With three wins, three draws and three defeats from nine Bundesliga games away to TSG Hoffenheim, VfB thus far have an even balance away to this weekend's opponents. And the Wasenelf suffered just one loss in their last four games in Kraichgau (two wins, one draw). However, Markus Weinzierl and his side know just what they will be facing this Saturday evening (18:30 CEST). "Hoffenheim are a top team, with super individual players, a Champions League squad and a very good coach, who has formed the team over the past two years", warned the VfB coach on the attacking qualities of the opponents from the Kraichgau region.
On the back of three consecutive competitive defeats "they tanked up on self-belief and momentum with a win in Nuremberg last Saturday and their 3-3 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday." In the table, according to the VfB coach "they could be in an even better position. The 3-3 draw with Olympique Lyon speaks volumes about them - notably, that they are very strong offensively, but also that they are susceptible to conceding goals." A quick look at the statistics reveals: In their last twelve Bundesliga games, the 'Kraichgauer' have always conceded at least one goal - making them the only team not to have kept a clean-sheet this season.
Leg-work, aggression and intensity from the outset
Markus Weinzierl sees positives in the "leg-work, aggression and the intensity with which we went about the second-half against a strong Dortmund team, who are really on a role right now. That's how we now want to play over the entire ninety minutes, coming out of a compact zone to defend actively and courageously."
Dennis Aogo is fit
For the first time since tearing a muscle-sinew during the 2-1 win over Bremen four weeks ago, Dennis Aogo can aid the team once again. "Dennis is fit", otherwise the VfB head coach has the same 16 out-field players at his disposal that he had the previous week. The possible involvement of Daniel Didavi (Achilles tendon problems) is "as critical as it was a week ago", explained Markus Weinzierl on Thursday.