Derby day: Hoffenheim entertain Freiburg

The Breisgauer head to Sinsheim full of confidence after they ended a 12 match winless streak with victory at home to Mainz 05 last week. Still, 1899's own form has also taken a turn for the better, leaving coach Ralf Rangnick optimistic ahead of the tie: "I've been very pleased with our defensive displays over the past few weeks. Now we need to start scoring again. It's about time we won at home again."

Hoffenheim without Demba Ba

Rangnick will once again be without Demba Ba who still hasn't recovered from a knee injury, though the 1899 boss is hoping for some clarification regarding the player's fitness soon: "We should know exactly how long Demba will be out for by the end of next week. We've heard a few different opinions and the France national team doctor will be having a look at his knee over the next few days. I think we can safely assume that he will be out for another few weeks yet, though."
Obasi nearing return
The chances of Chinedu Obasi making a return are much better, though a final decision will only be made on Saturday. Isaac Vorsah and Matthias Jaissle both miss out again, though the return of Andreas Beck leaves Rangnick spoilt for choice at full back. Andreas Ibertsberger and Christian Eichner have both impressed in training, so the Hoffenheim supremo was keeping his cards close to his chest with regards his starting line up: "It's going to be a difficult decision," admitted Rangnick at the pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, SCF coach Robin Dutt can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that striker Mohamadou Idrissou is back from suspension. Du Ri Cha (muscle tear), Manuel Salz (back) and Hamed Namouchi (muscular problems) will however be unavailable for the visitors.

Even history

Sunday will be the fifth time 1899 Hoffenheim and SC Freiburg have faced one another. Freiburg won the first meeting in the DFB Cup 3-1 in September 2008, while in the 2. Bundesliga it was the home team who came out on top on both occasions. Their only duel in the Bundesliga came earlier this season, when a Maicosuel strike decided the match for 1899.