1.FC Kaiserslautern - Karlsruher SC

Derby time on the „Betze“. The match between the 1.FC Kaiserslautern and Karlsruher Sc is a true classic in the southwest of Germany’s football, especially in the 80s and 90s there were quite a few big fights in Bundesliga and Cup duels between the two traditional teams. Meanwhile it may have become significantly quieter but the rivalry is still there. On Friday 43.500 of the 49780 tickets were sold, so that today they can expect a nearly sold out stadium. At least 5.000 visiting fans support their team as well here. The roles a clear defined, FCK promotion candidate and favored in this encounter has to continue their good run form recent weeks while KSC suffered two defeats in a row want to bounce back now again. Although they lost 1-2 vs. Cologne before the international break they played well and could competed with them, therefore they are very confident that they can do the same vs. FCK. Nevertheless the atmosphere is absolutely amazing today and this can be also some advantage for home side who knows this very well and give some additional boost.

Under new Coach Kosta Runjaic took 1.FC Kaiserslautern seven Points from three games and did not allow a single goal. This put them back into promotion race and they are close to the top, with a win today they can close the gap and get in a good position as well. All are very confident as they have played well recently and all saw a real improvement to begin of the season. They are hot to play in front of their great fans and celebrate the next win above all the performance against 1860 Munich at home was amazing, if they can continue this style they are very hard to beat. Also no changes expected as the team did well in the past and with Occean and Idrissou both strikers scored. This means that Zoller comes from bench again. All the other positions remain unchanged as well.

Guest Coach Markus Kauczinksi however planning a system change and he will give the team with 4-2-3-1 more stability. With Dmitri Nazarov as the lone striker where Koen van der Biezen behind him as number 10 should support. Additional change in midfield where Krebs are not available anymore till winter break as he suffered a bigger injury. This means a further change compared to the match vs. Cologne. Although Alibaz could not train since 10 days he can move immediately in the starting lineup as with his good passing play and also standards he is an important player for KSC despite his 23- years. But it is not confirmed yet and Coach wants to think about him first. All in and around the club hope that they can do better as the last road match where they had an awful performance and lost absolutely deserved 0-3 in Aue. Although the opponent is rather stronger.