TSG keeping the dream alive

Still in the running

It has been a season of transition for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. After a promising start under Holger Stanislawski, the team's results and performances began to dip. A quarter-final loss at home to 2. Bundesliga side SpVgg Greuther Fürth in the German Cup was the death knell for Stanislawski, and he was soon replaced by ex-Stuttgart and Hertha BSC boss Markus Babbel. Under Babbel, the team's fortunes have changed for the better. They notched their first home win since October by beating Hamburger SV three weeks ago and have recorded impressive away victories against VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach. And they are even in contention for a place in next season's UEFA Europa League. As disappointing as last week's result against Leverkusen was, there remains every chance that Hoffenheim could pull of a shock European qualification with six points still up for grabs.

‘No easy task'

Standing in the way of 1899 is a team which has little to play for but will still be a major obstacle to Hoffenheim's ambitions. Nürnberg threatened to drop into the relegation dogfight at times this season, but wins against 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Hanover 96 and a draw at home to Hamburger SV last week secured their Bundesliga status for another year. But even though their opponents are safe, Babbel insists his side will not be taking Nürnberg lightly. “They have had some good results recently, given some very strong performances and they play good football. It won't be an easy game for us by any stretch of the imagination”, agrees the manager. One player whom the home side will have to keep a close eye on is Daniel Didavi. The 22-year-old, currently on loan at the easyCredit Stadium from VfB Stuttgart, has hit seven goals in his last eight games and been a key part of the club's success in the second half of the season.

Signing off in style

Three points in their final home game of the campaign would not only keep the club's slim chance of European qualification alive but also be the perfect way to thank the fans for their fantastic support this season. The win over 4-0 Hamburg ended a barren run for the home faithful and, for the manager at least, a win would redeem what has been a difficult year. “We will do everything we can to win this game for the fans. Everything else is out of our hands.”

Saturday will also see some notable members of the first team squad in front of the club's home support for the last time. Goalkeeper Daniel Haas, defender Andreas Ibertsberger and striker Srdjan Lakic, all due to leave the club in the summer, will be presented on the pitch before the game. Lakic is due to return to VfL Wolfsburg following a loan spell in Sinsheim, while Haas and Ibertsberger will be free agents after the expiry of their contracts.

Long season takes it toll

In terms of personnel, Babbel has lost two important first team players to injury in the last few weeks. Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino and USA international Daniel Williams have both seen their season ended prematurely by injury with ankle and shoulder injuries respectively; they join Matthias Jaissle on Babbel's list on long-tem absentees. In addition, Ghanaian defender Isaac Vorsah is also a doubt with an adductor complaint, meaning Marvin Compper could partner Jannik Vestergaard in the centre of defence.

Healthy record against 1. FCN

TSG will be in confident mood going into this game in view of their record against Nürnberg. In their five meetings since Hoffenheim's promotion to the Bundesliga in 2008, 1899 have never lost to the Bavarian team, winning three and drawing two. And in their one and only German Cup encounter in the 2009/10 season, Hoffenheim also came out on top. The goalscorer in that 1-0 win was Swedish defender Per Nilsson, now plying his trade at none other than 1. FC Nürnberg.

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