Hoffenheim vs. Gladbach preview: Can TSG return to Europe?
Hoffenheim
Even an 8th-place finish could earn Hoffenheim a spot in European football if Leverkusen win the DFB-Pokal and the Bundesliga earns a 5th Champions League spot. At 9th in the table, this is all very possible for TSG with a few matches remaining.
Andrej Kramaric will mark a major milestone on Saturday by playing in his 250th Bundesliga match. Hoffenheim only have one win in their last five league matches and need at least a point this weekend with Leipzig and Bayern still remaining on the schedule.
Pellegrino Matarazzo stated, "I was very annoyed after (last week’s) match. But, it is not about me. It is about TSG Hoffenheim. You cannot turn out like we did against Mainz in the Bundesliga. - I am certain that the team is capable of a reaction.”
Team News
Dennis Geiger, Stanley Nsoki, Mergim Berisha and Marco John are out.
Gladbach
It’s another mediocre season for disappointed Gladbach fans, who saw their side narrowly lose to Dortmund last week. With only five matches left, the gap to the European places looks too big with fans already thinking about next year’s campaign.
Ko Itakura should continue in a midfield role with Manu Kone out alongside Julian Weigl, who’s on nine yellow cards. Gerardo Seoane keeps stating that he expects Kone to return this season, which could provide a nice surprise for the Gladbach faithful.
In his presser, Seoane said, "I'm expecting to see a team who are competitive and defensively disciplined, not afraid to attack, and who make decisions calmly and are technically good. We want to show good spirit and improve game by game."
Team News
Kone, Grant-Leon Ranos, Tony Jantschke, Christoph Kramer and Jordan are all confirmed outs. There are several question marks throughout the squad.