The relegation battle usually throws a few surprises along the way. Last seasons events of the final day spring to mind, inparticular. Hoffenheim travelled to the Westfalenstadion in need of three points to secure their spot in the Bundesliga play-off, which they needed to win in order to retain their top-flight status. After trailing to Dortmund, Sejad Salihovic had different ideas and wrote his name in Hoffenheim's history once again. Two penalty kicks saw Hoffenheim reach the play-off, relegating Fortuna Düsseldorf in cruel fashion. The Bosnian's heroics on the final day of last season can be used as inspiration for players in the struggling teams this time around. 

Below is a table of the current bottom four and what lies ahead for them; 

Team League Position Remaning Fixtures Form (Last Five)
Stuttgart 15th - 31 Points Hannover (A), Wolfsburg (H), Bayern Munich (A) LLWDW
Hamburg 16th - 27 Points Augsburg (A), Bayern Munich (H), Mainz (A) DLWLL
Nürnberg 17th - 26 Points Mainz (A), Hannover (H), Schalke (A) WLLLL
Braunschweig 18th - 25 Points Hertha Berlin (A), Augsburg (H), Hoffenheim (A) WDWLL

Stuttgart's previous win in their last outing against Schalke was absolutely vital. The result steers them clear of relegation ever so slightly, as they are four points to the good of 16th placed Hamburg. A win over Hannover would virtually secure top flight status for another season. The trip to Hannover seems the easiest of their three remaining fixtures, with Wolfsburg firmly in the hunt for Champions League football and Bayern Munich possessing obvious qualities. However, it's to be noted that Stuttgart pushed Bayern to the wire in their last meeting, with Stuttgart destined to take a points from the Bundesliga champions. Thaigo had other ideas. A spectacular strike from the Spaniard saw Bayern return to Munich with all three points, and only just. Stuttgart will be seeking, as the result was little implication on their performance that day. Huub Stevens' appointment has almost certainly reserved a spot in the Bundesliga for Stuttgart next term, but the boss will not be one to sit back and let his players slack. Nothing is certain, that's for sure. 

Hamburg's league position reflects just how disappointing their campaign has been. A disastrous season has seen the Bundesliga's ever-presents flirting with relegation, as they currently occupy the play-off spot. Hamburg have given few positives this campaign, leaving many sceptical as to whether they can catch Stuttgart. A minimum of four points in their next three games can catch Stuttgart, although that is a lot to ask of a Hamburg side lacking in confidence and the ability to produce quality on the field this season. Especially at this stage of the season, ironically when they need it most. Hamburg do have the players in their ranks that can provide the required impact and they are needed more than ever. The main question hanging over their heads is whether they can do so. Even reaching the relegation play-off is better than instant relegation for Hamburg as it gives them something to play for; their Bundesliga status. Hamburg arguably have the toughest run-in of all four sides, facing the reigning champions and two well organized, dangerous sides in Augsburg and Mainz. Mirko Slomka will need to rally his side and motivate them in the surge for survival. A lot of pride is on the line for Hamburg as the season reaches it's closing stages. 

As for Nürnberg, they have been one of the favourites for relegation since the start of the campaign. By Christmas, 'Der Club' were written off by many after a winless hinrunde. Eleven draws and seven defeats was all they had to their names after a dismal showing. Gertjan Verbeek mastered something that Michael Wiesinger could not: winning a game, five in fact. However, Verbeek too had to wait until the rückrunde to claim his first victory as Nürnberg boss. The five victories add some gloss to Nürnberg's season after taking eighteen games to claim their first one, but they are still in the thick of a relegation battle. The brilliance of Josip Drmic is unlikely to be enough to ensure safety for Nürnberg, who will be fiercely contesting for the relegation play-off place, alongside Hamburg and Braunschweig. Unless a late vein of form was to occur for Nürnberg, a play-off spot is the best they could be hoping for. Whether they can secure that is unknown as of yet, but 'Der Club's' destiny may have been decided from the opening game of this season. It seems even more likely that we may not be able to class Nürnberg as a Bundesliga club next term. Gertjan Verbeek has recently been sacked. Despite the recent performances and strain evident on his players, the timing has been questioned. Three games to go and  Verbeek get's sacked? Potential suicide from Nürnberg's directors. Under-23 coach Roger Prinzen has been given the daunting task of saving Nürnberg with little time. It's certainly a situation to keep an eye out for. 

Lastly, Eintracht Braunschweig. A twenty-eight year absence from Germany's top-flight was ended last season, as the secured automatic promotion and were reunited with Germany's elite. The fairytale is facing a nasty ending, though. A lack of investment in players of Bundesliga standard looks to be haunting them all season. It's fair to say that Eintracht Braunschweig don't have the largest transfer budget in the game, leaving Torsten Lieberknecht's hands tied in the transfer market; having to utilise the squad to their maximum potential and needing his players to play out of their skins. Unfortunately, that is far from the case at Braunschweig. Relegation looks likely for the Lower Saxony strugglers. Whilst the disappointment will be hard to take for all associated to Braunschweig, they can bow out of the Bundesliga with their heads held high. Derby day successes over Hannover and Wolfsburg will be the highlights of their return. Very few accept complaceny, Braunschweig fans are no different to any fanbase in football. However, any level-headed supporters would have been aware that this season would have been difficult, due to their lack of strength in depth. Braunschweig fans idolise Lieberknecht's work over the years and will be hoping that he can return their beloved club to the Bundesliga as soon as possible; as well as hoping for more success in the long run. 

There's so much on the line for the four sides involved in this years relegation battle. Pride, Bundesliga status' and financial incentives the (should-be) driving factors for the clubs heading into three colossal matches. It's sure to provide thrills and spills along the way as any of the sides can survive. The players of the respective sides have done the talking of the importance of their run-ins, but can they replicate their talking on the pitch? We'll find out from this Friday, at Stuttgart travel to Hannover. 

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About the author
Liam  Lee
Bundesliga writer