Hoffenheim vs Greuther Fürth preview: Both sides desperate for victory
Greuther Fürth head to the PreZero Arena fully aware that they could be relegated on Sunday, while Hoffenheim require a victory to halt their current poor run of form.
Hoffenheim
After losing their last three matches, Hoffenheim’s Champions League hopes have dissipated, while they are under pressure to finish inside the top six.
For the second away game in a row, Die Kraichgauer suffered a 3-0 defeat last weekend, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Marcel Halstenberg and Dominik Szoboszlai helping RB Leipzig clinch a comfortable victory.
A win is required on Sunday, with Hoffenheim set to face Eintrach Frankfurt, Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen before they wrap up the season with an away trip to Borussia Park to face Borussia Mönchengladbach.
If they are to pick up points from a tricky run-in, then they need to improve at both ends of the pitch after losing their last three games by an aggregate 8-1 scoreline.
Despite their recent poor form, the hosts will be confident that they can find the net against the worst defence in the Bundesliga, especially as Hoffenheim have scored in 13 of their 14 home league games this season.
Although they have struggled of late, Hoffenheim have demonstrated their fighting qualities this season, with Sunday’s hosts picking up more points from losing positions than any other Bundesliga team this term.
Team News
A factor in Hoffenheim’s recent poor form has been an extensive injury list, and they will have to cope without a number of first-team regulars on Sunday. Florian Grillitsch, Ermin Bicakcic and Marco John will all miss out for the hosts, while Georginio Rutter is a doubt for Sunday’s contest. In more positive news, Kevin Akpoguma, David Raum and Kevin Vogt will all return to the squad after being suspended for the Leipzig encounter.