle issues make him doubtful for the coming fixtures, while Salim Musah’s thigh injury is expected to ping pong till the end of January. Maximilian Wöber aims for a late January return from a muscle injury that restrains defense choices, demanding tactical shifts amidst these setbacks.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Weiser | Cruciate ligament injury | Late March 2026 |
| Victor Okoh Boniface | Knee surgery | Mid May 2026 |
| Samuel Mbangula | Ankle injury | Doubtful |
| Salim Musah | Thigh injury | Late January 2026 |
| Maximilian Wöber | Muscle injury | Late January 2026 |
Werder Bremen Tactics and Formation
Steffen’s tactical setup leans towards 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formations for stability. The main focus is on strong defense to counter Dortmund’s expected high press. Midfield shields protect the central defense, shielding incisively against wing attacks. Bremen aims to exploit the space left behind advanced full-backs with fast counterattacks, using speed during transitions. With creative limitations without Boniface or Weiser, strategic counteracting plays become essential. Transition focus and coordinated wing-back interplay offer threats, prioritizing defensive steadiness.
Borussia Dortmund vs Werder Bremen Head-to-Head Statistics
Dortmund and Bremen’s recent matches showcase a competitive rivalry that’s known for tight battles. In their last five league encounters, Dortmund has secured three wins while Bremen’s resilience led to two draws. The matches often feature low scores, typically under 2.5 goals, illustrating Dortmund’s solid defense. Dortmund’s 1-0 win in October 2023 at Signal Iduna and Bremen’s 2-2 draw in January 2025 emphasized enduring competitiveness. Such firm encounters cement the expectation of another close game ahead.
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-25 | Borussia Dortmund | 2-2 | Werder Bremen | Bundesliga |
| 2024-08-31 | Werder Bremen | 0-0 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga |
| 2024-03-09 | Werder Bremen | 1-2 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga |
| 2023-10-20 | Borussia Dortmund | 1-0 | Werder Bremen | Bundesliga |
| 2023-02-11 | Werder Bremen | 0-2 | Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga |
Venue and Weather
The backdrop is the majestic Signal Iduna Park, with its notable capacity of 81,365, famously amplified by the “Yellow Wall” of home fans. This Bundesliga showdown is scheduled to kick off in the evening, under a light drizzle, with temperatures around 5.9°C creating favorable football conditions without undue fatigue. Winds at 6.4 m/s present steadying conditions, though the rain-soaked pitch could quicken ball movement, suiting Dortmund’s fast-paced style but poses potential footing challenges. The setting favors high-energy play, a context where teams adept at rapid transition shine, as Dortmund looks to amplify Signal Iduna’s game day aura to the fullest.
