1.FC Kaiserslautern - Fortuna Düsseldorf

We have two traditional team which meet each other for the last game in 2.Bundesliga this evening. Both had not the best time in the past years and also they are almost every Season behind their aim or expectation. Additional both had a different start into the Season, the home side with new Coach Korkut managed only 1 Point so far and knocked out of the Cup against 3.BL Hallescher SC what was a bit disappointment for FCK again. The next Round was expected above all that they can get more money in their pocket to buy maybe one or two players. The opponent form Düsseldorf struggled a lot last Season and was very close to become a 3.BL team but they did the job in the end and had a good start this Season anyway. With 4 Points on their side they can jump with a win on 3rd place right now, also in Cup they was successful.

With Hannover 96 had Kaiserslautern one of the top favorites to play on match day one and they started well into the match but failed in front of the goal what was the negative point of the play. On the other side they are absolutely weak in defensive right now what 4 goals against H96 showed, also against newcomer Würzburg they conceded 1 and wasted with their chances as well, in Cup against a team from 3.BL they conceded 4 as well. The weak points are for sure the defense and offense. Ok the offensive is creating some good opportunities but they are not able to get it finished. The defensive is very shaky and produce a lot of faults what make it not so easy for them. Coach Korkut has to find the right balance between these parts otherwise it would be a very hard Season.
Korkst said that he wants to minimize the mistakes and look forward for a better future. For the game today he can count on almost all of his squad, the only doubtful player is midfielder Moritz. Maybe he faces a late test if he can start or not. If Moritz gives his ok he may starts beside Frey in central midfield. This puts Ring on the bench if Korkut's decision is as expected. New signing from Freiburg Mujdza is no option for this game as he came late. Therefore Mwene starts again on this position. The other positions remain the same as in the past matches, maybe Zoua can be an option but his fitness is not at 100% after having a long break and coming late to FCK.

Fortuna's start was not the best and after 20 minutes they were 0-2 down in Sandhausen but they had the moral and were able for a big comeback to 2-2 in the end. It was a good sign for them although it was not deserved overall, even lucky. The home game against giant Stuttgart was what they are looking for. A big crowd in the stadium which push them to the limit and with their fast guys up front they can overcome all opponents in this League. With a big fight they got the win what was of course not expected. This gave them a lot of motivation for the upcoming matches and they showed the good trend already in Cup against Rostock where they walk through very easy with 3-0. Maybe Coach Funkel has find the right balance and work excellent after coming late last Season to safe Fortuna.
You think all is absolutely well in Düsseldorf, you are not right. The reserve players had a test against a lower division team which they won easy 11-0. But they got two huge injuries with Ritter and Gartner, both are out longer what the club confirm. Also central defender Madlung could not train this week due to back problems. He is a doubt right now for the game. Important Madlung can be replaced by youngster Bormuth but he has by far not the experience and peace like Madlung has. This is a big weakening for Fortuna if he must pass. Of course Funkel has some options with Bodzek as central defender as well but he is needed in central midfield after Gartner is out. The full offense is ready and with Hennings they singed an experienced player under the week who has shown his quality in this League already. This can be a really strengthening of their offensive with this guy.  Maybe Coach Funkel changes here something. Hennings and Bebou can play both in attack but also is possible that Hennings plays alone up front and Bebou comes from the wing. Nevertheless what Funkel decides, it looks like Kiesewetter is out of the starting lineup then.