Saturday evening's tussle sees Hamburger SV pit their wits against FC Schalke 04 in Hamburg's Volksparkstadion. The "Rothosen" and "Knappen" are in great form and this match will be definitely be one to watch. 

Current form

Hamburg won their last match 1-0 against FC Ingolstadt, thanks to Michael Gregoritsch's stunning 87th minute free-kick winner. That meant they had made their best season for six years. Currently the team from the north is in sixth position with 10 points from their first six matches.

Last season, HSV fought against relegation and had a lot of luck against Karlsruher SC in second leg but now they are in the upper half of table and playing impressive football; a massive turnaround for the club.

On the other hand, Schalke have won their last three matches and are third at the moment. Their last match against Eintracht Frankfurt was won 2-0 after Joel Matip and Leroy Sané scored the goals. Schalkes's fans can be happy, the team is playing attractive football.

However, as André Breitenreiter already said in his press conference, the team are giving their opponent too many chances and can feel blessed that they haven't yet been punished for this recklessness.

Coach opinions

Bruno Labbadia, HSV's coach, said during his press conference that the "team is looking forward to the match", and it will be a "delightful task" against Schalke 04.

Despite good results in the previous weeks, Labbadia isn't getting carried away and and also emphasised that "the next match is the most important. We're just looking on the points and we're not thinking about what might be."

Labbadia is without Gojko Kacar, who is injured, and Rene Adler, who is ill. New summer signing Albin Ekdal is back in squad, after injury, and might start in the game.

André Breitenreiter found plenty of positives for his opponent and said that "HSV are on a good path and they're playing successful football."

Also, his team are in a good form. Though Breitenreiter sees that there is more to be done. He criticised that the defence for "giving the opponent too many chances" and he wants a team, which is "playing thrilling offensive football." Despite Sidney Sam and the long-term casualties, Schalke's coach can rely on Dennis Aogo again, who was out against Eintracht Frankfurt, after ankle problems.

Prediction

This match will definitely be a cracker. Both teams are playing good football currently, and both want to get the three points from this match. The question is, can Hamburg continue their superb run? The players can achieve this, but Schalke will be a tough opponent for the "Rothosen". This match will certainly be a close one, with a score draw looking to be a likely result.