Two teams on top form

Mirko Slomka and 1899 Hoffenheim trainer Ralf Rangnick know each other from their time at Schalke. When Rangnick resigned as manager of the Royal Blues just before the winter break in 2005/06, Slomka was the man to step into his shoes at the club. Rangnick then went on to become manager of 1899 Hoffenheim in 2006, while Slomka found his way into the Reds dugout when he took the reigns in 2010. The two trainers last met towards the end of last season with Rangnick coming out on top with his 1899 team as they won at home 2-1. On Sunday, however, it is a new game and it will hopefully bring new luck.

In the interview Slomka gave on Wednesday he presented an air of confidence as he was talking about the upcoming match. Slomka is aware that Rangnick's team are tactically very astute and that they have high calibre individuals within their ranks. In particular, Slomka highlights the attacking mentality, as well as their ability to "pressure in pairs", as the two main characteristics of Hoffenheim's style of play. Not to mention, their incredible stamina. They run and run and run and run and are a strong team away from home.  

However, two of the 96 squad members have taken a small hit ahead of the match: youngster Christopher Avevor missed training on Wednesday due to having the flu and on top of that Steven Cherundolo came away from training complaining about an abductor problem. It means that both players are question marks for this weekend.

A "tight race" for the Reds

Slomka can be content with his teams progress this season when looking at the league table and is relieved to be able to perform, "without any pressure and with a squad brimming with confidence", in the next match. However, the 96 trainer has not started dreaming yet as the gap between his team and those at the bottom is not large enough yet to be comfortable. On Sunday the Reds have a chance to put further space between them and the relegation places, which is not an unlikely scenario.