SV Waldhof Mannheim will host Rot-Weiss Essen at 4:30 p.m. We have the RWE lineup.

Uwe Koschinat is looking to secure another victory with two changes.

As Forecasting has learned—the starting lineup has now been officially confirmed—the RWE coach is planning two changes from the 3-0 gala against FC Hansa Rostock, with Michael Kostka replacing Jannik Hofmann at right back and Luca Bazzoli replacing the suspended Tom Moustier.

An overview: Jakob Golz will be in goal. The back four will then consist of—from right to left: Michael Kostka, Michael Schultz, Jose-Enrique Rios Alonso, and Lucas Brumme. In front of them will be the double six of Klaus Gjasula and Luca Bazzoli.

In attack, Ramien Safi, Ahmet Arslan, and Kaito Mizuta will try to set up lone striker Jannik Mause or create chances themselves.

Here’s what the coaches had to say before the game:

Luc Holtz (SV Waldhof Mannheim): “After three defeats in a row, it’s hard to get your head back on the pitch. We had two days off from training and analyzed the Aachen game. Then we started the training week, which went very, very well. You couldn’t tell that the guys had three defeats in a row under their belts. I expect a hard-fought game. Every third division game is very competitive, and this one will be no different. Both teams are close in terms of performance. We have to put all our energy into the game. We’ve recharged our batteries and will use that energy to get the three points.

I take my hat off to what our fans have shown in recent games. I told the boys that they are world class. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to give back what we had hoped for. That’s why we now have to get the three points and give the fans what they deserve.”

Uwe Koschinat (Rot-Weiss Essen): “We’ve almost always handled the busy schedule very well so far. It’s now become clear that we can vary our approach much more with this new squad for the 2025/26 season. In principle, I’m a big fan of keeping a well-rehearsed team on the pitch for as long as possible, if the physical situation allows it and the processes and results allow it.

Overall, however, a team has emerged that is very confident in its processes and has also gained confidence from the seven points earned in the English weeks. That’s why I think we can look forward to the new English week with great optimism.”