Hoffenheim's second team is set to challenge FC Ingolstadt 04 on Wednesday evening. The 3. Liga clash at the Audi-Sportpark (7 p.m.) pits two sides separated by just two points in the table. TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II aims to respond after a 1-0 loss to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach last matchday. That marked the team's second defeat of the season under coach Marcel Rapp. Despite not being the formal favourite, Hoffenheim II believes it can earn one or more points in Ingolstadt. They carry an attacking threat, averaging over two goals per game. The team has already scored 10 goals this season.
Ingolstadt with home advantage
FC Ingolstadt 04, meanwhile, arrives with momentum from a win. The Schanzer defeated 1. FC Saarbrücken 1-0 last weekend. That result took their tally to eight points from five matches. Their record stands at two wins, two draws, and one loss, placing them solidly in mid-table. For Hoffenheim's reserves, this is already their sixth league outing. Marcel Rapp's side wants to put distance between themselves and their direct rival in the lower half of the standings. A closer look at the stats reveals Hoffenheim II averages 1.8 goals per game, while Ingolstadt averages 1.2.
The current form of the first team in the Bundesliga provides a boost. The senior side sits 13th with three points from three games. Their last five results show two wins, one draw, and two defeats (WLLWD). The professionals' next Bundesliga fixture is on Sunday away to SC Paderborn 07. The reserves are now fully focused on Wednesday's trip to Ingolstadt. Securing points there would be a significant step forward. The current table for all TSG teams can be found on the standings page.
This story first appeared at welt.de
