Fortuna Dusseldorf
While not yet mathematically certain, Fortuna Düsseldorf appear to be inching closer to securing their 2. Bundesliga status under Markus Anfang after a turbulent start to his tenure. Their form may not have been spectacular, but it has been effective enough to keep them away from immediate danger, with Fortuna currently in 11th place with 31 points.
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However, the last time was a step back. Düsseldorf lost 1-0 to Eintracht Braunschweig, succumbing to the typical “new coach rebound” as Lars Kornetka claimed victory in his first game in charge. Fortuna struggled to make an impact in attack, registering just two shots on goal and rarely tested Ron-Thorben Hoffmann in goal.
Anfang has stressed the importance of being fit at home ahead of this clash:
“It will be a very difficult match. But we also know that we are strong at home. If we can approach the game with the same will, power, dynamism and passion that we have had in the last home games, and get the fans behind us, then we can beat Hertha. We have to play with the necessary intensity throughout the game.”
That home record has been key to their recent promotion, with Fortuna unbeaten in their last five matches at the Merkur-Spiel Arena, winning four of those matches, a run they will be keen to extend this weekend.
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Team News: Fortuna will be without Emmanuel Iyoha, Matthias Zimmermann, Christian Rasmussen, Tim Rossmann, Kenneth Schmidt and Hamza Anhari. Jordy de Wijs has returned to training but is still unavailable, while Marin Ljubičić remains a doubt.
Hertha BSC
Hertha BSC’s promotion hopes now hang by a thread: the Berlin team is seven points off the top three heading into the weekend. A frustrating run of form since the start of the year – just three wins in their first nine league games of 2026 – has left them in sixth place and playing catch-up.
Their latest setback came in heartbreaking fashion against Bochum. Hertha controlled big moments and created enough chances to put the game beyond doubt, but they couldn’t do it. Leading 1-0 into added time, they were defeated by Leandro Morgalla’s equalizer in the 91st minute, denying them three crucial points at the Olympiastadion.
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Despite the disappointment, coach Stefan Leitl remains optimistic:
“Ultimately, it is a good opportunity to win the next away game after Münster. Fortuna needs points, we also want to score points and make the most of the season.”
Hertha’s away form is encouraging. Their style has translated well away from home, with just three defeats in 12 away games in the league this season, a record they will look to build on in Düsseldorf.
Team News: Hertha will be without John Brooks, Marius Gersbeck, Kennet Eichhorn and the suspended Michael Cuisance.
H-2-H record
In the second leg in October, Hertha claimed a dramatic late victory, with Maurice Krattenmacher scoring in the 96th minute to seal the points.
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Fortuna have won three of the last five meetings between the sides, while Hertha have not tasted victory in Düsseldorf since 2010, a record they will be eager to end.
Planned lineups
Fortuna Dusseldorf (3-4-2-1): Kastenmeier (GK) – Oberdorf, Egouli, Suso – Heyer, Tanaka, El Azzouzi, Lenz – Appelkamp, Muslija – Itten
Hertha BSC (4-2-3-1): Ernst (Porto) – Karbownik, Gechter, Dardai, Kolbe – Sessa, Seguin – Reese, Dudziak, Brekalo – Kownacki