Hamburg host second league side Karlsruhe this evening, in the yearly Bundesliga relegation playoff. HSV go in search of retaining their ever present Bundesliga status, which only a few weeks ago looked under serious threat. Karlsruhe have the advantage of momentum and confidence flowing through the team.

Bruno Labbadia's side have been under close scrutiny throughout the regular campaign but a spirited three wins out of six for the ex-Karlsruhe player, since taking over the reigns from Peter Knäbel, have helped them avoid the automatic drop. In what was a crazy final Bundesliga weekend, a very surreal experience came for die Rothosen as they heard the results from Hannover and Paderborn filter into the Imtech arena as a sigh of relief was felt by the home faithful. 

An impressive win over Schalke gave Hamburg momentum ahead of the upcoming two games against lower league opposition. Defender Heiko Westermann said "We're in a confident mood ahead of the playoff games," and with midfielder Lewis Holtby adding: "The belief is back in the squad." It is evident, that after another week of a training camp, the rejuvenated Hamburg squad can go in as confident as possible. 

Karlsruhe, after being narrowly denied second place by Darmstadt, have been taking a positive approach ahead of the long journey north to face HSV. A 2-0 win over 1860 Munich last week wasn't enough for the inform side to gain automatic promotion from the second division.

Manager Markus Kauczinski was in an upbeat mood after finding out his sides fate, "We have come along way, why can't we go on and become a bundesliga team?" The little known side before the campaign have gained admirers from many a place and have the backing of fellow 2. Bundesliga sides. 

Dangerous attacking forward Rouwen Hennings looks set to miss out with an ankle injury, other than that the visitors have a full team available to choose from. Hamburg will have to cope without Marcel Jansen (Hip), Petr Jiracek (Ankle) and Ivica Olic and fellow striking partner Pierre Michel Lasogga doubtful. 

The game at the Imtech will also signal the final home game for captain Rafael Van der Vaart, who will leave in the summer when his contract expires.