Since then, the Wolves have hardly responded as one might expect of Germany's supposed No1 side in 2009. Under the tutelage of Armin Veh, Friday night's visitors have dragged their heels in the league and currently lie 10th in the Bundesliga table following a run of seven matches without a win. Indeed, it was this run that ultimately led to the dismissal of Veh last Monday.

Quality in attack

HSV themselves have cooled somewhat after a red-hot start to the season and were displaced in fourth spot last weekend following a 1-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Injuries have played a part in that downturn, yet the so-called Bundesliga Dinosaurs still boast the third-best attack in the league with 36 goals scored. Nonetheless, coach Bruno Labbadia made sure he reinforced his striking ranks with the surprise capture of Dutch superstar Ruud van Nistelrooy at the weekend.

Too soon for 'Van the Man'

Unfortunately for the home fans, the former Manchester United hitman is still injured since arriving from Spanish giants Real Madrid, though fellow Dutchman Eljero Elia could return up front depending on how his knee holds up in training. Young Swede Marcus Berg could also find himself amongst the starters, with Piotr Trochowski and Tunay Torun set for a place on the bench.

Wolfsburg, meanwhile, are preparing for their first Bundesliga contest with caretaker manager Lorenz-Günther Köstner at the helm. Without a win in seven, the Wolves are on their worst run of form since 2007 and have only managed two clean sheets all season. The man charged with adding to that meagre tally against Hamburg is likely to be Andre Lenz, with regular No1 Diego Benaglio struggling in his race for fitness.

Köstner is known for his resolute tactics, and a shuffle in the pack at central defence looks in the offing. Jan Simunek, rarely considered under Veh, could be set for a long-awaited start, with Wolfsburg likely to try and hit their hosts on the counter, utilising star players Dzeko, Grafite and Misimovic to their most dangerous effect.

Probable line ups:

Hamburg: Rost - Boateng, Rozehnal, Mathijsen, Aogo - Rincon, Jarolim - Elia, Jansen - Berg, Petric

Wolfsburg: Lenz - Riether, Simunek, Barzagli, M. Schäfer - Josué - Hasebe, Gentner - Misimovic - Grafite, Dzeko


Andy James