Hoffenheim vs. Frankfurt preview: TSG search for more breathing space
Frankfurt, who are riding high following their midweek DFB-Pokal win, travel to relegation-threatened Hoffenheim in hopes of turning their season around at the last possible minute.
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim suddenly found their form under Pellegrino Matarazzo, but they’ve now dropped points in each of their last three games. Only a couple spots removed from a relegation place, Hoffenheim’s battle against the drop is far from over.
Their Saturday test against Frankfurt presents a huge opportunity to get some points with difficult games against Wolfsburg, Union and desperate Stuttgart to end the campaign. Grischa Prömel could return to the starting lineup alongside Andrej Kramaric, but Hoffenheim really need the likely back-line of Nsoki, Brooks and Kabak to settle down.
In his presser, Matarazzo said, "We have already shown that we can fight our way out of this hole. I am confident we can do that again."
Team News
Kevin Vogt, Pavel Kaderabek, Jacob Bruun Larsen and Justin Che are out, while Angelo Stiller is questionable. Kevin Akpoguma has to serve a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
Frankfurt
Eintracht advanced to the DFB-Pokal midweek in dramatic fashion, which provided this struggling team a huge boost of confidence. They have another outlet to secure European football, but Frankfurt aren’t completely out of the league European race as well.
The defense is still looking extremely thin with 39-year-old Makoto Hasebe forced into a consistent starting role, but the rest of the pitch is starting to clear up. Jesper Lindstrøm is available once again, while Randal Kolo Muani has a chance of stealing the goal-scoring title away from the injured Niclas Füllkrug.
Following their midweek victory, Kevin Trapp said, “You have to enjoy these moments. We’ve had a long period in the league that hasn’t been as good with a lot of disappointments. To be able to celebrate with the fans again here is a great joy. This is why we play football: to be able to share these emotions."
Team News
Kristijan Jakic, Tuta, Philipp Max and Hrvoje Smolcic are likely out. Sebastian Rode is questionable and Oliver Glasner confirmed this week that Almamy Toure will start on Saturday.