Continue the good record against Hannover

TSG have an overwhelmingly positive record against Hannover and they will be looking to continue that this weekend. In the nine Bundesliga meetings between the two sides so far, Hoffenheim have come out on top five times (including the 3-1 win earlier this season) and secured two draws.

After the home victory against Freiburg, Marco Kurz feels that now it is all about looking forward and focussing on the task at hand: “Of course after the game you could see that nothing compares to victories. We want to produce this kind of performance in future games as well,” said manager Kurz in his press conference on Thursday.

Hannover are “very strong at home”

With regard to Hannover, the manager praised their attacking qualities: “Hannover have top-class strikers and are very strong at home. They haven't quite found their rhythm in 2013 yet, but they are a very clinical side and only need a few chances to score a goal. We will have to deal with their impetus and the way they quickly change from defence to attack. I think it will be an emotional match, but we're going there with the intention of picking up points.”

As well as the long-term injured Sebastian Rudy and Sejad Salihovic, Marco Kurz will be without Sven Schipplock (Achilles), Michael Gregoritsch and Stefan Thesker for the trip to the AWD-Arena. Also expected to be unavailable is Luis Advincula, who is being kept under observation in hospital after a car accident on Thursday morning.

USA internationals Daniel Williams and Fabian Johnson are also doubtful, having only arrived back in Germany on Friday morning. Eren Derdiyok is another who may not be involved on Saturday due to his recent ankle problems. The manager also revealed in his press conference that Heurelho Gomes will definitely play in goal, with Koen Casteels on the bench.

Kurz explained the goalkeeper situation: “We've discussed everything very clearly with Tim [Wiese]. We want to take the focus off him so that he can get back to his best in peace. Tim is of the same opinion – there is absolutely no misunderstanding. We want to get things back to normal and Tim will carry on training as usual.”

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