Bundesliga leaders 1899 Hoffenheim faces in the first match after the winter break on Energie Cottbus (
Saturday, 31.1.2009, 3:30 pm). For Hoffenheim it is the first match in the new stadium (Rhein-Neckar-Arena).
Promoted team 1899 Hoffenheim was the big sensation of the first half of the season. The team of coach Ralf Rangnick leads the league table after 17 matchdays and counts with it to the circle of the title candidates. The home balance of 1899 Hoffenheim is impressive: 7 wins and 2 draws – goal difference 21:6. Manager Rangnick must renounce the whole season his top goal scorer Vedad Ibisevic (injured). Ibisevic scored in the first 17 seasonal matches 18 goals. As a substitute Hoffenheim have loaned Boubacar Sanogo (from Werder Bremen).
Energy Cottbus stands current on the 16th table rank, which would mean a relegation match against the third-placed team of the 2nd Bundesliga at the end of the season. Cottbus is stronger in away than in home matches: Energy Cottbus got 9 of a total of 13 points in away matches. However, against Hoffenheim Cottbus is a big outsider. Manager Bojan Prasnikar must renounce defender Mariusz Kukielka (injured).
Fixtures: 1. Bundesliga
Result of 1st match this season:
16.08.2008: FC Energie Cottbus - 1899 Hoffenheim 0:3 (0:1)
Data:
1899 Hoffenheim vs. FC Energie Cottbus
Fixture: Saturday, 31.1.2009, 3:30 pm
Stadium: Sinsheim-Hoffenheim (Rhein-Neckar-Arena)
Injured/Suspended:
1899 Hoffenheim: Vedad Ibisevic (injured)
Energie Cottbus: Mariusz Kukielka (injured)
Tip: Hoffenheim wins
our tip is 1
the highest odd is on Bet365, odd 1,44
