Struggling Dusseldorf host back on track Hoffenheim

Fortuna Dusseldorf, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, host TSG Hoffenheim who have found their feet again since the restart of the Bundesliga.

Last time out they played against Bayern Munich and were battered by the champions elect. Five goals flew into the Dusseldorf net as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski ran the show for Bayern.

TSG Hoffenheim who are currently seventh in the Bundesliga are level with Wolfsburg in sixth who occupy the Europa League qualification spot but have a worse goal difference.

Last time out they faced Mainz away and an Ihlas Bebou goal in the 43rd minute was enough for Hoffenheim to win that encounter.

Team news

Hoffenheim could be boosted by the return to the squad of Andrej Kramaric, who has shaken off a persistent ankle issue.

Ihlas Bebou is a doubt as he could return from a knee injury.

Dusseldorf will be without Zack Steffen and Marcel Sobottka with both remaining sidelined, but Dawid Kownacki is pushing for a return to the squad after a problem with his knee.

Fortuna Dusseldorf manage Uwe Rosler spoke about the problem home teams have when playing at home in-front of no crowd.

“Unfortunately, our viewers cannot give us any emotion at the moment. Against Schalke we managed to create emotions ourselves. We want to do that again, ”said Rösler.

“It is our place, our home. Of course we like to play at home! “

Schalke head coach Alfred Schreuder spoke about his team’s opposition this week and what they may expect.

“It doesn’t make so much sense to see where the opposing team is in the table, but how they appear on the lawn. Before the duel with Bayern they played very well. They should have won against Paderborn and in Cologne, they succeeded against Schalke. They bring a lot of energy to the court. Our boys know that it won’t be that easy. Düsseldorf plays very aggressively – but never over the limit of fairness. They have done very well in the past few weeks. “