Special match for Asllani: former Union player seeking to rile Hertha
On Sunday, SV Elversberg are welcoming Hertha BSC to their home URSAPHARM Arena. Previous encounters between the two teams have always featured plenty of goals.
Sunday sees the URSAPHARM Arena playing host to the fourth 2. Bundesliga encounter between SV Elversberg and Hertha BSC. The previous results speak spectacularly for themselves: 1:5, 4:2 and 4:1 to the Saarland team. Anyone who enjoyed these matches can entertain hopes of another goal fest, since Elversberg and Hertha are two teams whose match statistics absolutely promise spectacle: SVE have already achieved ten long-range goals and area the top team in the league for this discipline. Hertha, on the other hand, have already conceded eight long-range goals – equalled only by Darmstadt 98.
Horst Steffen’s team have been extremely accurate from far out this season, particularly Robin Fellhauer, who has already scored three long-range goals – a number only matched by Karlsruhe’s Marvin Wanitzek. However, Fisnik Asllani and Carlo Sickinger (two goals each) and Muhammed Damar, Maurice Neubauer and captain Luca Schnellbacher (one goal each) also showed that they are not afraid of scoring from the second row. This ability could be crucial against the Berlin team, who often struggle to defend against long-distance shots. In addition, the Hertha defence has not always looked solid recently. The fact that 22.2 percent of the goals they have conceded were long-range shots shows a certain vulnerability in this area. By comparison, for Darmstadt, who have also conceded eight long-range goals, this is just 21.6 percent. But enough of statistics.
Attacking engine stalled
SV Elversberg’s attacking has been less effective recently. Their usually powerful attack remained largely ineffective during their goal-less draw in Ulm. ‘It is not common for us to have almost no goal opportunities’, was Horst Steffen’s analysis after the match. Despite numerous adjustments to their attacking approach, SVE struggled to gain a foothold against Ulm’s compact defence.
It is not common for us to have almost no goal opportunities
Horst Steffen
Hertha seeking stability
After sacking Cristian Fiel, Hertha BSC now have a new coach on the sideline in Stefan Leitl. Under his leadership, the team are seeking to regain stability and put their recent weak performances behind them. Although they put in a solid defensive performance in Leitl’s debut against Nürnberg (1;1), their attacks were still troubled by their old weaknesses. Creative moments were rare and clear goal opportunities scarce. The fact that the few opportunities they did have went untapped must have particularly irritated the new coach.
Nevertheless, Hertha will not be taking their 1:4 score from the first leg against Elversberg lying down. ‘I will be prioritising this match emotionally, as we still have some ground to make up’, Leitl noted. He will therefore be seeking to motivate his team even more and emphasise the importance of the encounter.
I will be prioritising this match emotionally, as we still have some ground to make up
Stefan Leitl
Who will be playing for Hertha?
One crucial staffing question before the match is Berlin’s midfield lineup. Michael Cuisance, who began the match against Nürnberg on the bench due to stomach problems, could now join the starting eleven. If Leitl uses him in the centre, he might be paired with Andreas Bouchalakis or Marten Winkler. Top choices for the wings are Fabian Reese (left) and potentially Derry Scherhant (right). Reese in particular could pose a threat with his speed and cause problems for the Elversberg defence.
Leitl has already decided on an occupant for the goal: Tjark Ernst remains number one. The young goalkeeper, who was temporarily demoted under Fiel, has won the new coach’s trust and will once again feature between the goalposts against Elversberg. No major changes are expected in terms of defence: the defensive quartet that put in a solid performance against Nürnberg are likely to feature again in Elversberg.
Particular motivation for Fisnik Asllani
For one of SVE’s players, this duel against Hertha is a very special match: goal scorer Fisnik Asllani played for their capital rivals Union Berlin in his youth. ‘Yes, this is a different game for me. I am particularly motivated’, the striker explained beforehand.
Yes, this is a different game for me. I am particularly motivated
Fisnik Asllani
If SVE managed to kick-start their recently somewhat stalled attack, there is a good chance of another memorable home win – and a highly motivated Asllani could certainly help. However, Hertha also have some ground to make up and will be doing all they can to achieve their first win under Leitl. One thing is certain: spectators can look forward to an enjoyable, hard-fought match.