Keep the Party Going
So far this season Dynamo have lost all 4 of their away games whilst Rainer Maurer's 1860 have a perfect home record with 4 wins in as many matches but they have been known to blow hot and cold. Stefan Aigner and Daniel Halfar can do some serious damage when they want to but at times seem to find it a struggle to involve themselves in the action.
Maurer said at the press conference Friday, "Dynamo Dresden is a club with tradition and they have a lot of loyal fans. Now that they are back in the German second division they have reinforced the team by bringing in some good players. David Solga is well known and Filip Trojan on the left is one of the quickest players in the league. Zlatko Dedic, a Slovenian international forward is also an outstanding threat."
The Lions chief admits his side have some concerns. "We have some problems in the defence where some players will not be available (Kai Bülow suspended, Necat Aygün injured). I think Collin Benjamin is very important for us because he is a leader to the team. We did not have an 'easy' schedule at the beginning. We have had a lot of hard away games but I am happy with what we did and we have conceded only two goals at home."
Since the return from injury of Collin Benjamin and with Stefan Buck on great form, Christopher Schindler has found himself struggling to make his name a regular on the team sheet. "Of course I was disappointed," said Schindler, referring to when Buck and Bülow were the preferred partnership in central defence, "but I now know what I have to do to win my place back."
With Bülow suspended and Aygün injured, Schindler, who last week signed a new contract at the club, may find himself recalled to action on Sunday.
Around 10,000 Dresden fans are expected to turn up for this game and at least 25,000 home fans should turn out to cheer on their beloved Lions. It's a mouth watering clash between two tough sides and with 1860 so inconsistent it is almost impossible to predict a score line. It all boils down to who wants it the most.
Marco Menolfi contributed to this preview.