The statistics defy TSG

There can be no doubt that concentrating on a Bundesliga game under such conditions isn't easy. Nevertheless, the team are trying to “prepare as normal” says Babbel. “Confidence and hope is the overriding factor. We've got to try to go about our daily routine somehow.”

It's unlikely that the manager will change his line-up from last week. Although Tim Wiese has begun a light training regime, Koen Casteels will be between the posts in Munich. Sejad Salihovic is suspended and Chris is still in rehabilitation training after his muscle tear. “Most importantly, we have to continue along the current path; that we are aggressive and run hard and that we are tactically disciplined on the day. I want to see that from my team in Munich”, said Babbel.

Reunion joy

In no other encounter do TSG share as many links as they do with Stuttgart. Yet the recent connections between Hoffenheim and Bayern could well fill that gap. Babbel wore the FC Bayern jersey for 19 years (1981-2000) and the 40 year old made his debut in the top flight under the current Bayern manager, Jupp Heynckes, in August 1991. Three current Bayern players, Luiz Gustavo (72 Bundesliga games for TSG), Tom Starke (58) and David Alaba (17) have also worn TSG colours in the past. Hoffenheim have two former Bayern players in the form of Takashi Usami and Patrick Ochs, the latter having played in the youth team.

Statistics

The statistics are unlikely to be encouraging ahead of the journey to Bavaria's capital. Bayern and TSG will meet for the ninth time in their Bundesliga history this weekend, and in that time TSG remain winless (5 defeats and 3 draws). Even Babbel's own form against his old club is capable of improvement. In six competitive fixtures as manager of Stuttgart, Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim, he too is without a win (4 defeats and 2 draws). There are certainly better omens for a Bundesliga game for TSG but every run must come to an end at some point!

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