Preview: Hertha Berlin vs. Greuther Furth - prediction, team news, lineups

Friday will see two of the Bundesliga's struggling teams compete at the Olympiastadion Berlin, in what is a crucial six-pointer between clubs in the relegation zone.

After securing their first victory in the league last weekend, Hertha Berlin will look to follow it up with another, this time in front of their own fans, meanwhile Greuther Furth are still looking for their maiden win of the season.

Match preview

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Hertha Berlin ended their three-match losing streak that started their Bundesliga campaign by earning a 3-1 victory this past weekend, which was much-needed for the club.

A brace from Suat Serdar and a goal from substitute Maximilian Mittelstadt secured the result against VFL Bochum, who have also been struggling so far.

Despite the fact that Pal Dardai's team had a strong preseason, which included a victory against Liverpool as well as a win in the DFB-Pokal, things have not gone to plan in the Bundesliga.

The club finished just two points above the relegation zone last season and they currently find themselves in the bottom three, which is why they need another three points on Friday to put pressure on those above them.

Hertha have struggled defensively this season, conceding 11 goals in their opening four league fixtures, but that is a record that has been matched by their opponents, who have let in just as many so far.

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Greuther Furth are currently finding life in the top flight difficult following promotion last season, having not managed to win a game yet in all competitions.

Stefan Leitl saw his team knocked out of the DFB-Pokal on penalties in the first round, and they have only been able to score two goals in the Bundesliga so far.

Greuther did manage to earn a draw against a 10-man Arminia Bielefeld, who also find themselves near the bottom of the league, but they have not even taken the lead in a game yet.

The Cloverleaves were defeated 2-0 during their last outing against Wolfsburg, with a goal in the 10th minute and then a penalty in additional time at the end of the game resulting in defeat.

Even though Leitl's men find themselves at the foot of the table, a victory on Friday does have the possibility of lifting them out of the relegation zone depending on other results, and it would guarantee they overtake their opponents.

This game could prove to be a true six-pointer when it comes to the relegation battle for the Bundesliga this season, adding extra pressure to this early fixture.

However, Greuther will need to drastically improve their away form in order to secure the victory, having not won on the road since May.

Although the club did sign four new faces late in the transfer window, who have had time to bed in, which could result in a more settled performance this Friday.

Team News

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Experienced midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng made his return to action on Sunday, appearing from the bench after a recent back injury, and he could now be fit enough to start.

Two of Hertha Berlin's summer signings Ishak Belfodil and Marco Richter both made their first starts for the club against Bochum, and considering they were able to secure the win, it is likely they will retain their places.

However, Dardai will be without Jordan Torunarigha as he suffered a muscle injury on Sunday, while Lukas Klunter is also unavailable after suffering a shoulder injury.

Greuther Furth were able to provide debuts for Jetro Willems, Cedric Itten, Nick Viergever and Sebastian Griesbeck at the weekend, with the new additions helping to bolster Leitl's options.

Gideon Jung and Jessic Ngankam remain doubts for the team due to knee injuries, while Robin Kehr is another player that has fitness concerns due to an existing groin issue.

Hertha Berlin possible starting lineup:
Schwolow; Mittelstadt, Boyata, Stark; Jastrzembski, Darida, Tousart, Boateng; Richter, Serdar, Belfodil

Greuther Furth possible starting lineup:
Burchert; Meyerhofer, Bauer, Viergever, Willems; Nielsen, Green, Griesbeck, Seguin; Hrgota, Itten

We say: Hertha Berlin 2-0 Greuther Furth

This is a crucial game for each team, who will be wanting to distance themselves from being dragged into the relegation battle this early, but with both having started so poorly it could be one lacking in quality.

Hertha have the advantage when it comes to momentum and they have invested significantly more into their squad, which should lead to them having enough quality to earn an important win here.