searching for first place against Dortmund

After the disappointment of last weeks draw against Stuttgart, 1899 Hoffenheim travel to face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday afternoon. The match is a difficult test against one of the Bundesliga's toughest defensive units.

However Ralf Rangnick has the luxury of both Timo Hildebrand und Chinedu Obasi back although Marvin Compper will sit out to the suspension. Herr Rangnick has given no indication on tactical formation as he has been bouncing back and forth with a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 and is likely to face a tight 4-4-2 "diamond" by BVB coach Jürgen Klopp. BVB is hampered with the loss of Jakub Błaszczykowski, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mats Hummels, Dedê and Lee Young-Pyo as well dealing with questionable involvement of Tinga, Mohamed Zidan and Sebastian Kehl.

With first place Hamburg welcoming Wolfsburg, a team rarely able to win on the road, 1899 is in-need of a full three points to remain close in the race. On the opposite end is BVB's unremarkable unbeaten streak at home that includes eight draws in eleven matches.