1899 host Bremen

This is already the third encounter between these two teams this season, following the DFB Cup Quarterfinal in February and the reverse fixture earlier in the season. "Bremen have good players on all positions. Marin, Özil and Hunt are all players capable of single handily deciding a game," said Hoffenheim head coach Ralf Rangnick. Josip Simunic is also aware of Bremen's strengths: "We will run into problems if we allow them to play their game."

Zuculini and Gustavor return

Andreas Beck, Chinedu Obasi, Isaac Vorsah, Demba Ba, Matthias Jaissle are all not an option for the game on Sunday. There are still question marks behind skipper Per Nilsson (knee) and Manuel Gulde (thigh). The return of Franco Zuculini (shin) and Luiz Gustavo (red card) does however give Rangnick some more options.

Hoffenheim looking for first win

Hoffenheim have so far not been able to win a game against Bremen. The reverse fixture earlier in the season was a 0-2 defeat, as Claudio Pizarro and Per Mertesacker were on target for Bremen. Last season, Hoffenheim lost in the Weser-Stadion just barely with 5-4 and the return match in Sinsheim ended goalless. Hence, Sunday might see a premiere victory against Bremen in the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.