Optimism reigns as Hannover prepare to host Augsburg
Hanover - With three goals in his last three games, and five all said this season, Spanish striker holds the key to Hannover 96's assault when they welcome high-flying FC Augsburg to the HDI-Arena on Tuesday evening (kick-off 19:00 GMT / 20:00 CET).
Augsburg 'no pushovers'
"We've always been strong when we've played football and combined well, and now Joselu's got his shooting boots back on," said coach Tayfun Korkut. "I'm optimistic we can beat Augsburg at home." Victory would take Korkut's men to within a point of their guests, but Joselu has warned it will not be easy. "We might have to be patient and wait for our chances," said the Spaniard.
Hannover have history on their side, although that does not necessarily mean they can take things for granted in midweek. "I read somewhere that we've never beaten Hannover," said Augsburg coach Markus Weinzierl. "Well it's high time we changed that."
The Bavarian club's confidence does not appear to have been knocked after conceding four goals in 13 minutes in Saturday's 4-0 loss to FC Bayern München. Forward for one is keeping his head and hopes high. "We definitely want to get something," he said. "I'm optimistic because we're certainly no pushovers."
Possible line-ups
Hannover: Zieler - Sakai, Marcelo, Schulz, Albornoz - Schmiedebach, Gülselam - Briand, Stindl, Kiyotake - Joselu
Augsburg: Manninger - Verhaegh, Callsen-Bracker, Klavan, Baba - Baier - Bobadilla, Feulner, Halil Altintop, Werner - Djurdjic
