SGS Essen v TSG Hoffenheim
Struggling SGS Essen host mid-table TSG Hoffenheim in the Frauen-Bundesliga on Friday, seeking to halt a dismal run that has left them rooted to the foot of the table. With just one point from six games and a league-worst goal difference of -17, the hosts face a stern test against opponents who sit sixth and harbour European ambitions. A win for Essen could spark a survival fight; for Hoffenheim, three points would keep the pressure on the top four.
Recent form and background
Essen enter this clash on the back of five straight games without a victory (D-L-L-L-L), managing only two goals across their opening six fixtures while conceding 19. Their heavy defeats to the likes of Frankfurt and Wolfsburg have exposed defensive frailties at home. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, boast a more balanced record (W-L-D-W-L), sitting on 10 points with a +6 goal difference. Recent highlights include a 4-1 win over Hamburger, though a 2-0 loss to Leverkusen last week at home out serves as a reminder of their inconsistency. Head-to-head, Hoffenheim hold the edge with six wins to Essen’s three in 10 meetings.
Key players and tactical battles
All eyes will be on Hoffenheim’s attacking duo of Klara Melissa Kössler and her midfield runners. Kössler, third in the Player of the Season race, has created five big chances this term, her vision key to unlocking defenses. For the hosts, midfielder Paulina Platner, who earned a spot in the Round 6 Team of the Week, will be pivotal in breaking up play. The midfield skirmish between Platner and Kössler could dictate the tempo, with Essen’s resilience hinging on containing Hoffenheim’s fluid transitions. No major injuries reported for either side.
Prediction: TSG Hoffenheim win.
1. FC Nürnberg v SC Freiburg
Bottom-half battlers 1. FC Nürnberg welcome in-form SC Freiburg to Bavaria on Saturday morning, in a clash that could define their seasons. Nürnberg sit 11th with six points, desperate for momentum after a mixed start, while Freiburg lurk third on 13 points, eyeing a Champions League spot. This matchup pits resilience against rhythm in the race for mid-table security.
Recent form and background
Nürnberg have drawn twice and won once in their last five (L-L-D-D-W), with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Jena providing a spark, though defensive lapses have cost them dearly at home. Freiburg arrive in buoyant mood (W-W-L-W-W), unbeaten in four and boasting a +5 goal difference, their attacking flair evident in a 3-2 thrashing of Frankfurt. Historically, both teams have won one math, and a draw in the last 3 encounters, but Nürnberg’s home grit could make this competitive.
Key players and tactical battles
Freiburg’s Luca Birkholz and Selina Vobian, both picks, will test Nürnberg’s backline Birkholz’s pace on the wing and Vobian’s defensive nous in transitions key. For the hosts, Oliwia Woś, another standout from last round, anchors midfield with her tackling prowess. Watch the battle for second balls in midfield, where Woś’s tenacity meets Freiburg’s pressing game. No suspensions; minor knocks for Nürnberg’s fringe players.
Prediction: Freiburg win.
Hamburger SV v FC Carl Zeiss Jena
Hamburger SV aim to build on a gritty draw when they host rock-bottom FC Carl Zeiss Jena on Saturday afternoon, a potential banana-skin for the hosts in their bid to climb from 11th. HSV’s inconsistency contrasts with Jena’s winless streak, but desperation can breed danger in this relegation skirmish at the foot of the table.
Recent form and background
HSV’s last five read D-L-W-L-L, with seven goals scored but 15 conceded highlighting attacking promise amid defensive woes. Their 2-0 loss to Werder stung, but a midweek draw offers hope. Jena languish with one point (L-D-L-L-L), shipping 15 goals and scoring just six, their 2-3 home defeat to Nürnberg a microcosm of frailty. HSV have dominated recent head-to-heads, winning the last three of the last 5
Key players and tactical battles
HSV will lean on their forward line’s creativity, with midfield dynamo Svea Stoldt pulling strings. Jena’s reliance on counter-threats falls to Isabella Jaron, but without standout performers, they’ll target HSV’s set-piece weaknesses. The tactical duel in wide areas could be decisive, as HSV seek to pin back Jena’s full-backs. No major injuries; Jena miss a suspended defender.
