VfB are away to VfL Bochum on Sunday evening (kick-off 17:30 CEST) on Matchday 27. Here are the facts on VfB’s 1,893rd Bundesliga fixture.

Ahead of their return to the Premier League, Steve Cooper has looked to strengthen his squad with influence from abroad. Union’s record goalscorer in the Bundesliga Taiwo Awoniyi was one of the first announced this summer, while Moussa Niakhate from Mainz and Omar Richards from Bayern have followed.

The form of these two teams could hardly be more different going into Saturday’s meeting at the Weserstadion (kick-off 15:30 CET). While VfL begin the second half of the season as the team of the moment, Werder have lost their last four Bundesliga matches. Regardless of omens, this clash between the only two north German clubs currently in the Bundesliga is a special one, as it will be their 50th encounter in the top flight.

Gordon has been quick to praise Lampard’s vision and how Everton performed against Palace.

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Werder Bremen lost 3-2 at home to Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday evening. SVW had more possession right from the start and showed good intensity and aggression, for which the Green-Whites were rewarded through Ducksch’s goal (30’). The guests from Leverkusen, however, were quick to reply and Bakker equalised (34’) to leave the game 1-1 at half time. In the second half, both teams created lots of chances, and Leverkusen used theirs with goals from Frimpong (56’) and Hlozek (83). Füllkrug (86’) was able to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot (86’), but in the end Werder had to accept defeat with the score 3-2.

Thomas Reis:

The month began with a welcome decision from the Bavarian state government, as they announced the lifting of various Covid-19 restrictions, including the mask mandate inside stadiums.

Starting with a controversial penalty call near the end of the first half — Ulreich came out and batted a looping corner away from Mainz’s Jonathan Burkardt at the far post, but clattered into him on his way down.