Hertha Berlin will be looking to build on their impressive 2-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt when they welcome Borussia Monchengladbach to Olympiastadion Berlin. Three points would be invaluable for Pal Dardai as his side look to put some extra breathing space between them and the relegation zone.

Their visitors will also be looking to collect a win in their trip to the capital, as they look to have put a difficult start behind, picking up seven points in their last three fixtures. Adi Hutter’s bravery has been rewarded with his new 3-4-3 formation helping the team perform.

Team news

Berlin have been given an added bonus with multiple players returning to training. Lucas Tousart, Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Rune Jarstein all featured in training during the week but might find the trip to Berlin has come too early for them. Unlike their teammates, Linus Gechter, Lukas Klunter and Jordan Torunarigha have all been excluded from the matchday squad due to injuries.

As for Monchengladbach, they have their influential full-back, Ramy Bensebaini, available to choose from for the first time since August. Hutter, however, will be without dynamic forward Marcus Thuram who is still working his way back up to fitness. Stefan Lainer, Christoph Kramer and Mamadou Doucoure are also unavailable.

Hertha Berlin possible lineup:

Schwolow – Pekarik, Boyata, Stark, Plattenhardt – Ascacibar, Serder, Richter, Darida, Mittelstadt – Piatek

Borussia Monchengladbach possible lineup:

Sommer- Ginter, Elvedi, Beyer – Scally, Zakaria, Kone, Netz – Hoffman, Embolo, Stindl

Players to watch

 

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp – Ekkelenkamp has been in fine form recently, scoring three goals in his last two games for club and country. The Dutchman is unlikely to start the match but if Die Alte Dame are in need of a goal, the 21-year-old has an incredible knack of hitting the back of the net at important moments. He has acclimatised well to his first club outside of the Netherlands and will be looking to win over the Hertha fans, even more, come Saturday evening.

Joe Scally – The young American has been a breakout star in the Bundesliga this season, standing in for Bensebaini and Lainer, already showcasing his versatility as a player. He has started every game this season, and over the course of the season has continued to improve and has now become an impactful player in the final third, playing higher up the pitch as a wingback in Hutter’s reformed 3-4-3 formation. He could be a vital player in both areas of the pitch for the Foals this weekend.

Prediction

 

Borussia Monchengladbach are the favourites when you take in their form and quality of the squad and will be looking to grow this much-needed confidence as they look to climb up the table, but face a stern test in Hertha who after a relegation scrap last year, will be desperate to not get dragged in with the fight this year. Borussia Monchengladbach may move them closer to the bottom two by the end of tomorrow.

Hertha Berlin 1-3 Borussia Monchengladbach

How to watch it

 

For UK viewers the game will be live on Sky Sports Football with kick-off at 5:30 pm BST.

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