#HSVB04 – Countdown to kick-off

The game will be refereed by Dr Jochen Drees. The 46-year-old doctor will be assisted by Rafael Foltyn and Christian Gittelmann. The fourth official is Florian Heft.

Previous meetings

The Werkself have performed well in the last 15 meetings with Hamburg SV with the games producing eight wins, five draws and just two defeats. Let's hope the positive record continues.

Worst Bundesliga start for HSV

Hamburg have made their worst ever start to a campaign this term with just 13 points from 18 games putting them in the drop zone. For the first time ever, HSV have lost 11 of their first 18 matches.

Poor home form v. strong away form

Hamburg have only collected eight points from eight home games - the worst home form in the Bundesliga. HSV did pick up seven points from the last three home games in 2016. On the other hand, there is the strength of Bayer 04 on the road: The Werkself have scored in all of the last 20 Bundesliga fixtures away from home, scoring 32 goals along the way. That equals the club record from the years 1987 and 1988.

Papadopoulos in an HSV shirt

Kyriakos Papadopoulos has joined Hamburg SV on loan from Bayer 04. The Greek defender could face his former Werkself team-mates in his third outing for Hamburg. "It will definitely be very special playing against former team-mates but I'll put that out of my mind for the 90 minutes," said the 24-year-old defender looking forward to Friday night. Of the current HSV squad, Papadopoulos is the only one to have a positive record against Bayer 04 (three wins, two defeats).

Kießling record against Markus Gisdol

Stefan Kießling also has a good record – against HSV coach Markus Gisdol. Kieß has scored in all six Bundesliga games against the coach with a total of seven strikes making the Werkself an unpopular opponent for Gisdol. He has not lost against any other team in the Bundesliga as often as against Bayer 04.

The Schwadbud is open

Any fans not making the journey north are welcome at the Schwadbud on Friday night from 19.30 CET with the match broadcast live on 20 screens. The popular fan pub enables fans to get together to cheer on the Werkself. Tables can't be reserved so it's a matter of first come, first served.