Will HSV make a U-turn on team selection against Frankfurt? | OneFootball

After the sobering 1:4 defeat in Hoffenheim, the main topic of discussion in the HSV camp is the team’s serious weakness in away games. But personnel is also in the spotlight.

There are many indications that the starting eleven against Eintracht Frankfurt (December 13, 3:30 p.m.) could look significantly different compared to last week. Even in Hoffenheim, Polzin made five changes to the lineup, some out of necessity, some by choice. Suspensions, injuries, and fluctuations in individual players’ form have been a constant companion for HSV this season anyway.

The result: only three times has the starting lineup remained unchanged from one matchday to the next. And ahead of the last home game of the year, several factors again point to new changes.

By far the clearest comeback candidate is Nicolai Remberg. The midfield enforcer was suspended in Kraichgau and his absence was clearly felt. Against SGE, the indispensable summer signing will return to the starting lineup—anything else would be a huge surprise. Jonas Meffert, who stood in for him, performed solidly but could not replace Remberg’s influence.

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HSV hopes for Dompé and Poulsen

There could also be changes on the wings. Fabio Baldé performed well in his Bundesliga starting debut despite difficult circumstances and was one of the bright spots. Nevertheless, Polzin hopes that Jean-Luc Dompé will be fit in time after another Achilles tendon layoff. The Frenchman is a clear difference-maker whose dynamism and unpredictability have been sorely missed by HSV lately. If Dompé is ready to play, Baldé will return to his role as a substitute despite his decent performance.

In attack, attention is also focused on captain Yussuf Poulsen. The Dane has recently been getting more minutes, looks more stable, and could feature either as a substitute or even from the start. Meanwhile, the struggling Ransford Königsdörffer faces a likely return to the bench.

One way or another: after the manner of the defeat in Hoffenheim, the pressure ahead of the year’s final match has increased once again. Merlin Polzin will carefully consider which personnel adjustments are necessary. A return to proven players seems likely—also to show the fans at Volksparkstadion a different HSV face. The past few weeks have impressively shown just how much easier the promoted team finds it in front of their own supporters.

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