Hamburger SV vs Anderletch Match Preview
Hamburg is on the rise in the Bundesliga and hope to accomplish European glory as well. They will play host the Anderletch who are dominating Jupiler League. It has been over 32 years since these clubs last met. The two clubs have faced each other three times in total, all occurring in 1977 as they slated a victory apiece and a draw.
The Germans are unbeaten in their last five European home matches, penciling in four victories and a draw since being upstaged by Danish side Ranfers FC in the Europa Leagues third qualifying round. They pulled off a solid 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on the weekend. The Red Shorts will look to build on their Bundesliga success. Manager Bruno Labbadia will call upon Ze Roberto and Marcell Jansen for creative and inventive skill in the midfield. They have many options up front with healthy and skillful play from Van Nistelrooy, Ella and Petric. Jerome Boateng underwent an MRI on his thigh earlier this week and is hopeful to be on the pitch this Thursday. Hamburg's defensive structure has been unpredictable throughout German and European competition. The Germans need a very solid performance from their back line to take away maxim points from this meeting.
Anderletch come into this fixture sitting at the top of the Belgian football league. The Purple and Whites took three points at Charleroi this weekend with a 2-0 victory. The Belgians are flawless in their last four away games since the start of the UEFA Europa League group stage, recording two wins and two draws. Good news for the Anderletch, Lucas Biglia resumed training on Monday March 8th after leaving the field with an ankle injury on Saturday night. The Argentine will be a big boost for the midfield if he can return in time for this match. Mbark Boussoufa was not present during training. The Moroccan international took several knocks over the weekend and remains a question mark for Thursday's fixture. Jonathan Legear and Romelu Lukaku, striking partners, have created stress and dismay for back lines throughout this competition. Their last victim was Atletico Bilbao who were slain 4-0. Another strong outing from Anderletch's back four could produce positive results for the team. They have only conceded four goals in the last five Europa League matches.