23rd matchday
Berlin (dpa) – VfB Stuttgart also relies on a young hopeful against the Bayern conquerors of VfL Bochum, while TSG 1899 Hoffenheim hopes for goals from a slightly older vice world champion.
In Augsburg, an assistant coach is back as boss on the sidelines, in Cologne a substitute in goal. There is a reunion on the Alm. Five games – and five heads to watch out for.
VfB Stuttgart – VfL Bochum (3.30 p.m.)
Tiago Tomas: He is only 19 years old and still has great hope. Tomas is supposed to help VfB Stuttgart in the relegation battle and would like to celebrate his first Bundesliga win against VfL Bochum. The young Portuguese set an “exclamation mark” with two goals against Leverkusen, praised coach Pellegrino Matarazzo and will almost certainly have a place in the starting XI for the striker, who came from Sporting Lisbon. The fans will hope that Tomas is right: “We will not be relegated,” promised the newcomer carelessly.
VfL Wolfsburg – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (3.30 p.m.)
Andrej Kramaric: After a short forced break from Corona, Kramaric is returning to the Kraichgauer team. The 30-year-old Croatian has only scored three goals this season but has provided seven assists and remains hugely important in attacking play. The future of the 2018 World Cup runner-up is still open: his contract expires at the end of the season.
Arminia Bielefeld – 1. FC Union Berlin (3.30 p.m.)
Andreas Voglsammer/Fabian Klos: Less than a year ago, Voglsammer (30) and Klos (34) cried tears of joy at staying in the class with Arminia Bielefeld. Voglsammer left, Klos stayed. On Saturday, the Union striker can tell his ex-colleague what it’s like on the other side of the Alm. After an intermediate high in January, including a dream goal in the derby, Voglsammer has no regular place with the Iron. There is also no use bonus at the old place of work. “We’re looking for the eleven best, we don’t fulfill any wishes,” said coach Urs Fischer.
FC Augsburg – SC Freiburg (3.30 p.m.)
Reiner Maurer: Maurer knows the feeling of being the boss on the sidelines. Nevertheless, a premiere awaits the former coach of TSV 1860 Munich in the Augsburg home game against Freiburg. For the assistant coach, it is three days after his 62nd birthday, the Bundesliga debut as head coach. Maurer represents Markus Weinzierl, who is in corona quarantine. “I’ll sit there as normal as always,” announced Maurer calmly. His wish for the 90 minutes is clear: “Our goal is three points.”
1. FC Cologne – Eintracht Frankfurt (6.30 p.m.)
Timo Horn: Horn (28) lost the competition for number one in goal at 1. FC Köln a month ago, but he can play again on Saturday. The keeper, who is about to make his 201st appearance in the Bundesliga, is supposed to stand in for his colleague Marvin Schwäbe, who is ill. Horn had lost his regular place to Schwäbe after a knee injury last November. After Horn’s return, coach Steffen Baumgart decided in January that Schwäbe would be number one for the remainder of the season.