Bayern Munich have the opportunity to maintain their perfect record on Saturday when they travel to Werder Bremen, but the hosts will be looking to spring the upset.
Jupp Heynckes' side has been in top form this season. They've been clicking offensively and defensively making light work of their opponents. They absolutely dominated Wolfsburg midweek en route to a 3-0 victory. The offense has scored the most goals (17) and conceded the fewest (2 - Tied with Fortuna Düsseldorf).
Thomas Schaaf's side has had their ups and downs to start this season. They followed their loss to Borussia Dortmund with a win against Hamburg and a loss to Hannover with a draw against Stuttgart. Bremen have allowed almost as many goals (8) as they have scored (9).
Aaron Hunt and Kevin De Bruyne have played very well for Bremen so far this season, but they're not getting a lot of help from the third wheel in the attack. Eljero Elia needs a good performance against Bayern to show that he's ready to accept some of the responsibility in this side moving forward.
With Bayern added so much quality depth this season, there was no doubt that they would have the players to fill in if a major injury hit. That major injury struck just before the season kicked off with Mario Gomez going down. However, Mario Mandzukic has stepped in to the position and will likely not lose the position when Gomez returns. I heard a great line on this week's Talking Fussball podcast: "Mario Mandzukic is both the striker Mario Gomez 1) is and 2) wishes he could be." Mandzukic may not start against Bremen with the Champions League waiting in a few days, but I'll be shocked if he doesn't find a goal if he makes the pitch.
Werder Bremen injuries and suspensions
Out: Assani Lukimya (suspended).
Bayern Munich injuries and suspensions
Out: Arjen Robben (leg), Mario Gomez (ankle), David Alaba (foot).
Bayern are missing three starting quality players, but they have the squad depth this season to absorb these losses and still win a match. Bremen will be without backup centerback Assani Lukimya after his ridiculous red card after being on the pitch for less than five minutes against Stuttgart.
Match Date/Time: 3:30 p.m. local, 9:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Weserstadion, Bremen, Germany
TV: Gol TV (U.S. & Canada)
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