Lions outsiders against Red Devils
TSV 1860 Munich travel to face fellow 2nd Division promotion candidates FC Kaiserslautern on Sunday.
Both teams remain unbeaten this season. The 'Red Devils' bolstered their squad this week with former Bayern midfielder Alexander Baumjohann joining from Schalke 04. This useful addition, alongside fellow new signings Albert Bunjaku and Mo Idrissou, adds some serious quality into the Pfalzer line-up. Ex-Nuremberg forward Bunjaku was immediately installed as captain.
This injection of fresh talent was somewhat overdue after FCK's miserable relegation from the Bundesliga top flight. Former 1860 coach Marco Kurz started the campaign in charge before being fired in March in a last act of desperation, in favour of ex-VfB Stuttgart and Bulgaria star Krasimir Balakov. Ultimately, these changes were to absolutely no avail as FCK plummeted to the bottom of the Bundesliga and through the relegation trap door.
According to 1860 Director of Football Florian Hinterberger, the Lions are clear underdogs for the big 'Betzenberg' clash on Sunday afternoon with "FCK the top favourite to win the league." This view was backed up by Lions' coach Reiner Maurer. "We're only outsiders. A point would be okay for us," said Maurer.
Whilst new FCK coach Franco Foda has undoubtedly already installed a feel good factor, the home side do have to overcome their long-running home hoodoo. The Red Devils haven't managed a win on their own ground since October 22nd 2011. The Lions will be keen to perhaps feed off any negativity from an anxious crowd. How will the home fans react should FCK fall behind again? 1860 have looked solid rather than inspired so far this season, narrowly winning a hard-fought derby against Regensburg, before drawing 2-2 away in Dresden. As expected, they comfortably disposed of minnows FC Hennef 05 6-0 in the German Cup 1st round.
Daniel Halfar returns to his former stomping ground. Photo TSV 1860 Munich
The Munich Eye will be providing live updates from the legendary Fritz-Walter Stadium - 1330 kick-off.
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