Hertha Berlin will put their perfect start to the 2026/27 2. Bundesliga season to the test on Friday, 28 August. The away fixture at Eintracht Braunschweig, kicking off at 6:30 pm CEST, is the major challenge of matchday three.
The Old Lady secured confident wins in their first two matches against Greuther Fürth and Energie Cottbus. This positive record is somewhat overshadowed by squad issues. Manager Pal Dardai is without two key players, Gustav Christensen and Jón Dagur Þórsteinsson. Their absence is noted on the club's injuries page. The attack currently relies on striker S. Grønning, who is the team's top scorer this season with 2 goals in 2 appearances.
The absences of Christensen and Þórsteinsson force Dardai to make adjustments. The manager must find new solutions in defence and midfield. The goal threat of S. Grønning provides a key foundation, but the Danish forward needs support from the second line. The squad's depth will be severely tested in Braunschweig. A look at the current squad list reveals the available options.
An away victory would allow Hertha Berlin to make a strong early-season statement. It's also about maintaining the positive momentum from the opening games. A third consecutive win would be a clear signal of the club's promotion ambitions. The competition isn't sleeping, as shown by the simultaneous matches involving Nuremberg and St. Pauli this weekend.
After two matchdays, Hertha Berlin leads the table with six points. The exact positioning and gap to the chasing pack can be seen in the current standings. A success in Braunschweig would likely extend their lead and increase pressure on their direct rivals. The early phase of the season is ideal for collecting points and building a buffer for potential tougher periods.
Preparation for the Friday night fixture is in full swing. Dardai and his team are analysing the strengths and weaknesses of an Eintracht Braunschweig side still waiting for their first win of the campaign. For Hertha Berlin, the task is to collectively compensate for the missing players and continue their winning run. The return of the injured duo is planned for the coming weeks, until then the squad must manage with available resources. The next results will show if the squad has enough depth for the long season ahead.
