2. Bundesliga Topspiel preview: Dynamo Dresden host Karlsruher SC

Back in the second tier as last season’s 3. Liga runners-up, Dresden have struggled to find their footing. Thomas Stamm’s side sit 15th with five points from seven matches and remain winless in their last four. Even when performances have been encouraging, victories haven’t followed – typified by consecutive 2-2 draws with Elversberg and Hannover 96.

A 2-0 defeat away to leaders Darmstadt last time out exposed familiar weaknesses. Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Dresden failed to muster a single effort on target and ultimately played into Florian Kohfeldt’s game plan.

Speaking ahead of the match, Stamm still insists his side are close to turning a corner: “We want to approach it like we did in the last few games. It will be important that we get off to a good start and then reward ourselves for a strong opening. We will, of course, change a few things compared to Darmstadt, and then it’s up to us to secure the first home win.” 

That first home win remains elusive. Dresden have yet to taste victory at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion this season – a trend they must reverse quickly if they are to steer clear of a relegation fight.

Team news: 
On a positive note for Dresden, they have a clean bill of health. Only Vinko Šapina misses out through suspension.

The mood is brighter in Karlsruhe. Christian Eichner’s men sit sixth with 14 points from their opening seven games, losing just once. After a heavy 3-0 defeat in Kiel, KSC responded with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Magdeburg, restoring confidence ahead of the trip to Saxony.

Much of their early success has been built on a sturdy defence. With just six goals conceded, they boast the third-best defensive record in the league and have already registered four clean sheets. Finding more fluency in attack, particularly away from home, is now the priority.