Against Gladbach: 3 points in sight

"A challenging opponent with a lot of individual quality", was how Gladbach trainer, Michael Frontzeck, described 1899 Hoffenheim. The players have certainly demonstrated that individual class more so this season. The outstanding examples are Sejad Salhovic and Gylfi Sigurdsson. Both players have scored twice this season with all four of their goals coming from sensational free-kick attempts. The Icelandic international have been showing off his quality for his national side as well having scored twice for the U-21 against Scotland and was comfortably the best player on the pitch in both matches. Performances like this could see him break into the starting line-up for Hoffenheim. Unfortunately, he was nursing a slight injury on his return to Kraichgau and it is still unclear as to whether he will have a part to play on Sunday.

New, but old back four

However, individual quality, alone, does not win matches. An important part of any team is their ability to work as a tight and cohesive unit from front to back, something that Ralf Rangnick has been focussing on during the international break: "We've worked hard over the last two weeks to try and make sure the distance between each unit of the team is as tight as possible."

However, help is provided by a back four, who are not only familiar with the system, but with each other as well. Marvin Compper is likely to slot in at centre-back in place of the suspended Josip Simunic, while Andreas Ibertsberger will get the chance to impress Rangnick at left-back. "Andi moves back into the back four because it's a formation that we've often used in the past. He's slowly recapturing his form, but still remains one of the best tacklers in the team", stated Rangnick.

A lot of intensive work has been done with the defensive unit, but returning to tried and tested methods should provide some security for the players. However, something not to be forgotten: Gladbach are just a susceptible at the back having already conceded 20 goals in 7 matches. Their attacking prowess is not to be underestimated, though, something proven by their 6-3 win over Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "We need to crack their defence and use our quality up front to put pressure on them. If we manage this then we've got a fantastic chance of beating them", explained Sejad Salihovic.

Sigurdsson and Tagoe still question marks

During the international break a few of the players had to deal with niggling injuries or the flu. Tobias Weis and Salihovic had to miss a few days, but were back in full training by the end of the week. Sebastian Rudy is back in contention after shaking of the injury that kept him out of the game against Mainz 05. However, trainer Rangnick was keeping his options open when it came to who will start against Gladbach: "I will see what system we want to play. However, that depends on who is available in certain positions", said Rangnick in reference to the fitness of Gylfi Sigurdsson in particular. "We're not going to take any risks with Sigurdsson, but will monitor his progress up until the final moments." For Prince Tagoe the prospect of him having a part to play looks bleak, as he has been unable to train for most of the week.

Facts and stats

All the stats are pointing towards Hoffenheim taking all three points from Gladbach. In the 4 meetings these two teams have taken part in Gladbach are yet to win, while 1899 have won twice. Another inspiring statistic is that Rangnick's men have scored in each of their last 11 matches - the joint longest scoring run in the Bundesliga with SC Freiburg.
The signs look good for the men from Kraichgau, but will they capitalise against Frontzeck's team?