Just like ahead of the match against VfB Stuttgart last week, manager Viktor Skripnik held two training sessions behind closed doors at the Weser-Stadion ahead of the match this weekend. In these sessions, they worked on fine tuning tactics, and on set pieces.
Anthony Ujah believes the preparation in the stadium is a decisive factor. "It can only be an advantage for us, training on the pitch for two days before our game. It will give us more confidence for the match against Köln," said Werder's top striker.
Head coach will be without Zlatko Junuzovic for the final home match of the year, as the Austrian is sidelined until the New Year with a shoulder injury. Ulisses Garcia, who returned to training this week after recent knee problems, is not quite ready to play yet.
Here is the 18-man squad for the clash with 1. FC Köln:
Wiedwald, Zetterer - Santiago Garcia, Galvez, Lukimya, Vestergaard, Fritz, Öztunali, Pizarro, Kroos, Ujah, Bartels, Gebre Selassie, Grillitsch, Lorenzen, Eggestein, Sternberg, Bargfrede.