Match Preview vs 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Our Opponents: 

Since their return, Kaiserslautern have enjoyed a good first attempt back in the 2. Bundesliga. Although recent form has shown they may not be quite there to push for an automatic promotion spot yet. Winless in five for Dirk Schuster’s side with defeats to Magdeburg and Braunschweig, and also drawing at home to Sandhausen, has left the Red Devils clutching for hope at a chance at the promotion play offs. During this spell, Top Goal scorer Terrence Boyd has also hit a dry patch without a goal in his last five appearances. Even more time to be locked on the best player on the squad and focused when the teams cross the white line. 

Match Facts:

Myth Betze lives on 

Since 16 October 2022, 1. FC Kaiserslautern has not lost a home match. Although "only" 6 games have been played at the Betzenberg since then due to the long World Cup winter break, the series (3 wins, 3 draws) is still respectable. In addition, at least 2 goals have always been scored in the past 5 home games - including in the last home game to date against 1. FC Heidenheim (matchday 26), when FCK became the first team in the history of the 2. Bundesliga to come back from 0:2 down in injury time (final score: 2:2). 

Pure tradition 

Both Hamburger SV and 1. FC Kaiserslautern are founding members of the Bundesliga (1963), the traditional clubs played together in the highest German division for 44 years and won 5 German championships during this period (HSV: 1978/79, 1981/82, 1982/83; FCK: 1990/91, 1997/98), now they meet for the second time in the 2nd Bundesliga. By the way: The last HSV match at the Betzenberg on 31 March 2012 was won by the Rothosen with a golden goal by the current e.V. president Marcell Jansen with 1:0. If that is not a good omen...

Boyd vs. Bobby as key duel 

FCK lives on its goals: Terrence Boyd has scored 11 of Lauter's 41 goals this season and is directly involved in 34% of the goals with his 14 scorer points (3 assists). 79 shots on goal (3rd in the league) and 14 chances (also 3rd) underline the central role the centre-forward plays in FCK coach Dirk Schuster's match plans. The same of course applies to Robert Glatzel, who has scored 17 goals to date, has 20 scorer points (3 assists) to his name and leads the league in these relevant areas with 97 shots on goal and 17 major chances. Conclusion: It doesn't get much more interesting than Boyd vs. Bobby!