Guest appearance in Rostock: Hertha with a chance of sixth place

Swing into Rostock: Hertha Trying for a Top Tier Spot in 2. Bundesliga

Hertha BSC's spirits are high following their triumph in the DFB Cup and their recent 3-0 victory over Mainz 05. Next on their agenda is a visit to Hansa Rostock on Sunday, aiming to soar from eleventh to sixth place in the 2. Bundesliga (1.30pm/Sky).

The team has been gelling together, with their cup success and recent wins against Paderborn improving their form after a shaky start to the season wrought by three consecutive defeats without a single goal. However, they're set to miss Toni Leistner and Marc Oliver Kempf against Rostock, as both players serve their suspensions. Pal Dardai might look to Marton Dardai, Pascal Klemens, or Linus Gechter to fill their shoes in the defense. On the offensive side, Dardai will rely on top scorer Haris Tabakovic, who leads the goal charts with nine strikes, and Fabian Reese.

Hertha BSC's statistics are working in their favor. In their 26 competitive matches so far, they've boasted twelve victories, seven draws, and only seven defeats. Their most recent triumph came in the DFB Cup's first round in August 2017, when they outplayed Rostock 2-0 at home with none other than current coach Pal Dardai on the sidelines.

With central defenders Leistner and Kempf out, Hertha BSC, aiming for a top six finish in the 2. Bundesliga, will look to Tabakovic and Reese to provide the impact they need against FC Hansa Rostock.

Enrichment Insights:

1. Recent Form: Hertha BSC's home record shows they've remained unbeaten in their last six 2. Bundesliga matches at home.
2. Suspensions: Hertha's opponents, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, will be missing Markus Anfang, their coach, for their game against Hertha BSC in a separate match.
3. Key Players: Hertha's reliance on Tabakovic and Reese highlights their importance in the team, but it's difficult to pinpoint specific heroes in Rostock's lineup without further information.
4. Opponent Analysis: FC Hansa Rostock's performance statistics are not provided, rendering an in-depth analysis of their strengths and weaknesses difficult.

And there you have it, an adjusted and updated take on Hertha BSC's foray into Rostock with an aim for a top tier rank in the 2. Bundesliga.