2. Bundesliga preview: Hertha BSC vs. Greuther Fürth

In a meeting between the league leaders and a Fürth side looking to climb away from the bottom half of the table, Sunday’s encounter presents an opportunity for Hertha to maintain their perfect start to the campaign and extend their advantage at the summit. Fürth, meanwhile, will be hoping to take advantage of any complacency from the hosts and return to Bavaria with a positive result.

Hertha have made an outstanding start under Stefan Leitl, winning all six of their opening league fixtures to establish themselves as early promotion contenders. Having endured a difficult campaign last season, the capital club appear to have found a winning formula, combining attacking quality with an increasingly confident approach to their football.

Their most recent outing produced an impressive 2-1 away victory over Dynamo Dresden. Hertha had previously beaten Osnabrück 3-1 and Magdeburg 2-1, while their 5-3 victory over Eintracht Braunschweig demonstrated the attacking threat they possess. With 18 points from their opening six matches, Leitl’s side will be determined to continue their momentum when they return to the Olympiastadion for the first time since early September.

The international break has offered Hertha an opportunity to prepare for the next stage of their campaign, with the squad also enjoying a productive period in training. Their preparations included a 2-2 friendly draw against Bundesliga side Augsburg, in which Luca Schuler scored twice after the capital club had fallen two goals behind.

Leitl was particularly pleased with his side’s performance against Augsburg, highlighting their dominance and the number of opportunities they created. The friendly also provided Schuler with an opportunity to strengthen his case for a starting place, with the forward now competing with Sebastian Grønning for the central attacking position.

The Hertha coach will have added motivation on Sunday, as he comes up against a club he previously managed to promotion to the Bundesliga in 2021. Leitl has spoken warmly about his time in Franconia, describing the achievement with Fürth as something special and expressing his gratitude towards the club.

However, sentiment will be put aside when the teams take to the pitch, with Hertha determined to maintain their winning run in front of their supporters.

Fürth, by contrast, arrive in Berlin sitting 12th with six points from their opening six league matches. Heiko Vogel’s side have shown that they can be dangerous going forward, but inconsistent performances have prevented them from building any sustained momentum.

Their most recent competitive league outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Magdeburg, while they also shared the points in a 1-1 encounter with Bochum. Earlier in the campaign, Fürth recorded an impressive 4-3 away victory over Energie Cottbus, demonstrating their ability to hurt opponents when given space in the final third.

However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern. Fürth have conceded 11 goals in six league matches, and their preparations for the trip to Berlin included a heavy 5-0 friendly defeat against Stuttgart during the international break.

Vogel will therefore be looking for a more disciplined performance from his players against a Hertha side that have scored freely throughout the opening weeks of the season. The visitors cannot afford to allow the hosts too much time on the ball, particularly given the quality available in Hertha’s attacking positions.

Speaking ahead of the game, Vogel acknowledged the challenge posed by the league leaders while insisting that his team must make the most of whatever opportunities come their way:

“Hertha are a good team who have built momentum. Not every game has been completely convincing, but you also need a bit of luck to win matches. They have earned that through their performances, and that is why they have won every game.”

Vogel also emphasised the importance of taking advantage of the chances Hertha concede, recognising that his side are unlikely to enjoy a constant supply of opportunities against the in-form hosts.

For Fürth, Felix Klaus will be one of the key players to watch. The forward has been a major contributor to their attacking output this season, while the visitors will also hope to exploit any defensive uncertainty through quick transitions and direct play.

Hertha’s recent record against Fürth should provide further encouragement for the hosts. The sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Franconia last season before Hertha secured a 2-1 victory in the return fixture at the Olympiastadion in May.

Leitl’s side will now be looking to extend that positive home record, although they will need to remain wary of a Fürth team that have already demonstrated their capacity to score goals away from home.

With Hertha aiming to preserve their perfect record and Fürth desperate to collect points against the league leaders, Sunday’s encounter promises to provide an interesting test of both sides’ ambitions.

Team news

Hertha BSC: Marton Dárdai is the only confirmed absentee for the hosts, having continued to struggle with a groin problem. Gustaf Nilsson has returned to team training following muscular complaints but is not expected to start. Luca Schuler is pushing for a place in the starting XI after scoring twice against Augsburg, although Sebastian Grønning remains in contention to lead the line.

Greuther Fürth: Benjamin Zank remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a meniscus injury. Maxim Dal is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Silas Prüfrock is also ruled out after suffering a persistent shoulder contusion. Heiko Vogel otherwise has several options available as he looks to find a way past the league leaders.

Predicted lineups

Hertha BSC (4-2-3-1): Gersbeck; Eitschberger, Gechter, Kolbe, Pedersen; Seguin, Sessa; Thorsteinsson, Adewumi, Brekalo; Grønning.

Greuther Fürth (4-2-3-1): Hellstern; Reich, Heuer, Blank, Itter; Bansé, Will; Appelkamp, Klaus, Pohlmann; Sillah