Hoffenheim looking to reverse the trend

The prospects for three points are good, as Freiburg have been rather generous towards visiting teams during their five home games so far this season. Coach Rangnick is aware of that and hopes to capitalise with a good team performance: "We have to play solidly in the back and launch precise and efficient attacks up the pitch. But most of all, we need to accept the physical challenge in this game."

It will be a special game for Hoffenheim keeper Timo Hildebrand, as he celebrated his Bundesliga debut in Freiburg approximately ten years ago with his former club VfB Stuttgart. "The time has passed by so quickly. I've experienced a lot of ups and downs in my career, but so far, it has been an unbelievable and fantastic time," said the 30-year-old in retrospect to the past decade. In contrast to Hildebrand, 1899-coach Ralf Rangnick does not have such fond memories of the Freiburg badenova-Stadion. Last season, Hoffenheim suffered a second round DFB Cup exit by loosing 3-1 in Freiburg.

Rangnick will not be able to rely on the same starting formation that won last weekends Bundesliga clash against Nürnberg. Chinedu Obasi sustained a torn muscle fibre and wont be available. His striking partner Demba Ba is also forced to be sidelined. Doubtful is the appearance of skipper Per Nilsson, as he is still struggling with the aftermath of a flu infection. Back in the squad is German international Andreas Beck. The 22-year-old has recovered from torn muscle fibre and will return to his right fullback position. Joe Simunic is likely to appear in the starting eleven as well. Furthermore, Matthias Jaissle will celebrate his comeback in the U23 team of 1899 Hoffenheim on Friday, when they meet FC Austria Walldorf in the Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion. The centre-back has been out of action since March of this year, due to a severe knee injury.

More than 2000 fans will be travelling to Freiburg to support the team of coach Ralf Rangnick. From 1:30 p.m. CET there will be roughly 250 tickets on sale for the visitors stands at the badenova-Stadion.