FIRST TEAM
11/03/2011

Kaiserslautern at home: a century for Beck?

“Away from we are just more vulnerable than at home, we make too many small errors and don't keep the ball well enough”, explains head coach Holger Stanislawski when asked about his side's modest points tally in their away games this season. On matchday 12, however, Hoffenheim will return to fortress Rhein-Neckar Arena, when they take on 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The game kicks off at 3.30 pm this Saturday.

Hoffenheim were criticised for their display last weekend against in the 3-1 defeat at Schalke 04, but in Thursday's press conference, manager Stanislawski was keen to draw a line under the performance and concentrate on the weekend's game against Kaiserslautern. “They'll be coming here in confident mood. They're well organised and they can change it up quickly in attack, we will have to be solid at the back. It will be tough; we won't get much space, but we have to make use of it when the space opens up, while not getting caught on the counter-attack as well”, said Stani.

Rotation likely

Stanislawski confirmed that he may rotate his first team this weekend. Captain Andres Beck will be among the matchday squad in some capacity, but due to a muscle strain, he may be unable to make his 100th appearance for the club. Should he miss out, Andreas Ibertsberger or Fabian Johnson will fill in at right-back. Stani is pleased to have Sejad Salihovic and Tobias Weis back from injury this week as well. “We have two players for pretty much every position. So it may be that we make some changes from last week's team. But I'm convinced that the new players will be just as committed.”

Gylfi's favourite opponents

Gylfi Sigurdsson is one player who is expected to keep his place in midfield. In his previous two games against Kaiserslautern, he has scored two goals, the first of which was his very first for the club. On matchday 4 last season, he came off the bench to score with his first touch against Lautern, a twenty-yard free-kick.

Still tickets remaining

There are still some tickets remaining for Saturday's game in categories 1 and 2. They are available for purchase on the club website under the ticket section, in the ticket offices at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar Arena and from all other registered ticket outlets. Ticket offices at the stadium are open from 1.30 pm.

Stats and facts

Hoffenheim have a good record at home to Kaiserslautern. The two sides have played against each other four times in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga, with 1899 wining three and drawing one. The last result in this fixture was 2-2.

Match facts and statistics »

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