Overview
Dortmund twice took the lead over Frankfurt (1-0 then 2-1), but in the end it was thanks to Carney Chukwuemeka's equalizer in the 90+6 minute that they avoided a defeat away from home.
This result helps the yellow-black team extend their unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga to 9 matches (5 wins, 4 draws). Up to now, their only defeat in this season's tournament is a narrow 1-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in October last year.
In the attacking front, Dortmund maintains an impressive scoring efficiency when scoring at least 2 goals in 7/9 recent matches in all competitions. However, the consequence is that the defense is also showing fragility. Dortmund has conceded 6 goals in the last 4 matches, although they still have 2 clean sheets in the last 4 rounds in the Bundesliga.
At home, coach Niko Kovac's team is still maintaining an unbeaten record. They have 5 wins and 2 draws in the Bundesliga - an important foundation for Dortmund to aim for stable points accumulation.
In the opposite direction, Werder Bremen entered this match with clear signs of decline. On December 20, 2025, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Augsburg in a forgettable match, even without a shot on target. That was also the second consecutive match that Bremen was goalless, and they have only scored 3 goals in the last 5 matches.
Regarding head-to-head matches, Bremen has twice drawn with Dortmund in the Bundesliga season 2024-2025. However, Bremen's current form under Horst Steffen is at an alarming level - in the last 5 matches they have not won, scored 3 goals but conceded 10. Away from home, they also have 6 consecutive matches without knowing the taste of victory, including 4 defeats.
Personnel situation
Dortmund's injury list currently only records center-back Aaron Anselmino - who has only started four times in the Bundesliga. Conversely, there is no sign that Waldemar Anton, Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck will be absent, meaning that the home team's defense is likely to maintain their familiar framework.
In midfield, Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha may be arranged in the role of defensive midfielders, although Jobe Bellingham is also a notable competitive option.
In attack, Serhou Guirassy is almost certain to be the number 9, while Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt are likely to take on two support corridors, creating speed and breakthrough for the attacking front.
On Werder Bremen's side, striker Victor Boniface will have to take a long break after knee surgery. In that context, newcomer Jovan Milosevic may be given a chance to debut.
In defense, Amos Pieper and Niklas Stark are a central defender pair with high starting ability. In midfield, Jens Stage and Senne Lynen are expected to be the ones who keep up, responsible for regulating and shielding Bremen's defense.
Expected lineup:
Kobel, Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson, Adeyemi, Brandt, Guirassy.
Werder Bremen: Backhaus, Sugawara, Pieper, Stark, Schmidt, Stage, Lynen, Puertas, Schmid, Njinmah, Milosevic.
The match between Dortmund and Werder Bremen takes place at 2:30 AM on January 14 (Vietnam time).
