Leverkusen smells blood against weakened HSV

The most promising fixture in the ninth match round of the Bundesliga is without a doubt the clash between Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen.
Both clubs top the league with twenty points.

Leverkusen hopes to benefit from HSV`s injury problems. Especially Hamburger`s front row is weakened with the injuries of Paolo Guerrero and Mladen Petric.

Despite the medical worries, HSV is still unbeaten this season. Dutch winger Eljero Elia and Ze Roberto are two of the most important contributors to the team`s success.

Elia had no adapting problems since his arrival from Dutch side FC Twente, this summer. His main weapon is his lightning speed and his capability of keeping track of his teammates in front of the hostile goal.

35-year-old Ze Roberto joined HSV from Bayern Munich this summer and established himself directly as a leader for the team. Ze Roberto guards the team balance at midfield together with captain David Jarolim.

Stefan Kiessling and Sami Hyppia are the main contributors to Bayer Leverkusen`s recent success. The German striker already scored six times in eight goals while former Liverpool defender Hyppia leads Leverkusen`s solid defence.

Research showed out the Finnish veteran wins 75 percent of his personal duels this season. Leverkusen`s back line only allowed five goals in eight matches this season.