Combination of play and fight necessary

“We were very focused during this week’s training sessions and In Cologne, we want to take the next step”, manager Bergmann said before the game. Therefore, Bergmann urges his side to show more of its qualities while keeping the same virtues as in the Stuttgart game. “In order to be successful against 1.FC Köln, it is necessary to show more courage” Bergmann said before underlining that the game against a team under pressure will be a tight one. “If we manage to do that, we can win there.”

Hanno Balitsch and Köln’s Petit fight for the ball

Ambitioned Köln

As Köln only won nine points and are on the 13^th rank, the supporters’ expectations are far from fulfilled. The “FC”, however, had difficult opponents on the opening match days and can take a huge step in the table.

After Lukas Podolski, the city’s and club’s hero returned to the Rhine, the ambitions are even higher than before. “Prince Poldi” and his team mates are expected to lead the club back into the upper half of the Bundesliga table. After the departure of Christoph Daum towards Fenerbahce Istanbul, the club secured the services of Zvonimir Soldo, a rather quiet manager who managed to calm down the heated surroundings in Cologne.

Great names, no poacher

Ironically, the attack is the biggest concern of 96’s next opponent having found the net only six times. The club’s goal scorers Adil Chihi, Fabrice Ehret, Sebastian Freis, Milivoje Novakovic, Lukas Podolski and Wilfried Sanou all failed to score for a second time so far.

Few points and goals do not make Köln an easier opponent, though. The defense is as good as its record: An average of just one conceded goal per game will make it hard for Hannover to break them apart in the back which is held together by the consistently good performances of the likes of the Brazilian Geromel and Columbian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon.

Most likely, Zvonimir Soldo cannot include the fullbacks Pierre Womé and Christopher Schorch (both suffering from muscular problems) into his plans for the game against 96 in which Köln aim at keeping the fourth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions (3-0 in Trier (Cup), 0-0 in Mönchengladbach and Munich, 1-0 win against Mainz).

Robert Enke returns to Hannover’s goal

Enke is back!

More and more people return to training at 96 having put their injuries behind, even if the long-term injured Andreasen, Hanke, Forssell, Lala, Schlaudraff, Vinicius and Zizzo are still sidelined. Constant Djakpa (flu), Jiri Stajner (elbow) and “Kocka” Rausch (dizziness), however, are available again. The best news undoubtedly is the return of Robert Enke after he no longer suffers from the infection he had. “All of us are delighted that he will be playing“, Bergmann stressed. “Robert is in a very good form again.” Centre back Christian Schulz returned to training on Thursday while Mario Eggimann is yet doubtful for the game. Equally, Jacek Krzynówek is not yet back in full fitness.

Joy for the guests?

Considering how close the teams in the second half of the table are to one another, 96 can jump into the secured midfield of the Bundesliga while increasing the gap to the drop zone. “If we find our rhythm, we have very good chances of winning the game”, Andi Bergmann predicts. Taking three points from Cologne would make the travelling supporters happy, for the hosts, it would increase the gap between ambition and reality.

Top facts:

- Balanced record: In 34 Bundesliga games so far, each team won 14. Consequently, there were eight draws between the two sides.

- Goals guaranteed: Only one of the 34 Bundesliga meetings ended in a goalless draw. Both sides failed to hit the opponent’s net on 14^th October 1972 in Hanover

- Hard to beat: Köln’s keeper Faryd Mondragon only conceded one goal in the last five games. On top of that, he kept five clean sheets in the Bundesliga already which currently is the third best record in the Bundesliga.

Expected line-ups:

1. FC Köln: Mondragon - Brecko, Geromel, Mohamad, Ehret - Petit, Maniche - Freis (McKenna), Podolski – Ishiaku, Novakovic

Hannover 96: Enke - Cherundolo, Haggui, Schulz, Djakpa (Rausch) - Balitsch - Sofian Chahed (Pinto), Bruggink, Rosenthal - Stajner, Ya Konan