Overview
- TSG Hoffenheim seek to focus on the pitch against RB Leipzig after two executives exited over the Roger Wittmann dispute, with coach Christian Ilzer targeting a fourth straight league win against a Leipzig side unbeaten since opening day.
- Regionalliga Bayern delivers a first: Lars and Sven Bender meet as opposing head coaches when Wacker Burghausen host SpVgg Unterhaching on Friday evening, with both teams eyeing ground at the top.
- VfL Wolfsburg coach Paul Simonis enters Friday’s trip to Werder Bremen under heavy scrutiny after one win in eight across league and cup, with reports warning his job could be at risk without a result.
- Handball Oberliga leaders TV Hersfeld travel to Twistetal at 7–0, wary of a tight venue and an opponent buoyed by a 41:40 derby win, as Hersfeld manage lingering injury questions in the squad.
- SG Achim/Baden confirmed backcourt player Fiete Esser will miss the Regionalliga clash with high-scoring MTV Großenheidorn due to a wrist injury, compounding a week of fitness concerns.