30th matchday
Berlin (AP) – So far it has been Nico Schlotterbeck’s season. The national player is one of the key figures at the successful SC Freiburg and is therefore also in focus against VfL Bochum.
Borussia Mönchengladbach relies on returnee Jonas Hofmann in the derby against 1. FC Köln, FC Augsburg in the relegation duel with Hertha BSC on Berlin expert Michael Gregoritsch. The Stuttgart goalkeeper Florian Müller is under special observation, there is an explosive reunion in Dortmund. Five games on Bundesliga Saturday and five players to watch out for.
Borussia Dortmund vs VfL Wolfsburg
Marin Pongracic: Even if he doesn’t play, the reunion between Marin Pongracic and VfL Wolfsburg will be explosive. The defender, who is loaned to Dortmund, is actually contractually bound to VfL until 2024, but is in a legal dispute with his employer. The 24-year-old has sued the club for the payment of 250,000 euros as a bonus for qualifying for the Champions League. Wolfsburg believe that Pongracic has waived any right to bonus payments by suspending his contract with VfL. Pongracic had previously angered the VfL bosses with statements in a Twitch conversation when he complained about how he had been treated and also talked about transfer fees and salaries. A return to Wolfsburg in the summer actually seems impossible that BVB has committed him permanently, but it is also questionable.
SC Freiburg – VfL Bochum
Nico Schlotterbeck: The defender is one of the key figures in Freiburg’s successful season so far. He has already made the leap into the German national team, and he has also been talked about as a potential new signing for FC Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund for weeks. His contract with the Sport-Club runs until June 30, 2023. Should the Freiburg team qualify for the European Cup via the league or the DFB Cup, this may also increase their chances of Schlotterbeck staying. The final spurt of the season should be extremely exciting for the people from Baden and the 22-year-old.
1. FSV Mainz 05 – VfB Stuttgart
Florian Müller: Stuttgart’s goalkeeper is particularly in focus in the duel with his former club. In fan circles, the performance of the 24-year-old in the season so far has been seen quite critically. Coach Pellegrino Matarazzo and sports director Sven Mislintat recently gave Müller demonstrative support. But it would certainly help the goalkeeper of the Swabians, who are threatened with relegation, even more to deliver a good game in Mainz and possibly to defuse one or the other unstoppable ball.
FC Augsburg – Hertha BSC
Michael Gregoritsch: FC Augsburg’s hopes in the relegation duel with Hertha BSC rest on the Austrian. None other than Gregoritsch’s favorite opponent at FCA is making a guest appearance in the capital’s club. The 27-year-old attacker has not been as successful against any current Bundesliga club as against the Berliners. The left foot has already scored four times against Hertha. In the first half of the season, for example, when he saved a point for FCA in the seventh minute of injury time with the latest Bundesliga goal in Fuggerstadt history. His goal at that time was to be the first of seven so far this season.
Borussia Monchengladbach – 1 FC Cologne
Jonas Hofmann: The possible starting eleven comeback comes at the ideal time. The absence of Marcus Thuram offers national player Hofmann the chance to be back on the pitch from the start in the derby against 1. FC Köln. “Jonas is burning to finally be back and is very happy that he no longer feels his injury. He is also someone who will certainly help us again on Saturday,” said Gladbach coach Adi Hütter. After his break due to a torn muscle fiber, Hofmann was able to play a few minutes in Fürth last weekend. He will do his team good, with eight goals the 29-year-old is next to Alassane Plea the top scorer at Borussia. And in the first leg he scored the goal in the 4-1 defeat.