Form
Waldhof Mannheim have shown in the first four games of the campaign that they won’t be pushovers in the 3. Liga following promotion. After 1-1 draws at Chemnitz and Magdeburg either side of a goalless draw at home to Meppen, they picked up their first win of the season on Monday, thumping TSV 1860 München 4-0 at the Carl-Benz Stadion. That turned their winless run into an unbeaten one and left them in ninth place in the standings.
Tactics
Waldhof generally play with a 4-2-3-1 system which can become 4-4-2 when the opposition have the ball. Head coach Bernhard Trares also likes to use 4-3-3 on home turf, although it remains to be seen whether he’ll go with such an attacking formation in a match in which they’re the underdogs. More important than the system, however, is SVW’s pace and passion in what they do, with the former provided in particular by Gianluca Korte and Maurice Deville. The home side’s game is fundamentally based on a tremendous work ethic.
One to watch: Maurice Deville
At 1.94 metres tall, Deville would make an imposing centre-back, but the 27-year-old’s talents lie in attack. He’s recorded one goal and one assist so far this season, and regularly swaps positions with Korte in the centre or on the wing to flood the wide areas. Sunday’s meeting is particularly special for the Luxembourgian, who played for Eintracht’s neighbours FSV Frankfurt during the 2016/17 season. The son of former Luxembourg international Franck Deville scored twice in 14 appearances for the Bornheim club, while he’s also represented his country 36 times – already surpassing his father’s tally of 35. 
