Alles ist noch möglich

Finding the silver lining amongst a sky of black clouds 1899 Coach Ralf Rangnick noted that his squad has lost only once in the most recent nine minutes. While true, they have also only managed one once and are now dangling on the edge of a European spot. Now with the World Cup qualification break over, 1899 must respond in the remaining matches and restore its place in the championship race with a victory over Hamburg.

The week of rest has done 1899 well as Sejad Salihović was rested from Bosnia and Herzegovina victories over Belgium and able to play along with Chinedu Obasi and Demba Ba. Long term absences Andreas Ibertsberger, Matthias Jaissle und Vedad Ibišević will be joined in the stands with Luiz Gustavo who is suspended.

HSV remembers the opening 3-0 defeat at the hands of 1899 and be looking to avenge the decision as per their coach, Martin Jol's comments:

"We haven't forgotten that match. That was a real collapse, and we want to make it better this time."

Herr Rangnick further expressed Hamburg's strength at home, yet as we have seen Wolfsburg exposed a cutting weakness and it is 1899's task to exploit it with bloodied vengeance.