U23s to host Hannover II in relegation battle | OneFootball

Head-to-head record: The reverse fixture last November was the only meeting to date between the two U23 teams: Borussia, who were reduced to 10 men when Ben Hüning was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 21st minute, lost 2-0 in Hanover.

News from the U23 camp: With four matches of the season still remaining, the 15th-placed Black & Yellows (43 points) have a four-point lead over the relegation places and have their fate in terms of relegation in their own hands. In Hannover (19th, 30 points) and Stuttgart (17th, 39 points), Borussia will face two direct rivals in the season run-in. Dortmund's 2-1 loss in Aue last weekend brought an end to their run of six matches without defeat. Now Borussia want to turn their attentions forward – and secure their survival. "The lads are focused, we have a major goal as a team – nothing has changed in that regard," said BVB coach Jan Zimmermann, who is leaving BVB at the end of the season. "We want to get it done by ourselves on home turf." Zimmermann must do without the injured Tony Reitz and Jordi Paulina, plus Danylo Krevsun (suspended), on Saturday.

Stats and facts on the opposition: Based on the table, the Hannover 96 U23s must win at Stadion Rote Erde on Saturday. With Waldhof Mannheim and Stuttgart II facing off in this round of matches, Hannover require a victory to ensure their survival in the 3. Liga remains mathematically possible. The Hanover outfit have delivered some strong performances in recent weeks: the 96ers suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Dresden and picked up a point in Cottbus, in Ingolstadt and in Bielefeld. That is another reason why Jan Zimmermann is expecting a tight game. "We need a really good performance – and a bit of luck on our side." In total, the 96ers have won on only seven occasions this season – only Unterhaching have picked up fewer victories.