Will VfB climb up one more place in the table? That’s the target for the final match of the season at RB Leipzig on Saturday 17 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST). It’s mathematically possible to move above Werder Bremen, who are currently one point ahead in eighth place. The goal is therefore clear for Sebastian Hoeneß. “We want to at least keep hold of a single-digit position in the table, and ideally improve it,” said the head coach, who knows this will be a challenging task.
“Leipzig are a very good side”
“Leipzig will definitely want to come away from the final match of the season at home with a sense of achievement,” explained Hoeneß, who celebrated his 43rd birthday during the week. “They’re a very good side with a lot of power, speed and high individual quality. Our encounter in the DFB Cup semi-finals wasn’t that long ago – I’m expecting another intensive match.” After all, Leipzig still have a chance of qualifying for the Conference League.
For VfB, it’s also about going into the DFB Cup final on 24 May in Berlin in the best form. The two most recent victories at FC St. Pauli (1-0) and against FC Augsburg (4-0) point in the right direction. “We’re not going to rotate, we want to maintain and build on our form,” added Hoeneß, who has promised a starting berth to one player.
Millot to start, Stiller sidelined
Enzo Millot, who came off the bench and scored the third goal against Augsburg, will be recalled to the starting line-up against Leipzig. It comes after both Angelo Stiller and Yannik Keitel suffered injuries in that match. The midfield pair join Ameen Al-Dakhil, Leonidas Stergiou, El Bilal, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Anrie Chase and Luca Raimund in the treatment room. Finn Jeltsch is also doubtful, while Justin Diehl will again feature for the U21 team – who are looking to secure survival in the 3. Liga on Saturday – as he builds up his match fitness following injury.