All eyes will be on Hamburger SV on Saturday as they look to earn the result they need against Schalke 04 to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

Six teams can still finish in the relegation playoff or go down automatically, and Schalke will have a big say on who stays in the top flight of German football.

Hamburger SV

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Hamburg head into the final match of a disappointing season knowing that only a victory will be enough to ensure they are playing Bundesliga football in August, but with the threat of the relegation playoff also a strong possibility, there is plenty of pressure on the shoulders of the players.

Realistically, if results go their way on Saturday afternoon Bruno Labbadia's side could climb up to 14th spot, and the celebrations would go on for many hours if they manage to pull that off on the final matchday.

A dramatic relegation battle looked to be over for Hamburg a few weeks back when a run of nine matches without a win left them clinging on, but victories over Augsburg and Mainz 05 restored hope before a draw with fellow strugglers Freiburg.

Labbadia's team looked on course for a comfortable final day when Gojko Kacar broke the deadlock against Stuttgart last weekend, but an impressive fightback from the hosts at the Mercedez-Benz Arena condemned Hamburg to a 2-1 defeat to leave them one point off the relegation playoff.

In truth, Hamburg would probably take a spot in the playoff if it was offered to them right now but they will also be fully aware that Schalke could be short of their best with nothing to play for on Saturday.

A busy summer is expected for the club, but Saturday's result could decide which direction the team heads in as players fight for their future on what is certain to be a dramatic afternoon.

Recent form: LLWWDL

Schalke

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Schalke's supporters are probably quite happy to be saying goodbye to a season which will be remembered for too many poor performances in a Bundesliga which now looks very different to previous years.

The likes of Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg have emerged as the closest challengers to runaway champions Bayern Munich in this campaign, and Schalke can count themselves fortunate to be heading for the Europa League after their struggles in recent months.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's late winner against Paderborn last weekend ensured that Schalke will finish in the top six and a point is likely to be enough to clinch fifth spot ahead of Augsburg, who visit Gladbach on Saturday afternoon.

After turning to Roberto Di Matteo following a poor start to the campaign, the squad looked to be improving under the Italian's guidance but their form since the turn of the year has exposed the weaknesses in the squad and last week's win may have saved the head coach's job.

A busy summer awaits the club as they look to bring in players that can take them back into the top four, with Sami Khedira reportedly top of the list, but it's also likely to be a window which sees the squad take on a different look as Di Matteo attempts to bring in more players to suit his style.

Recent form: DDLWLW

Team News

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Labbadia will be without captain Rafael van der Vaart for the season finale after the Dutch playmaker picked up his 10th yellow card of the season against Stuttgart last weekend.

Van der Vaart's absence could hand an opportunity to Lewis Holtby, who will be given the responsibility of providing chances for an attack which should be led by Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Ivica Olic.

Julian Draxler was influential as a half-time substitute in Schalke's win over Hoffenheim, and his injury-ravaged season is likely to end with a start.

Di Matteo could also turn to Leon Goretzka in midfield, but the visitors will be without Benedikt Howedes due to injury.

Hamburger SV possible starting lineup:
Adler, Westermann, Djourou, Rajkovic, Ostrzolek, Jansen, Kacar, Holtby, Ilicevic, Lasogga, Olic

Schalke possible starting lineup:
Fahrmann, Kolasinac, Nastasic, Matip, Barnetta, Goretzka, Aogo, Choupo-Moting, Draxler, Farfan, Huntelaar

Head To Head

In a fixture which usually promises goals and drama, it was a surprise to see the two sides play out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture back in December.

Schalke have lost just one of their last seven games against Hamburg, and Huntelaar, Jefferson Farfan and Max Meyer were all on target as they cruised to a 3-0 victory on their last visit to the Imtech Arena in January 2014.

We say: Hamburg 2-1 Schalke

Schalke relieved the pressure on Di Matteo's shoulders with a win last weekend, but they were still short of their best form against Paderborn. Hamburg are desperate for a positive result, and even though a victory might not be enough to save them, Labbadia's side may have enough to clinch a vital win.

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