Energie Cottbus vs Hannover 96 - 2. Bundesliga

A fascinating 2. Bundesliga chapter awaits on August 9, 2026 when Energie Cottbus take on Hannover 96 at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

The standings paint a clear picture: Energie Cottbus in 7th, Hannover 96 in 15th, and both keen to climb. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — WDLLW across their last five with a win rate of 40% — and they will want to push on from here. Hannover 96 are searching for answers away from home, L over their last five with a campaign win rate of 20%. Where Energie Cottbus have built their campaign on solidity, Hannover 96 have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player On Sunday, there was the opportunity to attend another thriller as Augsburg went top of the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Energie Cottbus and Hannover 96 have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "If I’m Manchester United right now, I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now.

With M. Zoma leading the league's scoring charts at 5 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Another midfielder is wanted after already signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, with strengthening the left-hand side of their team also being a priority.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Backed by home advantage and superior form, Energie Cottbus ought to prevail — a 3-1 victory looks the logical call. With positions in the 2. Bundesliga table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.