FIRST TEAM
03/05/2010

Time for revenge

1899 Hoffenheim host 1.FSV Mainz on Bundesliga Matchday 25 (Sunday 17:30 CET) at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.

1899 defender Christian Eicher has set out a clear goal for his team-mates on Sunday: follow up on the away triumph in Berlin with a home-victory against Mainz. Coach Ralf Rangnick shared a similar view prior to the game: "We have to make up for last time," explained Rangnick, clearly still reeling from the 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture back in October. "We have to accept the fight on the pitch right from the get-go," demanded Eichner.

Win, but stay healthy

"The last few victories have cost us dearly," said Rangnick, pointing out that his team have several new injury worries to deal with. The game on Sunday will take place without Luiz Gustavo (suspsended) and Matthias Jaissle (still recovering), as well as Isaac Vorsah, who sustained a severe knee injury last weekend. Andreas Beck (also knee) and Chinedu Obasi (ankle) will also be out of action. Therefore, the aim of the game against Mainz is "to obtain a win without suffering further injuries," said Rangnick.

Poor away record for Mainz

Just like Hoffenheim, Mainz have collected 32 points so far this season, but currently rank one position behind 1899 in the standings thanks to an inferior goal difference. Mainz's away record this term has been far from impressive, the Nullfünfers have collected just a single victory on the road so far this season. Their home record on the other hand is among the best in the league and - as Hoffenheim found out to their peril earlier in the season. 1899 now have the chance to take revenge on Mainz at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena and prove that they too can turn their home ground into a fortress.

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