Hertha BSC finished the 2019/20 season in tenth spot and are looking to improve on that this time around. Things did not get off to a good start, however, with a shock exit in the first round of the DFB Cup at the hands of second-division Eintracht Braunschweig (5-4).
Hertha put cup defeat behind them
The team from Berlin turned things around in time for their opening Bundesliga match, coming away from Werder Bremen with a fine 4-1 win, putting away the chances that came their way and looking solid at the back into the bargain.
The Hertha squad is as impressive as it has been for a long while, particularly up front, with new signing Jhon Cordoba adding a physical presence and getting on the score-sheet in his debut with the club. Another goal threat is winger Dodi Lukebakio, while at the other end of the pitch they have a new man between the sticks. Long-time SC Freiburg keeper Alexander Schwolow has madethe move to the German capital, replacing Rune Jarstein as the first choice No.1.
“Defend better”
Eintracht won 4-1 in Berlin last season after the restart, and that was the 64th time that the two teams had met in the league. Hertha currently sit on 29 wins, with 17 for Frankfurt and 18 draws.
Both teams will be hopeful of picking up the three points on Friday, and if the Eagles were to notch an away win, it would certainly be an eye-catching result, but not a complete upset. “It certainly won’t be any easier than the match against Bielefeld,” said Stefan Ilsanker. “One thing I do know is that if we’re too spread out, we won’t come away with a share of the points. We need to be more compact and solid, and defend better in front of our own goal.”
Match info
Kick-off: Friday, 25. September, 20:30 CEST, Bundesliga 2020/21, Matchday 2
Stadium: Olympiastadion Berlin
