Osnabrück will provide a formidable challenge to Hamburg as they strive to secure their survival in 2. Bundesliga.
Tonight’s game at the Volksparkstadion will be a full blooded encounter devoid of any end-of-season fatigue as both teams have a lot to play for on Matchday 32.
Die Rothosen gained an advantage in the race for second place and automatic promotion to the Bundesliga due to their nearest opponents Stuttgart falling to a 2-1 loss away to Karlsruher on Sunday, following a vital away win for Hamburg in Dresden two days prior.
Dieter Hecking’s side are back in control of their own fate in what has been a stuttering run of form since the re-start of the season. One point currently separates them from Stuttgart, who will face a play-off tie with the Bundesliga's 16th placed team as things stand.
At the other end of the 2.BL table, Osnabrück are at least three points away from safety so they will be looking to avoid travelling back to Lower Saxony empty handed.
Team news
Rick van Drongelen will have to sit out tonight’s game due the booking he picked up on Friday in Dresden, which was his fifth of the season, resulting in a one game suspension. His replacement is likely to be either Gideon Jung or Jordan Beyer. Midfielder David Kinsombi is back in contention after recovering from a muscle problem.
For the away side, Maurice Trapp will be absent due to suspension and changes are likely following the 0-2 home loss to Bochum last weekend.
Ones to watch
Joel Pohjanpalo, otherwise known as the flying Finn, is the dangerman in form for Hamburg at the moment. His four goals over his last three appearances have been so crucial for his team, and if Osnabrück are to take something from this game, they will need to keep him quiet.
Philipp Kühn, the Osnabrück goalkeeper, will need to be in fine form this evening. Hamburg have racked up nine goals over their last four games, so he is likely to be called into action over the course of the game.