Prediction: Hamburger SV win
1. FC Union Berlin v RB Leipzig
Eight-placed 1. FC Union Berlin host ninth-placed RB Leipzig on Sunday morning, a pulsating Berlin derby variant that could shuffle the mid-table pack. Both sides on seven points and -2 goal difference, this is a six-pointer with European pretensions hanging in the balance.
Recent form and background
Union’s form dips with L-W-W-L-L, their home strength though having lost two from three clashing against recent away struggles. A 2-1 loss to Koln exposed finishing issues. Leipzig mirror the inconsistency (L-L-L-D-W), salvaging a point against Nurnberg before edging past SGS Essen. Union have won the only meeting they’ve had.
Key players and tactical battles
Union’s Sophie Weidauer, brings clinical edge up top, duelling Leipzig’s Julia Landenberger in defense her aerial dominance versus Weidauer’s movement a highlight. Leipzig’s midfield press, led by young gun Annabel Schasching, will target Union’s build-up. Injuries Lara Marti and Michela Croatto.
Prediction: A Draw
Eintracht Frankfurt v SV Werder Bremen
Eintracht Frankfurt seek to steady their mid-table wobble when entertaining SV Werder Bremen on Sunday lunchtime, both on 10 and nine points respectively in a battle of attacking intent versus defensive resolve. Frankfurt’s flair meets Werder’s grit in a fixture brimming with goals potential.
Recent form and background
Frankfurt’s rollercoaster reads L-W-L-W-L, with 15 goals scored but 12 conceded, their 3-1 win over Jena a highlight amid losses. Werder sit steady (W-W-L-L-W), with a point difference after edging HSV 2-0. Head-to-head Frankfurt has won four and lost one of the last 5 meetings .
Key players and tactical battles
Frankfurt’s Nadine Riesen, defensive rock, faces Werder’s Larissa Mühlhaus and Mariella El Sherif Mühlhaus’s midfield drive and El Sherif’s shot-stopping crucial. Riesen’s duels on the flank could neutralise Werder’s crosses. Werder Bremen report a knee injury for Caroline Siems.
Prediction: Either team win
FC Bayern München v 1. FC Köln
Title-chasing FC Bayern München look to extend their perfect-ish start against improving 1. FC Köln on Sunday afternoon, a mismatch on paper but one where Bayern’s depth faces Köln’s resilience. Top vs 10th, this could be a statement win for the leaders.
Recent form and background
Bayern’s imperious (W-D-W-W-W), 16 points and +15 difference, thrashing Wolfsburg 3-1 last out. Köln, on six points from five (L-L-L-W-W), have clawed back with back-to-back wins but face a gulf in class. Bayern have won each of their last 10 meetings against Köln, often in dominant fashion.
Key players and tactical battles
Bayern’s Vanessa Gilles and Klara Bühl have been dominant forces, with Gilles excelling in defense/goals and Bühl delivering crucial goals. Köln’s Marina Hegering, veteran centre-back, marshals the line against Bayern’s waves. The battle for midfield supremacy sees Köln’s press tested. Bayern without long-term ACL victim Sarah Zadrazil Köln clear.
Prediction: Bayern win
Bayer Leverkusen v VfL Wolfsburg
A blockbuster closes the weekend as fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen host second-placed VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday evening, both chasing Bayern in a potential title six-pointer. Leverkusen’s ascent meets Wolfsburg’s pedigree in a tactical chess match.
Recent form and background
Leverkusen, on 12 points from five (L-W-W-W-W), stunned Frankfurt earlier this season. Their away loss to Bayern Munich aside, form is fierce. Wolfsburg (W-W-W-W-L), 13 points and +11, stunned by Bayern last week but unbeaten in five prior. Wolfsburg edge recent H2H, winning three of last five.
Key players and tactical battles
Wolfsburg’s Svenja Huth leads the line with power, clashing with Leverkusen’s midfield enforcers. Huth’s hold-up play vs Leverkusen’s pressing game key. Full fitness for both, no suspensions.
Prediction: Draw
