Waiting for the first derby win

There will be a capacity crowd in at the Mercedes-Benz-Arena in Stuttgart on Saturday, and the fans can look forward to a fierce and intensive game between two sides currently level on points on the table. “In a derby game you need something extra. You have to keep your emotions under control if you want to perform at your best”, explained Stani. The manager is also of the opinion that Stuttgart's good recent run against Hoffenheim should be a ‘motivating factor in itself.'

Reunion with VfB

Seven players have made the move from Stuttgart to Hoffenheim. The last player to do so was striker Sven Schipplock, who arrived in the summer. “We have to watch out that he doesn't go into the wrong dressing room”, joked Stanislawski at Thursday's press conference. “The other players have already played against their old club for us, but for Schippo it will be a different experience, of course.” Other members of the TSG first team squad would be featuring against their old club this week, but for injury problems. Matthias Jaissle and Boris Vukcevic are on the way back from injury lay-offs and not yet fit enough to be named in the matchday squad. While Jaissle will be watching the game from the bench, Vukcevic will be featuring for the U23s against Karlsruhe U23s in the nearby Wildparkstadion. “Boris played well against Aalen last week, but this week he'll be getting some more match practice in with the U23s”, said Stanislawski.

Competitive in all areas

After having to cope with a huge injury list at the start of the season, Stanislawski's squad is slowly coming back to full strength. Fabian Johnson is the latest first team member to return to full fitness, and he will be involved in Saturday for the first time in five weeks. Tobias Weis and Vedad Ibisevic are also chomping at the bit to be in the starting line-up, as are Dominik Kaiser and Sven Schipplock. There was one potential worry for the manager this week, though. Sebastian Rudy had to be withdrawn from the Germany U21 squad due to an adductor complaint, and hasn't trained with the Hoffenhem squad since returning. “It's still possible that he could play. He will have a late fitness test, which will show us if his condition is good enough”, said the manager.

Bosnia-Herzegovina face Portugal in EURO play-offs

Yesterday the draw was made for the play-offs for the final qualification places for next year's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine. And in a repeat of the World Cup play off two years ago, Bosnia-Herzegovina will face Portugal. “I was pretty sure that we'd draw either Portugal or Croatia. It's a very tough draw", said striker Ibisevic. The games will be played on 11/12th November, with the return leg on the 15th.

Tickets still remaining

Saturday's game against Stuttgart is not yet sold out. Some leftover tickets are still available for purchase at the ticket offices outside the stadium. Away ticket offices open at 1.30pm.

Stats and facts

In the seven derbies Hoffenheim have played against Stuttgart, 1899 haven't managed to win one, since being promoted to the Bundesliga in 2008. They have played six in the league, losing four and drawing two, while they also lost 4-3 in the German Cup in August 2005. The away side have a 50% home record this season, losing two and winning two.

Match facts and statistics »