FIRST TEAM
03/18/2010

Reversing the trend in Nürnberg

Following two home matches in a row it is now time to travel again. Matchday 27 has an away match at 1. FC Nürnberg in store for 1899 Hoffenheim. Kick-off is Saturday 3.30pm CET.

"We're focused on collecting points again and are determined to get a result in Nürnberg," coach Ralf Rangnick explains ahead of the trip to the relegation candidate. Should Hoffenheim come out victorious, the thread of getting sucked into the danger zone is probably over once and for all. "Nürnberg will have a very attacking minded approach at home. We need to use that space and look for counter-attacks." Striker Prince Tagoe is very optimistic going into the match. "I am convinced that we'll bundle all efforts to get a victory in Nürnberg."

Andreas Beck set for comeback

German international Andreas Beck has recovered from a ligament rupture in his knee and made the squad again. "Whether he will start or not is a decision that we'll make after the final training session on Friday", Rangnick explained. There are other good news as Andreas Ibertsberger has shaken off thigh problems and is set to play. Skipper Per Nilsson however is unavailable due to a knee injury, while Demba Ba and Chinedu Obasi are also still sidelined. Luiz Gustavo is an option for the starting formation though and could be paired with Tobias Weis in midfield. Rangnick: "That's a good sign for us."

Clean sheet against Nürnberg

Hoffenheim have faced Nürnberg twice before. In the second round of the DFB Cup a goal by Per Nilsson was enough to reach the next round. But the first match earlier this season was also won: Christian Eichner, Vedad Ibisevic and Franco Zuculini supplied the goals in a 3-0 victory on Matchday 10, meaning Nürnberg, for whom coach Dieter Hecking will be celebrating his 250th appearance on the bench as Bundesliga manager, are yet to score against 1899.

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