Hamburger SV v Köln preview as Polzin looks to repay trust | OneFootball

Hamburger SV chase their first points as Köln, featuring new Germany international Said El Mala, visit on matchday four before the international break.

BuLi News says many expected Hamburg to follow Borussia Mönchengladbach by sacking their coach after three games, but Merlin Polzin is preparing to extend his contract. Successive 5-0 defeats to Mainz 05 and RB Leipzig left them bottom, yet the club cite his bringing them back to the top flight and keeping them up last season.

Fabio Vieira is expected to start for the first time since his permanent move. Miro Muheim is ready for his first appearance of the campaign after reaching the required fitness level. Sebastian Bornauw remains out with muscular problems.

Köln opened with a win over Europa League side Hoffenheim, then drew 1-1 with Werder Bremen last week, but lost 4-1 at Stuttgart in their first away match. Expectations have risen after work in the market. El Mala is their first Germany international since former captain Jonas Hector, with Jürgen Klopp naming him for UEFA Nations League duty.

Timo Hübers is the only first-team injury, so René Wagner must omit three players from the squad again. El Mala returns after playing the last 15 minutes against Werder. Up front, Ragnar Ache and Thijs Dallinga compete to start.

Hamburg finished with nine men in a 4-1 defeat to Köln on matchday nine last season. The return game ended level after first-half goals from Fabio Vieira, who was sent off in Köln, and El Mala.

Source: BuLi News

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