Hannover 96 take on VfL Bochum in the opening match of round 13. bundesliga.de previews Friday's Bundesliga game.
The 13th hosts the 16th - both teams haven't met the expectations so far.
Just one win for Bochum
Bochum stay calm. “We know why we're down there, many key players were injured”, Bochum chairman Werner Altegoer said. “We have faith in the team, and also in coach Marcel Koller.”
VfL have won just a single game so far this season, but Koller insisted that there is a chance for an upset: “We drew 3-3 against FC Bayern away, after all.”
Hecking demands a win
96 coach Dieter Hecking surely won't underestimate Bochum. “I expect them to play pressing, play compact and attack”.
Still only a win will be good enough for the hosts. “We must show a successful home game”, Hecking demanded.
Balitsch and Stajner suspended
The hosts' lengthy injury list is still a problem, however, and additionally Hanno Balitsch (fifth yellow card) and Jiri Staijner (three-match ban) are suspended.
Virtues such as fighting spirit and passion will surely play an important part. “It will be a real fight. Both teams need to end their winless run”, 96 defender Frank Fahrenhorst said ahead of the game against his former club.
Line-ups as expected:
Hannover 96: Fromlowitz - Cherundolo, Eggimann, Fahrenhorst, Rausch - Christian Schulz, Bastian Schulz - Schlaudraff, Bruggink (Krebs), Huszti - Forsell
VfL Bochum: Fernandes - Pferzel, Maltritz, Yahia, Bönig - Zdebel - Freier, Dabrowski - Azaouagh - Hashemian, Sinan
Referee: Kempter (Sauldorf)
Honours even in Hanover
Away win for Bochum
Fighting instead of dreaming