Fortuna Hotel Dusseldorf
While not mathematically safe yet, Fortuna Dusseldorf appear to be closing in on claiming second place in the Bundesliga after a turbulent start to Marcus Anfang’s tenure. Their performance may not have been outstanding, but it was effective enough to keep them out of immediate danger, with Fortuna currently sitting in 11th place with 31 points.
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However, the last exit was a step backwards. Dusseldorf succumbed to the typical ‘new manager bounce’ with a 1-0 loss to Eintracht Braunschweig as Lars Konetka scored a victory in his first game in charge. Fortuna struggled offensively, with just two shots on target, and rarely tested Ron-Torben Huffman’s shooting ability.
Anfang emphasized the importance of home performance before this game:
“This will be a very difficult game. But we also know we are strong at home. If we can approach the game with the same will, power, energy and passion as we have in recent home games, and get the support of the fans, then we can beat Hertha Berlin. We have to maintain the necessary intensity throughout the game. “
Home record has been key to their recent rise, with Fortuna unbeaten in their last five games at the Mercu-Speer Arena, winning four of them – a momentum they will be keen to continue this weekend.
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Team News: Fortuna will be without Emmanuel Iyoha, Matthias Zimmermann, Christian Rasmussen, Tim Rothman, Kenneth Schmidt and Hamza Anhari. Jordi De Wies has returned to training but is yet to play, while Marin Ljubicic remains unavailable.
hertha berlin football club
Hertha Berlin’s promotion hopes are now in jeopardy, with the Berlin side seven points adrift of the top three heading into the weekend. A dismal run of form since the start of the new year – just three wins from their first nine league games in 2026 – has left them in sixth place and struggling to catch up.
Their latest setback came in a heartbreaking win against Bochum. Hertha took control and created enough chances to put the game in doubt, but he failed to do so. The team led 1-0 in stoppage time, but they were equalized by Leandro Morgalla in the 91st minute, depriving them of crucial three points at the Stadio Olimpico.
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Despite the disappointment, head coach Stefan Leitl remains optimistic:
“Ultimately, it’s a good opportunity to win the next away game after Munster. Fortuna needs points and we want to get points and get the most out of the season.”
Hertha’s away performance gave us encouragement. Their style has been well reflected on the road, having lost just three of 12 away games in the league this season – a record they will hope to extend in Dusseldorf.
Team News: Hertha will be without John Brooks, Marius Gesback, Kennett Eichhorn and the suspended Michael Quisanz.
H-2-H Records
Hertha Berlin secured a dramatic late victory in October, with Maurice Krattenmacher sealing the points with a 96th-minute goal.
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Fortuna have won three of the last five meetings between the sides, while Hertha have not tasted victory in Dusseldorf since 2010 – a streak they are keen to end.
Predicted lineup
Fortuna Dusseldorf (3-4-2-1): Carstenmaier (GK) – Oberdorf, Egouli, Suso-Haye, Tanaka, Elazozzi, Lenz-Appelkamp, Musliya-Iten
Hertha Berlin (4-2-3-1): Ernst (GK) – Kabanik, Gecht, Dardai, Kolbe-Sessa, Seguin-Reis, Dudziak, Brekalo-Konach