The seasons of Hamburger SV and 1. FC Köln reach a junction this Sunday when they meet at the Volksparkstadion (kick-off 15:30CET/14:30GMT).
Hamburg find themselves three points behind their guests, who are still in the hunt for a place in Europe next season, but the Red Shorts remain the same distance from the relegation play-off position, which is currently occupied by northern Germany rivals SV Werder Bremen.
Köln, meanwhile, head north knowing a win could see them close in on their local rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach and the top six, although a few nervous glances over the shoulder would have to be thrown in the case of defeat.
History
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Köln came from a goal behind to clinch a 2-1 win, with Rene Adler forced off for the guests with an injury and Emir Spahic seeing red after giving away a penalty in a full-throttle encounter.
Match facts
- Hamburg have picked up just one point from their last five Bundesliga matches, while they have lost their last three home matches.
- There have been only two longer such series in HSV’s history: in 1997 they lost five in a row at home, while two years ago they were beaten in four consecutive home fixtures.
- Köln have lost just one of their last five Bundesliga meetings with HSV.
- Köln have won their last two meetings with Hamburg, but they have never before completed a hat-trick of consecutive wins over the northern Germany club.
- Lewis Holtby has scored more against Köln (four) than against any other Bundesliga club.
- Marcel Risse has scored a third of his nine Bundesliga goals against Hamburg, including his one and only Bundesliga brace on his last visit to the Volksparkstadion.
- Anthony Modeste has scored 12 goals so far this season – exactly half of his side’s total tally.
Possible line-ups
Hamburg: to follow
Absentees: Ekdal (ankle), Spahic (groin)
Köln: to follow
Absentees: Lehmann (suspended)
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