It's Derbytime once again! The only true football derby in Germany returns, promising an electrifying matchup between the Berlin Adler and the Berlin Rebels. With a more favorable schedule this year, fans are treated to the first of two intense derbies this season. Historically, games between these two teams have been nail-biters, often decided by a single score and always fiercely contested at the Poststadion.
The Lead-Up to the Derby
The Berlin Adler are coming into their own just in time for the derby, having gained confidence from a thrilling comeback victory against the Straubing Spiders. This surge in self-belief is crucial as they face their "favorite enemies" from Charlottenburg. Interestingly, both teams have one of their losses against the same opponent, Hildesheim, who managed a clean sweep in the capital. While the Rebels secured two wins in their interconference games, the Adler have already faced their toughest away game against the reigning German champions.
Adler's Players to Watch
Watch out for Adler Receiver Max Zimmermann, this derby is the perfect stage for Zimmermann to shine. He missed the first game, played mainly in defense in the second, and was rested due to a minor injury against the Spiders. The derby is his moment to score his first points of 2024. Filip Uderhardt burst onto the scene against the Spiders, becoming Quarterback Hendrik Scharnbacher's favorite target with spectacular catches, contributing significantly to the successful comeback last week.
The Finnish defender Iliro Pekkarinen is finding his form, having made crucial plays, including a vital pass deflection against the Spiders. With a critical interception against the Spiders and leading the team with nine tackles, Pit Piwon is a defensive cornerstone for the Adler.
Rebels' Players to Watch
On the Rebels side you have to watch out for Tyquell Fields, the Quarterback with the skills of a running back, single-handedly won the game against Kirchdorf Wildcats with 166 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also has a respectable completion rate of over 60%, with three passing touchdowns. The leading receiver for the Rebels is Austin Osborne, with averages 108 yards per game and remains a significant threat despite only having one touchdown, mainly due to Fields' propensity to run. In Lorenz Schäfer, we got a guy who is improving yearly, already securing two touchdowns this season and proving to be a reliable target for Fields with 177 receiving yards. Nick Olivier leading the Rebels' defense with 19 tackles and three pass deflections, Olivier is crucial in their defensive setup. A longstanding member of the Rebels, Benedikt Assies has 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss, highlighting his importance to the team.
Conclusion
This game promises to be closely contested, as both teams have shown resilience and capability. The Adler's offense, featuring a dynamic quintet of Scharnbacher, Kyei, Uderhardt, Bacher, and Okpalobi, faces the challenge of outmaneuvering a Rebels defense that has been robust this season. Conversely, the Rebels will rely on their mobile QB Fields to break through the Adler's defensive containment.
Both teams secured victories in their previous games, setting the stage for a high-stakes derby. The Rebels won convincingly against Kirchdorf Wildcats, while the Adler made a dramatic comeback against the Straubing Spiders.
This derby is more than just a game; it's about Berlin bragging rights. The historical intensity and recent form of both teams suggest a thrilling encounter. As Berlin awaits this epic clash, one thing is certain: the Poststadion will witness another chapter in this storied rivalry.
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