Hertha Berlin and 1. FC Magdeburg have confirmed their starting lineups for Saturday's 2. Bundesliga fixture. The teams reveal the tactical choices of both managers ahead of the clash at the Olympiastadion.
Hertha boss Stefan Leitl sticks with the same eleven that secured victory in Braunschweig last time out. This means a 4-2-3-1 formation with Marius Gersbeck in goal. The defense consists of Linus Gechter and Jonjoe Kenny as center-backs, flanked by full-backs Jonjoe Kenny and Filip Uremović. The defensive midfield pivot features Lucas Tousart and Suat Serdar. Supporting striker Haris Tabaković in attack are wingers Dodi Lukébakio and Marco Richter, with Jessic Ngankam in the central attacking role.
Magdeburg manager Petrik Sander makes one alteration to his side following their win over Holstein Kiel. Herbert Bockhorn comes into the starting lineup, replacing Pierre Nadjombe at right-back. 1. FC Magdeburg will set up in a 4-3-3 formation. Dominik Reimann starts in goal. The back four is completed by Bockhorn, center-backs Daniel Heber and Maximilian Franzke, and left-back Leon Bell Bell.
The midfield three comprises Barış Atik, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, and Amara Condé. Up front, the attacking trident of Jason Ceka, Luca Schuler, and Tim Civeja will be tasked with providing the goals. This lineup shows Magdeburg's intent to play attacking football, even on the road.
Hertha Berlin aims to build on the momentum from the Braunschweig win and solidify their home form. Stefan Leitl's team currently occupies a mid-table position in the 2. Bundesliga standings. A victory could see them close the gap to the promotion playoff spots. Detailed performance metrics for all players are available in our stats section.
1. FC Magdeburg, meanwhile, arrives in Berlin as an ambitious newly-promoted side that has shown it can compete with established teams. Petrik Sander's squad possesses a quick and flexible attack that could trouble the Hertha defense. The upcoming schedule for both clubs can be found in the fixtures calendar.
For Hertha Berlin, hopes will again rest on striker Haris Tabaković, who has already scored important goals this season. He is supported by the dangerous wing duo of Dodi Lukébakio and Marco Richter. Their battles with the Magdeburg defense, particularly with Herbert Bockhorn in his new role, could be decisive.
For Magdeburg, midfielder Moritz-Broni Kwarteng is a key figure. His engine and pressing will be vital to disrupt Hertha's defensive midfield double-pivot. Striker Luca Schuler also carries the expectation of adding to his goal tally. The full squad lists for both clubs are on our squad page.
The match kicks off on Saturday afternoon at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The referee for the fixture is Patrick Ittrich. For Hertha Berlin, this is the final home game before their next away trip to SC Paderborn in a week's time.
