Hamburg vs Stuttgart preview - Hamburg eyeing Stuttgart success

Posted Monday, December 15, 2014 by PA

Hamburg coach Josef Zinnbauer has branded his side's clash with Stuttgart on Tuesday night a classic "six-pointer" with both sides currently struggling near the foot of the Bundesliga.

Stuttgart are propping up the rest of the division with only 13 points from their first 15 games, three fewer than Hamburg, who would fall below their hosts in the event of a defeat by two goals or more.

"For both teams it's a six-pointer," said Zinnbauer, whose side picked up a precious point at Freiburg on Saturday.

"We've got a good feeling, though, and we want to underline our strength at home to make it four home wins in a row."

Zinnbauer was joined at Monday's pre-match press conference by a familiar face in the form of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be shadowing Zinnbauer for the next three days as part of a work experience placement.

Zinnbauer says the timing of the Dutchman's arrival is no coincidence either having seen the positive effect former Hamburg midfielder David Jarolim had when he returned to the club briefly earlier this season.

"There is a bit of superstition to it," Zinnbauer said. "The last former player to return here brought us luck so maybe it will happen again this time.

"It's also good for the lads when they see these ex-players. Maybe it gives them an additional boost."

Another familiar Dutchman will be sat in the opposition dugout as Huub Stevens returns to the club he coached between February 2007 and June 2008, and led into the UEFA Cup.

He will be hoping not to witness a repeat of his last game against a former club when Stuttgart were crushed 4-0 by Schalke.

"You just need a bit of luck," Stevens said. "You don't expect to see two so big clubs struggling, but look at Dortmund too - that shows how quickly things can change and how hard it then is to get out of danger."