Koln vs Hannover preview - Misfiring rivals go head-to-head

Confidence could be in short supply when Cologne host Hannover this Saturday with neither side boasting the best of recent records.

Indeed, Cologne have the second worst home record in the whole of the Bundesliga, having drawn their last three matches at the Mungersdorferstadion 0-0 while picking up only eight points from 10 games in front of their own fans.

Hannover have only won twice on their travels, on the other hand, while last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Paderborn was already their third loss in four games in 2015.

Furthermore, the two clubs have scored only five goals between them since the winter break.

"It's definitely a very important game because things are so tight in the league table," said Cologne coach Peter Stoger on his club's official website.

"It's also important for us to do something to improve the atmosphere.

"We all know how important the game will be, but we mustn't get overdramatic about it and seize up."

At the same time, however, Stoger does not want his players to be afraid of performing in front of their own fans.

"It's going to be sold out again, we're under the floodlights against a surprising neighbour in the league table and all of our home games are highlights and we look forward to every game we play in our own stadium, in spite of our home record which leaves a lot of room for improvement," Stoger said.

"We've prepared well for Hannover and we're ready."

Hannover are also ready - above all to put last weekend's disappointment behind them.

"The pressure us on us to get the points and so we have to get them," said Hannover coach Tayfun Korkut at a press conference.

He will be without the suspended Christian Schulz, but Leon Andreasen is back from a five-month injury absence and both he and Edgar Prib could be back in contention for a place.