Hamburger SV aim to extend their impressive winning streak on Saturday away to SC Paderborn 07. The match at the Home Deluxe Arena (15:30 local time) is the next test for a side that has bounced back from a tough start to the season with four consecutive victories, sitting ninth in the standings with nine points from six games.
Merlin Polzin's team has climbed to ninth in the standings with nine points from six games. Last weekend's 1-0 home win against VfB Stuttgart was the latest proof of their growing efficiency, although defensive frailties remain an issue with 15 goals conceded against only six scored. "Two consecutive victories earned my team six points and created a considerably more positive atmosphere ahead of the remainder of October," said coach Merlin Polzin. The team is now five points behind leaders Bayern München.
Newly-promoted SC Paderborn 07 have made it back to the Bundesliga after six seasons in the second tier but are clearly struggling. With just four points and sitting in 16th place, the club is in a relegation battle. Manager Ralf Kettemann is aware of the challenge. "Paderborn were among the more effective teams in the second division, but the transition to a higher level has demonstrated how much harder it is to create chances against stronger defences," he stated. The team has scored only three goals in five league matches, all coming in a single 3-1 win over Hoffenheim.
For HSV, the task is to capitalise on the positive momentum. The upcoming fixtures on the schedule are manageable, and a success in Paderborn could push the team further up the table. Recent encounters with 1. FC Köln and 1899 Hoffenheim were won 2-1 and 3-2 respectively. Saturday's fixture on 24 October is the last before the October international break.
