Hoffenheim vs. Greuther Fürth: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Bayern Munich-owned US defender Richards completed 90 minutes for the first time since January as Hoffenheim lost 3-0 to RB Leipzig last time out. Although the Sinsheimers' third straight defeat, they remain sixth in the table and firmly in contention for the European qualification places, with five rounds of fixtures remaining. Richards should have defender Kevin Vogt for company again on what will be the Texan's 35th Bundesliga appearance, while Germany international left wing-back David Raum returns to the side following a mandatory one-match suspension. Striker Georgino Rutter is carrying a knock, though, and could be replaced by Munas Dabbur.

Depending on how Hertha Berlin and Arminia Bielefeld fare against Augsburg and Bayern respectively, Fürth could be relegated if they fail to win. That's something the Clover Leaves have only managed to do three times since returning to the Bundesliga, however, and not since Matchday 22. Last weekend's 2-0 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach has left them 10 points adrift of the relegation play-off spot, with outright survival fast becoming a mathematical impossibility. Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tobias Raschl is in contention for a recall to the starting line-up. American Julian Green - 24 Bundesliga appearances and counting without a goal - could make way.

Match stats

Richards has made 13 appearances for Bayern (first team, reserves and U19s) alongside Malik Tillman, the brother of Fürth's US-eligible Timothy.

Raum was instrumental in boyhood club Fürth's promotion last season with 15 assists. He has eight for Hoffenheim, is second in the Bundesliga for both crosses (242) and passes to a shot (73), and leads the division for sprints (890).

Hoffenheim have never lost a Bundesliga game against the team bottom of the table (W7, D3).

Tillman's 23 passes to a shot is the second most at Fürth, but captain Branimir Hrgota is both the leading scorer (eight) and provider (four).

Tillman and Hrgota both scored in the reverse fixture as Fürth were beaten 6-3 - the highest-scoring game of the season.

Greuther are winless in their 14 away games this term (D2, L12).

Probable line-ups

Hoffenheim: Baumann (c) - Posch, Vogt, Richards - Kaderabek, Samassekou, Baumgartner, Raum - Kramaric - Bebou, Dabbur

Out: Bicakcic (knee), Grillitsch (muscular), John (shoulder)

Doubtful: Geiger (not included), Hübner (back), Rudy (not included), Rutter (muscular)

Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

Fürth: Linde - Griesbeck, Bauer, Viergever - Asta, Raschl, Christiansen, Itter - Tillman - Leweling, Hrgota (c)

Out: Kehr (knee), Meyerhöfer (ankle), Pululu (suspended), Seguin (calf), Funk (knee)

Doubtful: Dudziak (Achilles)

Coach: Stefan Leitl

About the clubs TSG Hoffenheim

PreZero Arena

SpVgg Greuther Fürth

Sportpark Ronhof | Thomas Sommer

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