Franconian derby between 1 FC Nuremberg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth

Even before the 272nd Franconian derby, 1. FC Nürnberg and SpVgg Greuther Fürth are at operating temperature. "It's something cool, something special," said Nuremberg coach Cristian Fiel ahead of the emotional clash between the two Bundesliga 2 neighbors on Sunday (1.30pm/Sky) at their local rivals.

The Fürth side took a while to get up to temperature. "With all the circumstances surrounding it, it took us a little while to really get up to derby temperature in training," admitted Fürth coach Alexander Zorniger on Friday, but then stated: "The lads are there now - that's the most important thing."

Franconian derby without fan protest?

Fürth have recently had to cope with three narrow defeats in a row. The fan protest against the DFL investor deal, which has since been scrapped, threw the Franconians off track, especially in the 2-1 defeat to Hannover 96 on Friday a week ago.

"I'm glad to God that there's a chance that a game can be played at the weekend with normal breaks, which are football-specific. I think that would be great," said Zorniger. His players had previously been "unhappy".

Prehistory doesn't matter in the derby

A historically charged local duel without tennis balls and without fans inside the stadium - that would also be a welcome change for Fiel. "If that's the case, I'm really looking forward to it," emphasized the Nuremberg coach ahead of the Franconian summit meeting at Ronhof, which was sold out with 16,626 spectators. "I hope that the issue is over."

After four consecutive games without a win, Nuremberg are stuck in mid-table. Fürth, on the other hand, are within striking distance of third place despite their run of defeats. "The three defeats hurt us," admitted Zorniger. But such past history doesn't matter in the derby. "For cloverleaf fans and club fans, these are the two most important individual games of the year - as long as you're not in the cup final."

"That's the spice that makes a derby"

Passion, excitement, stress - all that characterizes the oldest derby in German soccer. "I'm expecting a lot of emotion, because that's what makes a derby," said Fiel ahead of the 23rd matchday, "that's the spice that makes a derby."

At the same time, it's all about three points in a duel that is particularly eagerly awaited by the Franconian fans. And Fürth have been more successful recently. Of the last 27 Franconian derbies across all competitions, the "Club" has only won four. However, Nuremberg are more successful overall.

Uzun ahead of his last Franconian derby

"We're expecting a high-intensity game against an opponent who has footballing quality," said Zorniger. "It will be important that we adopt the intensity that they throw into every game," Fiel advised his team in turn.

Can Uzun stands out among them. The teenager is the star of Nuremberg and will move to a Bundesliga club in the summer for a million-euro transfer fee. Uzun, who is not in doubt despite a slight injury to his foot, has not yet been able to celebrate a derby win. "That annoys me a lot," admitted the 18-year-old, who has already scored eleven times in this second division season - including a penalty in the 1-1 draw in the first leg. "Unfortunately, it never worked out in the youth team, and I was even captain once in a match against Fürth in the U19s. So now it's time to win one."