Hanover, Germany  - Bundesliga surprise team 1899 Hoffenheim will face a weakened Hanover 96 side in their Bundesliga match on Saturday.

The Bundesliga rookies, who are surprisingly challenging for a place in Europe in their first season in the top flight, start as favourites against struggling Hanover, who have not yet won a game away from home this season.

The visitors on Friday announced that they will be without former German international defender Michael Tarnat and striker Jan Schlaudraff, after both players had to withdraw with injuries. (dpa)