Hoffenheim welcome HSV to the Rhein-Neckar arena this weekend, in one of the most anticipated games of the Bundesliga's matchday 25. The hosts go in clear favourites, but the traveling side come with high good confidence.
Hoffenheim's last game against Schalke saw them come out on the wrong side of a 3-1 encounter. However, despite that recent setback, they had won their two previous games beforehand; a cup win away to 2. Bundesliga side VfR Aalen and a fantastic home victory versus 1. FSV Mainz 05. Markus Gisdol has been critical of his side's upcoming opponents and has said they have "largely under-performed", which many fans from both sides would agree on.
HSV travel south coming off the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund. Hamburg will be looking to get their first win in five games, on a less-than-positive note for Joe Zinnbauer's men they have conceded ten in their last two away encounters, responding with only one. The near return of Lewis Holtby and Pierre-Michel Lasogga has given the 3,000 or so expected travelling fans something to look forward too.
The previous encounter between the two sides threw up a 1-1 draw, in which the then home side were unlucky not to add a second to seal all three points. A defensive error from Cléber led to Anthony Modeste opening the score for the visitors, but a smart Lasogga finish levelled proceedings.