Hannover 96 vs Nürnberg

Edin Dzeko returns to Schalke's squad for Saturday's promotion decider against Düsseldorf, but manager Miron Muslic faces a fascinating dilemma. With Moussa Sylla thriving in the 40-year-old's absence, the selection could determine both the match outcome and Schalke's future direction.

Schalke 04 can secure immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga with victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf on Saturday, completing a remarkable redemption story just one year after relegation. Meanwhile, six clubs separated by just two points battle to avoid joining Preußen Münster in dropping to Liga 3.

Schalke 04 stand one victory away from Bundesliga promotion after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Paderborn. Winter signings Ljubicic and Aouchiche proved decisive as Miron Muslic's mid-season tactical revolution transformed the league's best defensive team into an attacking force.

SC Paderborn's automatic promotion hopes have been dealt a crushing blow with winger Raphael Obermair ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. The vice-captain's absence leaves Paderborn without their creative catalyst for the final four matches, including Sunday's crucial clash with leaders Schalke.

Eintracht Frankfurt will activate a €1.3 million buy-back clause to re-sign Noel Futkeu from Greuther Fürth, where the striker has scored 15 goals this season. The move leaves relegation-threatened Fürth without their most important player for the final four games of the season, potentially shifting the odds in the 2. Bundesliga survival race.

Hamburg's defensive cornerstone Luka Vuskovic missed training again ahead of Saturday's crucial North Derby against Werder Bremen, sparking panic at Volkspark. The 17-year-old Croatian's potential absence could derail HSV's promotion push and hand their bitter rivals a significant advantage in one of German football's fiercest rivalries.

Karlsruher SC have secured veteran defender Sebastian Jung on a contract extension but face losing midfielder Lilian Egloff to 2. Bundesliga rivals Nürnberg. The contrasting situations highlight the constant battle ambitious second-tier clubs face in building competitive squads while defending against raids from direct competitors.

Hertha BSC's promotion campaign faces a critical juncture after striker Dawid Kownacki exited Wednesday's training with an ankle injury alongside Pascal Klemens. The double blow leaves the 2. Bundesliga high-flyers scrambling for attacking solutions as they battle for automatic promotion, with immediate implications for betting markets and upcoming fixtures.