Despite some impressive performances and notable scalps, SV Darmstadt 98 are one of eight teams fighting for survival. - © © imago / nph
Despite some impressive performances and notable scalps, SV Darmstadt 98 are one of eight teams fighting for survival. - © © imago / nph

Final stretch form check: SV Darmstadt 98

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The 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign is drawing to a close, but with seven rounds of matches remaining, all 18 teams still have plenty to play for as they look to get the most out of one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Germany’s top flight.

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But how are things shaping up heading into the final stretch and how good are each side's chances of reaching their targets? bundesliga.com puts SV Darmstadt 98 under the spotlight.

Overview: click here for each club's form check

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Story so far

    Thriving in the role of Bundesliga underdogs, promoted Darmstadt have not spent a single matchday inside the relegation zone in 2015/16.The Lilies climbed as high as ninth after nine matches, but have steadily slipped down the standings to their current position of 13th.With seven rounds of fixtures remaining, they are as close to the bottom three as they have been all season, with just one point between them and 16th-placed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.

- © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Still to play for

    Mathematically, Darmstadt could yet finish in the top half, but their focus is on beating the drop.Their next five fixtures come against teams around them in the standings - VfB Stuttgart, Hamburger SV, FC Ingolstadt 04, 1. FC Köln and Eintracht Frankfurt - and may well determine the outcome of their campaign.In an ideal world, Darmstadt will have amassed enough points to secure their Bundesliga status by the time they travel to third-placed Hertha Berlin on the penultimate weekend of the season. Dirk Schuster's men host top-four candidates Borussia Mönchengladbach on the final day.