2. Bundesliga preview: Hannover 96 vs. Greuther Fürth

Christian Titz’s Hannover will be eyeing a move into the top three this weekend as they host bottom-placed Fürth, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.

Hannover have been in strong form of late, going unbeaten in their last six matches and winning five of those to remain firmly in the promotion race. Despite their excellent run, they have yet to establish a consistent foothold in the top three and currently sit fifth, just one point behind the promotion playoff spot - underlining the tight nature of the race.

They edged a narrow 1-0 victory away at Arminia Bielefeld last time out. Hannover’s usually potent attack was kept quiet for much of the contest, but Enzo Leopold’s second-half penalty - which also proved to be their only shot on target - was enough to secure all three points.

Their home form has been particularly impressive. Hannover are unbeaten in their last five matches at the Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena while conceding just two goals, a record they will be eager to extend on Sunday.

Although Fürth remain rooted to the bottom of the table, their form since the turn of the year has offered genuine hope that survival could still be within reach. Heiko Vogel’s side have lost just two of their last five matches, recording two wins and a draw in that run.

Their progress was evident last weekend against league leaders Schalke. Dennis Srbeny gave Fürth an early lead and thought he had doubled it in the second half, only for the goal to be ruled out. Schalke eventually equalised through Dejan Ljubičić with 15 minutes remaining, but Die Kleeblatt defended resolutely to hold on for a valuable 1-1 draw.

Away form, however, remains a concern. Fürth have won just one of their last nine matches on the road, a major factor behind their struggles this season. They also possess the league’s worst defensive record, having conceded 55 goals in 24 matches.

H-2-H record 

The reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw at the Sportpark Ronhof back in October, with David Abrangao’s 82nd-minute strike earning Fürth a point. The last time Fürth won away in Hannover dates all the way back to 2000, although Christian Titz has historically struggled in this fixture, winning just one of his eight meetings with Die Kleeblatt.

Team news 

Hannover: Noel Aseko-Nkili is suspended while Boris Tomiak is unavailable due to injury. 

Greuther Fürth: Timo Schlieck, Marco John and Sascha Bansé are unavailable. Felix Klaus is expected to return to the starting eleven. 

Predicted lineups 

Hannover (3-4-3): Noll (GK) - Okon, Nawrocki, Ghiță - Neubauer, Leopold, Thordarson, Oudenne - Yokota, Källman, Saad 

Greuther Fürth (3-4-2-1): Prüfrock (GK) - Elvedi, Münz, Ziereis - Dehm, Dietz, Will, Keller - Hrgota, Klaus - Srbeny