Hannover 96 Hosts Fortuna Düsseldorf: Upper-Table Ambitions Clash with Relegation Worries
In a crucial 2. Bundesliga clash, sixth-placed Hannover 96 will host fourteenth-placed Fortuna Düsseldorf. The match is vital for Hannover as they aim for a promotion playoff spot, while Düsseldorf desperately needs points to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This 2. Bundesliga fixture holds significant implications for both teams. Hannover 96, currently sitting in sixth place with 29 points, is just 5 points shy of the third-place promotion playoff spot, making this match crucial for their aspirations to climb the table and contend for promotion. Playing at home will be a key advantage as they seek valuable points. Conversely, Fortuna Düsseldorf finds themselves in the lower half of the table, occupying fourteenth position with only 20 points, a mere point above the relegation playoff spot. Their primary objective will be to avoid the looming threat of relegation, meaning every point from this away game is vital for their survival in the league.
Recent Form
Hannover 96 has shown inconsistent form in their last five league matches, recording one win, two draws, and two losses. Their most recent outing was a 3-1 away defeat to Kaiserslautern. Fortuna Düsseldorf's form has been similarly mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five league fixtures. Their most recent result was a vital 1-0 home victory against Arminia Bielefeld, securing crucial points.
Key Players & Injury News
Hannover 96's attack is heavily reliant on striker Benjamin Källman, who is the team's leading scorer with 10 goals this season. In terms of injuries, Hannover will be without Maik Nawrocki (calf injury), Mustapha Bundu (medial collateral ligament injury), and Husseyn Chakroun (hamstring injury), all expected to be out until late January. Fortuna Düsseldorf's key player is forward Cédric Itten, who has contributed 7 goals for the team. Düsseldorf faces a more extensive injury list, including Jordi Paulina (muscle injury), Sotiris Alexandropoulos (hip injury), and Valgeir Friðriksson (foot injury). Julian Hettwer (meniscus injury) and Tim Rossmann (ankle injury) are both expected to be sidelined until late January, while Florian Schock (tendon injury) is projected to return in early February.