MSV Duisburg has recently collected important points in the relegation battle. The zebras have to tackle the next task in Breisgau without Marvin Knoll.
A look at the upper regions of the table: Torsten Ziegner.
IMAGO/Nico Herbertz
After four points from the last two games, the tableau for the zebras looks a lot friendlier. The MSV is in eleventh place and is also in the secure midfield in terms of points. The comfortable lead of nine points on a relegation zone is offset by ten points behind fourth place, which is currently important in the relegation. With 16 games to go, the question of what the goal is now seems plausible. MSV trainer Torsten Ziegner avoids formulating a goal for the season in the run-up to the game in Freiburg on Saturday (2 p.m., LIVE! at kicker) – but still sets the direction.
“My intention is: See what’s still possible. And that’s going forward!”, was the trainer’s bold announcement in the media round about the upcoming game. The first home win since October was balm for the soul and has noticeably increased self-confidence.
Captain Moritz Stoppelkamp, who was once again an outstanding man on the Meiderich side against Zwickau (4:0), proved to be the guarantor for the short-term mini-run. In the Dreisamstadion, hopes rest on the 36-year-old veteran again.
Central defender Mai moving forward again?
It is still unclear whether central defender Sebastian Mai will assist Stoppelkamp up front, as he did against the Saxons. The previously unique experiment with Mai in the front line proved to be promising against Zwickau. With his physical presence and size, the 29-year-old was a constant source of trouble and was ultimately responsible for two assists.
The Mai im Sturm variant is an option mainly because Benjamin Girth is still out. The striker, who came from Braunschweig in the summer, is back in training after the healing process of his injured calf went well, but is not yet in a competitive condition. In addition to Mai, Aziz Bouhaddouz is of course also an option for the top striker. The 35-year-old, who was only a substitute recently, must first recommend himself for a mission.
Knoll is out at short notice
Marvin Knoll will also not be in the match day squad. His failure is particularly bitter. The 32-year-old made his first appearance against the Swans since November and sustained a thigh muscle injury in final training.
When asked about the current third in the table, Ziegner only finds words of praise. “Second teams are a phenomenon,” said the Thuringian. But in order to push the newly won self-confidence. “I think we’re capable of winning there.”
