Attack: The best form of defence against Freiburg

The theory behind keeping Cissé in check is simple. "We can't let him get a shot off," explained both trainer Ralf Rangnick and goalkeeper Daniel Haas. Rangnick added: "He's in fantastic shape and he's got very few weaknesses. That's why we've got to keep him under control." Haas, who following the injury to Tom Starke will continue to start between the sticks, believes in his team. Despite the skill Cissé has demonstrated and the nine goals he has scored, he trusts his back four can handle the centre forward. "Cissé's in great form. However, we have defenders who are capable of dealing with him."

On the attack for the win

With Hoffenheim's form not coming as much of a surprise to their fans, Freiburg have been enjoying some unprecedented success early on this season. With 18 points they are tied with Hoffenheim, but currently occupy 8th due to an inferior goal difference. The good form of Robin Dutt's team is not only due to the Senegalese striker, though. In Freiburg the team have become a well-oiled machine. Rangnick has noticed a distinct unity in the squad: "Freiburg are a very balanced team. They're playing at a high level when they don't have the ball. They don't have a star who stands out in the team, which right now makes them a very difficult opponent."

For Hoffenheim the strategy against Freiburg: Attack is the best form of defence. If there was one thing to criticise Hoffenheim for this season, it has to be their inability to kill off a match; three times this season they have given up a 1-0 lead. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and most recently Hamburg, three top teams, have all profited from 1899's tendency to drop deep once they take the lead. "When we're up 1-0 the team is pulling back too much. When we take the lead we need to stay on the front foot and attack instead of just defending", stated Rangnick. There are enough options up front, and then there's Demba Ba. Although Rangnick says the Senegalese striker is still not fully fit, 6 goals and 2 assists make him indispensible.

Gustavo to return to midfield?

Following the loss to Hamburg three points are a must at home this weekend. That's what Daniel Haas wants at least: "I've played three times this season and only won a point." The back four and Haas have what it takes to do just that. There are, however, still some injuries to take into account. Chinedu Obasi and Manuel Gulde will definitely miss out, while question marks still surround Prince Tagoe and Tobias Weis. So changes are likely. Luis Gustavo, for instance, who has been playing in the back four recently, could make his return in midfield, where Rangnick concedes he's "a lot more useful". With Obasi out, Vedad Ibisevic will fancy his chances of returning to the starting line-up and getting mixed up in the storm. It will all be determined by Rangnick's choice of system.

Stats and facts against Freiburg

A force to be reckoned with at home, Hoffenheim have the best home record in the Bundesliga. The men from Kraichgau have won 4 of the 5 matches inside the Rhein-Neckar-Arena this season only losing in unlucky circumstances to FC Bayern München in the other. Between these two teams goals are guaranteed. Both teams have scored in each of their last 15 Bundesliga matches. No other teams currently has a run of scoring that long. On Sunday there is the opportunity for two 1899 players to celebrate landmarks. Marvin Compper could make his 100th Bundesliga appearance and if Andreas Ibertsberger has a part to play it will be his 50th match in Hoffenheim's colours.

 

Match facts and statistics »