Hoffenheim welcome Hamburg

"We need to continue against Hamburg where we left off in Dortmund," said Sejad Salihovic ahead of the tie. Vedad Ibisevic's strike in the final minutes and resulting point was an important step for the 1899 squad in terms of confidence. "We have the chance to show on Sunday that the team is alive and in a position to fight," said coach Ralf Rangnick.

Ibertsberger suspended

As well as Matthias Jaissle, Demba Ba and captain Per Nilsson join Timo Hildebrand on the treatment table. Andreas Ibertsberger is suspended after picking up five yellow cards, while Isaac Vorsah, who returned to training this week, is still not match fit. As a result, Finnish defender Jukka Raitala could play a role in Rangnick's plans: "He's developing in the right way," said the 1899 supremo.

Hamburg depleted?

Hamburg played on Thursday night in the Europa League against Fulham, playing out a 0-0 draw with the English side in their semi-final first leg. Three players who appeared in that encounter are now questionable for Sunday, with Guy Demel suffering from a knee problem, Ze Roberto with calf trouble and Ruud van Nistelrooy complaining of a groin injury. Whoever does take to the field in Hoffenheim, "we can't let the Hamburg players play," added Rangnick.