Bundesliga, Matchday 21 | PREVIEW
1. FC Nürnberg - Energie Cottbus
Nürnberg go into the game as the only German side to be knocked out of Europe in midweek, going out on a late goal to Benfica.
Energie have not won away all season, and home coach Thomas von Heesen is under pressure to produce. "Things have got to kick-off against Cottbus. Von Heesen's performance is under scrutiny from this point on", said Nürnberg president Michael A. Roth, describing the game as a "mini final".
Von Heesen said of Sunday's opponents, "Energie are awkward to play against, they're a compact, physical team, who counter well out of a strong defence. We'll need to be patient and match them with aggressive forechecking. We can't allow them the space to open up."
Ivan Saenko (suspended), Zvjezdan Misimovic (torn ligament), Marek Mintal (strained ligament) und Leon Benko (knee injury) are all unavailable for Nürnberg, along with Robert Vittek.
Cottbus have only lost twice to Nürnberg, and on each occasion the game was played in February.
The only top-flight team without an away win this season, they have however lost only one of five games on the road under Bojan Prasnikar.
The coach has his tactical stall set out for the vist to the "Club": "We need to stay compact, improve our tackling, chase down the ball and take a direct route on goal." Stiven Rivic still has the flu and will not be available for Energie.
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