2. Bundesliga preview: Fortuna Düsseldorf vs. Hertha BSC

Fortuna Düsseldorf

While not mathematically safe just yet, Fortuna Düsseldorf appear to be edging closer to securing their 2. Bundesliga status under Markus Anfang after a turbulent start to his tenure. Their form may not have been spectacular, but it has been effective enough to steer them clear of immediate danger, with Fortuna currently sitting 11th on 31 points.

However, last time out was a step backwards. Düsseldorf fell to a 1-0 defeat against Eintracht Braunschweig, succumbing to the typical “new manager bounce” as Lars Kornetka oversaw victory in his first game in charge. Fortuna struggled to make an attacking impact, registering just two shots on target and rarely testing Ron-Thorben Hoffmann in goal.

Anfang has emphasised the importance of home form ahead of this clash:

“It will be a very difficult game. But we also know that we are strong at home. If we can approach the game with the same will, power, dynamism, and passion as we have in recent home games, and get the fans behind us, then we can beat Hertha. We have to play with the necessary intensity for the entire duration of the game.”

That home record has been key to their recent rise, with Fortuna unbeaten in their last five at the Merkur-Spiel Arena, winning four of those matches - a run they will be eager to extend this weekend.

Team news: Fortuna will be without Emmanuel Iyoha, Matthias Zimmermann, Christian Rasmussen, Tim Rossmann, Kenneth Schmidt and Hamza Anhari. Jordy de Wijs has returned to training but is not yet available, while Marin Ljubičić remains a doubt.

Hertha BSC 

Hertha BSC’s promotion hopes are now hanging by a thread, with the Berlin side sitting seven points adrift of the top three heading into the weekend. A frustrating run of form since the turn of the year - just three wins from their first nine league games of 2026 - has left them in sixth place and playing catch-up.

Their latest setback came in heartbreaking fashion against Bochum. Hertha controlled large spells and created enough chances to put the game beyond doubt, but failed to do so. Leading 1-0 deep into stoppage time, they were undone by a 91st-minute equaliser from Leandro Morgalla, denying them a crucial three points at the Olympiastadion.

Despite the disappointment, head coach Stefan Leitl remains optimistic:

“Ultimately, it's a good opportunity to win the next away game after Münster. Fortuna needs points, we also want to get points and get the maximum out of the season.”

Hertha’s away form offers encouragement. Their style has translated well on the road, with just three defeats from 12 away matches in the league this season - a record they will look to build on in Düsseldorf.

Team news: Hertha will be without John Brooks, Marius Gersbeck, Kennet Eichhorn and the suspended Michael Cuisance. 

H-2-H record 

The reverse fixture in October saw Hertha snatch a dramatic late victory, with Maurice Krattenmacher scoring in the 96th minute to seal the points.

Fortuna have won three of the last five meetings between the sides, while Hertha have not tasted victory in Düsseldorf since 2010 - a record they will be keen to end.

Predicted lineups 

Fortuna Düsseldorf (3-4-2-1): Kastenmeier (GK) - Oberdorf, Egouli, Suso - Heyer, Tanaka, El Azzouzi, Lenz - Appelkamp, Muslija - Itten 

Hertha BSC (4-2-3-1): Ernst (GK) - Karbownik, Gechter, Dardai, Kolbe - Sessa, Seguin - Reese, Dudziak, Brekalo - Kownacki