Hannover 96-Hoffenheim Statistical Preview

Team News

Hannover 96

• Salif Sané will most likely start in defensive midfield again, with Christian Schulz keeping his spot at centre-back.
• Andre Hoffmann and Edgar Prib are the first options in central midfield.
• Mame Diouf returns from injury and will probably start up front.

Hoffenheim

• Fabian Johnson and Jeremy Toljan compete for the spot at left-back again.
• Sejad Salihovic and the more defensive-minded Tobias Strobl are both in contention for a start in central midfield, althouh the former could also move to the left wing, with Tarik Eljounoussi dropping to the bench.
• On the right-wing, Kevin Volland should recover from a minor injury in time.

Prediction

• Hannover have not won in their last three games and while they are solid defensively, they lack power on the attack. The return of Mame Diouf should help them in this department.
• Having scored the second-most goals and conceded the most in the league, Hoffenheim games are often high-scoring affairs this season. Manager Markus Gisdol’s team need to improve their defensive organisation to pick up points more regularly though.
• Expect this to be an open game from the start.

Hannover 96 2 - 2 Hoffenheim