Hoffenheim look to shake up status quo

It is a case of the established order against the upstarts in Germany this weekend as UEFA Cup contenders Hamburger SV travel to third-placed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, with the two sides separated by just a point.

Story of the season
A few years ago a top-of-the-table meeting like this was unimaginable. No one is surprised that Hamburg, as founder members of the Bundesliga who have never been relegated, are involved, but Hoffenheim's rise is the story of the season so far.

Sharp rise
Hoffenheim were playing in Germany's third tier three seasons ago when billionaire Dietmar Hopp began to invest heavily in his hometown club. Yet having climbed two divisions in successive campaigns, the village with less than 3,500 inhabitants now have their own Bundesliga outfit. Not only that, Hoffenheim have taken the élite by storm, collecting 16 points from eight games. Striker Vedad Ibišević, who with nine goals is the Bundesliga's top marksman, epitomises the unbridled optimism in the ranks. "Hamburg are playing well at the moment – they are not first in the league by accident," he said prior to the weekend's fixtures, "but we have really good players too and are highly motivated.

Talented youngsters
"I don't think we will play any differently than usual – why should we?" the Bosnia-Herzegovnian added. "I expect three points on Sunday, even though we will have to play a perfect match to beat such strong opponents. I have 100 per cent belief in our team, maybe even more." However, Hoffenheim's success has not just been down to a wealthy benefactor. Coach Ralf Rangnick, who led FC Schalke 04 in the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League, has developed a team of talented young players whose form has caught many, if not all, off guard. "I'm not surprised they have a good side," said Hamburg forward Mladen Petrić, who has scored in three of his last five league outings. "But I'm surprised how effective and tough they are in their first Bundesliga season. It will be a really difficult match although I'm looking forward to it."

'We are ready'
It is a view echoed by Petrić's team-mate Piotr Trochowski. "Hoffenheim are playing at home, they have a really strong team and we will have to give our best not to lose there," the German international said. "At least we know we have to play better than we did in the UEFA Cup on Thursday," he added, referring to his side's 2-1 away win at MŠK Žilina in Slovakia. Rangnick, meanwhile, is excited to be back competing at the top of the German game and has every faith his young pretenders, saying simply: "We are ready."