Can 1899 be a stumbling block for the Club?

A win is a must for Nürnberg against 1899 Hoffenheim if they are to keep the dream alive, while they will have to rely on Schalke 04 to provide them with a fighting chance. One thing the Bavaria based outfit can't do is rely on a helping hand from their Kraichgau counterparts. The main reason being that Marco Pezzaiuoli's charges are determined to rectify the setback in the last weekend's derby against VfB Stuttgart. "The team has to prove to the fans that they can cope with the setbacks they are going to face, but I'm confident coming into the match against 1. FC Nürnberg", stated the 1899-head coach. The match earlier this season between the two sides saw Hoffenheim concede a late equalizer in the 87th minute that meant the game finished 1-1. It was "disappointing", according to the 42-year old, but he's intent on exacting revenge against Nürnberg in the penultimate weekend of the Bundesliga season.

Securing ninth place

Experienced players should lead by example. Tom Starke is just the type of player to do that. Described by his coach as, "someone who can inspire a team to break out of their slump". Starke himself added to Pezzaiuoli's comments: "Every team needs the personalities within it that are capable of leading the team as well as taking the youngsters under their wings." However, Pezzaiuoli isn't just going to be relying on his more experienced players. "It's clear the team is determined to win purely based on the way they have started recent matches. Despite reaching 40 points and being safe, the will of the players and the commitment to the cause is unwavering."

In their meeting earlier this season Hoffenheim failed, as they did against Stuttgart, to finish of a match they were in full control of. Pezzaiuoli is hoping that his "very strong and mature team" will be able to remedy this problem against Nürnberg. The Club, as they are known, boast a strong midfield with players such as Mehmet Ekici, Ilkay Gündogan and Timmy Simons in their ranks, while Julian Schieber has been in top form up front this season. The experienced heads stand in the backline with Raphael Schäfer and Andreas Wolf organising the defensive unit. Starke is expecting a match in which anything could happen. "Both teams will be able to play freely", explained the 30-year old keeper. There is just one target left for 1899 to meet: "We can live with finishing ninth, but we don't want to lose ground in the last two games", was Starke's opinion.

Braafheid sidelined?

The good news for 1899 ahead of Saturday's encounter is that Sejad Salihovic made his return to first team training after recovering from his injury, but it is too early to consider him in the starting line-up. There are still question marks surrounding Edson Braafheid's involvement after he left training early during the week complaining of a groin problem. Meanwhile, the players definitely missing out still include Josip Simunic, Tobias Weis, Boris Vukcevic, Manuel Gulde, Denis Thomalla and Chinedu Obasi.

Stats and Facts

The record between these two sides certainly favours 1899 Hoffenheim. In four meetings 1899 have emerged victorious on two occasions, while the other two ended in draws meaning that Hoffenheim are still unbeaten against 1. FC Nürnberg. The Kraichgau outfit continue to pose a threat from set-pieces having scored the most in the Bundesliga this season, but alongside FCN have also conceded the most. On the other hand both teams have been struggling for form of late with only a win a piece out of the last six matches.