2. Bundesliga preview: Hannover 96 vs. Dynamo Dresden

Hannover 96 will be desperate to end their difficult run of form when they welcome Dynamo Dresden in an important battle at the bottom of the 2. Bundesliga table on Sunday.

Both sides have collected just eight points from their opening nine league matches, leaving Hannover in 16th place and Dresden immediately ahead of them in 15th. With both clubs already looking over their shoulders, Sunday’s encounter represents an important opportunity to gain some breathing space.

Sandro Wagner’s Hannover are still searching for their first victory under their new head coach, while Thomas Stamm’s Dresden arrive with renewed confidence following their impressive DFB-Pokal victory over Schalke.

Hannover 96

Hannover head into Sunday’s encounter under increasing pressure after another disappointing week, with Wagner still waiting for his first victory since taking charge in September.

The former Germany international replaced Christian Titz in September but has so far struggled to turn Hannover’s performances into positive results.

Their most recent league outing ended in a 2-0 defeat against local rivals Eintracht Braunschweig, a result that increased the pressure surrounding the club.

Hannover subsequently suffered another setback on Wednesday evening, losing 2-0 at home to Kaiserslautern in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.

Despite the result, there were encouraging aspects to their performance, with the hosts registering 22 attempts on goal and creating considerably more opportunities than their opponents. However, a lack of clinical finishing ultimately proved costly.

Hannover have scored just eight goals in nine league matches this season, highlighting their difficulties in the final third. Defensively, they have also struggled, conceding 15 goals during that period.

Nevertheless, there are reasons for optimism heading into Sunday’s fixture. Hannover have collected five of their eight league points at home and remain unbeaten across their last three league matches at the Heinz von Heiden Arena.

Wagner will therefore be hoping his players can use home advantage to finally deliver the result their performances have occasionally deserved.

With both teams sitting on eight points, the Hannover coach will understand the importance of securing victory against a direct relegation rival.

Dynamo Dresden

Dynamo travel to Lower Saxony looking to carry the confidence generated by their impressive DFB-Pokal victory over Schalke into their league campaign.

Stamm’s side secured a 2-0 victory against the Bundesliga outfit on Wednesday evening, with Patrice Čović opening the scoring before Christoph Daferner sealed their progression into the last 16 with a late second goal.

The result was particularly significant for a Dresden team that had struggled to find consistency throughout the opening weeks of the season.

Their league form has been disappointing, with two victories, two draws and five defeats leaving them 15th in the standings.

Dresden’s most recent league outing ended in a 3-0 defeat away to Holstein Kiel, meaning they will be keen to respond positively following their impressive cup performance.

One of the biggest challenges facing Stamm has been his team’s away form. Dresden have collected just two points from five away league matches this season and remain without a victory on their travels across their last seven 2. Bundesliga away fixtures.

However, the victory against Schalke has provided a welcome boost ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Speaking before the match, Stamm emphasised the importance of carrying the energy and intensity from their cup success into their league campaign.

“Victories like the one in the cup always do you good and give you confidence. We need exactly that energy from the cup match,” Stamm explained.

The Dresden coach also acknowledged that his team must maintain their intensity throughout the full 90 minutes, rather than producing encouraging spells followed by periods of vulnerability.

Stamm is therefore expecting a demanding encounter against a Hannover side whose league position does not necessarily reflect their individual quality.

Head-to-head record

Hannover have enjoyed the better of this fixture historically, particularly when playing in front of their own supporters.

The clubs have met eight times in the 2. Bundesliga, with Hannover recording three victories, three draws and two defeats.

The most recent meeting took place in February 2026, when the sides played out a goalless draw at the Heinz von Heiden Arena.

Interestingly, Hannover have kept clean sheets in each of their last three home meetings with Dresden, recording a 3-0 victory in June 2020 before two consecutive goalless draws.

However, Dresden will take encouragement from their previous visit in February, having secured another valuable point against their opponents.

With both teams currently struggling for consistency, Sunday’s encounter could prove another closely contested meeting between two sides desperate for points.

Team news

Hannover 96:

Wagner will have several selection problems to contend with ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

Bastian Allgeier is unavailable due to adductor problems, while Benedikt Pichler is struggling with a calf injury. Lars Gindorf will also miss out after suffering an infection. 

Karl Steinmann is another confirmed absentee after picking up a thigh injury.

There is some more positive news regarding Mustapha Bundu, who has a small chance of returning after recovering from a thigh injury.

Wagner also revealed that two or three additional players were carrying minor problems, meaning further decisions could be required closer to kick-off.

Dynamo Dresden:

Stamm has a considerably more settled injury situation, although three players remain unavailable.

Lars Bünning, Lukas Boeder and Kenneth Schmidt are all continuing their respective injury recoveries and will not feature against Hannover.

The main selection dilemma for Stamm concerns how much rotation is required following Wednesday’s victory against Schalke.

The coach admitted that he would assess his players’ physical condition before deciding on his final squad and starting eleven, with the possibility that his selection will not be finalised until Sunday.

Predicted lineups

Hannover 96 (3-4-3): Weinkauf; Tomiak, Hugonet, Ghiță; Oudenne, Thórdarson, Hartel, Neubauer; Källman, Chakroun, Sahiti

Dynamo Dresden (4-2-3-1): Grill; Sterner, Müller, Rapp, Rossipal; Raschl, Wagner; Bobzien, Hauptmann, Čović; Vermeij