The opponents: Hannover currently sit 18th in the Bundesliga table, and are only above bottom-spot on goal difference. However, things often change after the winter break and they could turn their fortunes around in the upcoming 17 games. The club spent their winter break in Marbella and were unbeaten in their friendlies, including a 4-1 win over Heracles Almelo. Niklas Füllkrug and Ihlas Bebou are both out with long term injuries.
Recent transfers: Hannover have dipped into the transfer market a couple of times in order to bolster their squad. They’ve signed Kevin Akpoguma, who wasn’t getting much game time at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The centre back will move on loan and will be looking to sure up a leaky defence. Nicolai Müller has also made the move to Hannover, this time from Eintracht Frankfurt. He’ll be tasked with scoring the goals for his new side, playing alongside Bobby Wood. Both signings have a lot of Bundesliga experience and could prove vital in their fight to stay up.
The officials: Marco Fritz will referee the game, with Dominik Schaal and Marcel Pelgrim his assistant referees. The fourth official is Sven Waschitzki, with Günter Perl and Thorben Siewer the video assistants in Cologne.