Hertha Berlin and Werder Bremen will both be looking to build on their midweek results when they clash at the Olympiastadion.

Bremen's passage to the group stage was to be expected after their 6-3 first leg win over FK Aktobe, but Berlin had to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Brondby to go through.

Two goals from their converted striker Gojko Kacar not only saw the side from the capital win 3-1 to qualify, but it will also have stood them in good stead for the Bundesliga, according to their coach Lucien Favre.

"Getting through was psychologically important," he said. "We have reached our goal of the group stage for the second year in a row and that gives the team confidence and is good for the reputation of Hertha.

"It was important to go through because we can now measure our young team against top European clubs six times between now and Christmas."

Favre also handed Rasmus Bengtsson his debut as a second-half substitute and he is line to make his full debut this weekend.

"He has worked hard since we bought him three weeks ago," said Favre. "He is now ready."

Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf insists his side is also ready for this weekend's game, despite a 10-hour round trip to Kazakhstan this week.

"The trip has had no effect on our team," said Schaaf, who saw new signing Claudio Pizarro net both goals in a 2-0 win to add to the two he scored against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga last weekend.

The Peruvian striker should once again lead Bremen's attack in Berlin alongside Aaron Hunt while Marko Marin could return to the midfield after being rested on Thursday.

Peter Niemeyer should therefore drop to the bench.