Second relegation looms large for Fürth

Sportpark Ronhof played host to a thriller on 27 November. The spectators at SpVgg Greuther Fürth's stadium that day were treated to nine goals. TSG ran out 6-3 winners thanks to a hat-trick from Ihlas Bebou, a Giorginio Rutter brace and an own goal from the hosts. It was the biggest away victory Hoffenheim have ever registered in their Bundesliga history. The magazine "kicker" awarded the goals glut a match rating of 1.5. The return fixture at the PreZero Arena on Easter Sunday is also expected to be an entertaining game: after all, the three league meetings between the two teams have produced 18 goals. Following a run of three defeats, TSG are looking to return to winning ways and keep their European hopes alive. But Fürth have big ambitions too. "We're going to Hoffenheim to win and to get points," said coach Stefan Leitl on Holy Thursday.

The fact that a victory for TSG could seal Fürth's second relegation from the Bundesliga has not been a topic of discussion within the squad. "We will not go down at the weekend," said Leitl with full conviction. "We're in 15th place in the table for the second half-season. That is respectable. We have given a good account of ourselves and want to continue that against Hoffenheim," explained the 44-year-old. But the prospect of a second immediate return to the second tier after 2013 cannot be ruled out because of a dismal first half-season in which the Clover Leaves picked up only five points. They will go down if they lose while relegation rivals Hertha BSC (17th place) win in Augsburg and Arminia Bielefeld (16th place) take maximum points at home to leaders FC Bayern.

Leitl and his team will approach the challenge that awaits at the PreZero Arena with optimism. "We took the lead in the reverse fixture, had two more big chances and Hoffenheim under control, but then the match became very wild. The opposition had one of those days and practically every shot by a TSG player went in," reflected Leitl. "Hoffe" have had major personnel problems in the last week and it's also to be expected on Sunday that "one or two of the TSG players won't be able to play," Leitl added. "We need to go to our limit mentally if we are to overcome this opponent." He believes that TSG possess a lot of quality, "lots of power down the flanks and lots of energy and tempo in attack". The fact TSG are so dangerous down the left wing is "down to someone whom we know very well". A reference, of course, to Germany international David Raum, who made a key contribution to the Franconians' promotion bid a year ago before joining Hoffenheim.

TSG would certainly do well not to underestimate Fürth, who have produced some attractive performances in recent weeks. The 0-0 draw at home to SC Freiburg in March was followed by another goalless draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight later. Last Saturday, the Clover Leaves suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Gladbach. That result did not trigger any celebrations – but it did serve as additional proof that the team are looking much more stable than they did before Christmas.

Fürth will make a late decision as to whether midfielders Max Christiansen (thigh) and Jeremy Dudziak (Achilles tendon) are available to play. Tobias Rachl represents an alternative option, according to Leitl, while Sebastian Griesbeck could also push up into a midfield role from defence. As was the case against Gladbach, former FC Bayern player Julian Green will probably start. The coach was visibly annoyed as he announced that Nigerian forward Afimico Pululu would miss out after receiving a red card while playing for the U23s in a 0-0 draw away to VfB Eichstätt in the Regionalliga on Wednesday. An even bigger blow will be the absence of key performer Marco Meyerhöfer, who was seriously injured in Frankfurt and underwent ankle surgery. The TSG defence should be especially aware of striker Branimir Hrgota. The Swede has eight goals this season and has netted twice against TSG, who could almost be described as Fürth's favourite foe in the Bundesliga. After all, the Franconian outfit have only scored more than twice two times in 63 Bundesliga games – and they were both against Hoffenheim.

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