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Incredibly, Bergischer's last three games ended 29-29

Magdeburg have won three straight games even though they have been severely weakened and they are fielding a lot of young players. Today's game will also feature Wiegert, who came out of retirement to help out on defense

Bergischer are the surprise package of the season, but week in, week out, coach Hinze's team have been confirming that the good results are no coincidence. They have won four games, and they have drawn their last three. It is slightly unbelievable that all three games ended 29-29. Something like that is unheard of in handball. Eleven points from seven rounds have seen them rise to a great 7th place, two points behind fifth placed Magdeburg, who have a game in hand. When Bergischer first played in the Bundesliga two years ago, they crushed Magdeburg 40-31.

- That is of no significance for today's game, it's been two years since that. I don't think that coach Carstens will use that game to motivate his players - Bergischer coach Sebastian Hinze said, before adding:

- The win against Kiel was surely a surprise, but when you look at their squad, their three wins in a row are no coincidence. That should serve as a warning to us.

After Minden away and Balingen at home, Bergischer drew 29-29 away at Göppingen as well. It was an incredibly tight affair, as no team had more than a two goal lead. Key players for Bergischer in that game were Olze, who converted crucial 7 meter throw shots (5/7), goalie Björgvin Gustavsson, and backs Szilagyi (6) and Berggren (5). Gustavsson had a great save after a fast break from Rnic, and the same player didn't score from the last play of the game, which might have won the game for Göppingen. Bergischer had a 27-25 lead in the 53rd minute, but Göppingen responed with three unanswered goals. The goal that won Bergischer the point was scored by who other than Viktor Szilagyi.

During the week right wing Arnor Gunnarsson signed a new contract, and he might play a bit after his return from injury. Right back Maximilian Hermann and left wing Jan Artmann are still out for this game.

Today's encounter is special for Bergischer, as they will play in Wuppertal for the first time this season. The game will be played at Uni-Halle, which can hold up to 3000 people. Bergischer usually play their home games in Solingen.

- There is a reason why Magdeburg are at the top of the table, but so are we. I think we have a good chance on Saturday - coach Hinze said optimistically.

After three straight wins Magdeburg are coming to Wuppertal with a lot of confidence, especially since their last two wins against Kiel and Lübbecke were really impressive. They beat Kiel with practically their B team, and they scored 34 goals in the process. Against Lübbecke they had middle back Michael Haaß at their disposal again, and he scored three goals, while Jure Natek (photo) recovered from the flu to score 7. The final scoreline was 30-26, but it could have been worse for Lübbecke if Magdeburg hadn't taken their foot of the pedal in the 50th minute, when the score stood at 28-20.

- Bergischer are not your typical newcomers. They are extremely confident after their good start to the season. However, we have a clear goal. We had to fight to get to where we are now, and now I want us to improve through hard work and concentration - coach Fran Carstens said.

- Getting four straight wins would be amazing. We want to deal with Bergischer the way we beat Lübbecke. I feel more secure when I know how I have to play and when we execute our plays the way we intended to - said young middle back Max Janka, who got into the team due to injuries to Haaß and Bezjak. Since he became their starting middle back, Magdeburg have won all three of their games.

- Bergischer play well on defense, they always focus on the opponent's strong suits. We need to break through that defense - Carstens said decisively.

- We are playing with a lot of confidence now. We want to take advantage of our momentum while we still have it. It's important to consolidate a team full of new players.

Bennet Wiegert, who came out of retirement because of injuries to Haaß, Bezjak, Landsberg, Rojewski and Onet, will be in the squad once again. He is there to help as much as he can on defense.

- Bergischer have had a great start for a newcomer. We should all respect that. It's going to be tough, we still have a lot of players missing, but we want to keep our run going - said starting left back Stefan Kneer, who scored 9 against Kiel and 6 against Lübbecke. He has been in great form lately, and rumour has it that Löwen are after him for next season, as they probably won't renew Sesum's contract.

Once again Magdeburg will have to do without Landsberg (main player on defense), Bezjak (starting middle back), Rojewski (starting right back), Grafenhorst (starting left wing) and Onet (line man).

Bergischer are way underestimated here and I'm willing to believe they'll win this, rather than lose. They crushed Hamburg at home, and played a top game last week at Goppingen, and got a point. Today they'll try to attack Magdeburg's weaker defense, which has been affected by Landsberg, Onet and Rojewski not playing. The first two are pivots, and that means Jurecki will have to play a lot. Since they change offense-defense, mostly Wiegert, I'm sure Bergischer will be looking for their chance there. When it comes to running and the rhythm, they're the masters, coach Hinze insists on it. I absolutely believe they have a chance to get points.