After the Mainz mishap: HSV to make four changes in the starting XI? | OneFootball

The images of the disastrous 0–5 defeat against Mainz are still reverberating around HSV days later. Never before had the club suffered a heavier home loss since the Bundesliga was founded in 1963.

Accordingly, the pressure ahead of the away match at RB Leipzig (Sunday, 3:30 p.m.) is immense. The likelihood that coach Merlin Polzin will make personnel changes is just as high. Because the conclusion after the Mainz debacle is clear: HSV lacked stability, cohesion, and leadership in every area of the team. Hardly any player managed to make a lasting case for further starts.

One change is considered almost certain. According to a Bild report, key hope Fabio Vieira is expected to make his first start after his debut as a substitute. The Portuguese player was unable to spark a turnaround after coming on, but he embodies exactly the kind of creativity that Hamburg lacked almost entirely in its first two Bundesliga matches. As a result, new signing Martin Adeline may be left with only a place on the bench.

A change also appears to be coming in defense. Jordan Torunarigha endured a nightmare afternoon against Mainz and was substituted at halftime. The 19-year-old Shafiq Nandja then at least put in a decent display and is now considered a serious alternative for the starting lineup. HSV may also have to cope with the absence of Sebastiaan Bornauw.

Photo: IMAGO

Will HSV turn to veteran Poulsen?

In midfield, Polzin is hoping for the return of Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian had to pull out at short notice against Mainz because of back problems and was sorely missed in the build-up play. His replacement Bilal Nadir, who was also substituted after 45 minutes, had little influence on the match.

The situation at center-forward is particularly intriguing. It is clear for every observer that Terem Moffi is not yet back to full sharpness. Alongside Patson Daka, Yussuf Poulsen could therefore also come into focus and, of all matches, be called upon again against his former club RB Leipzig.

The 32-year-old has played only a minor role so far this season, logging 15 minutes in the DFB-Pokal and eight minutes on the opening Bundesliga matchday. In the 0–5 thrashing against Mainz, he remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes. However, Poulsen brings exactly the qualities HSV currently lacks: experience, communication, and leadership. As an organizer out of possession and an extension of the coaching staff on the pitch, he could suddenly become more important than ever after the Mainz humiliation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.