TSV 1860 München vs Rot-Weiß Essen Match Preview - Jan 17, 2026

In a showdown with playoff implications, TSV 1860 München faces off against Rot-Weiß Essen at the Städtisches Stadion an der Grünwalder Straße on January 17, 2026. Sitting in eighth place with 30 points, TSV desperately seeks to break free from their recent inconsistency. Meanwhile, Rot-Weiß Essen holds steady in fourth place with 34 points, eyeing a promotion push as they look to solidify their position among the top teams. This match is not just another game; it's a pivotal moment that could define both clubs' trajectories for the rest of the season.

Predicted Lineups

Expect both sides to stick with their recent tactical setups:

• TSV 1860 München: GK: Thomas Dähne, DEF: Siemen Voet, Max Reinthaler, Sean Dulic, MID: Thore Jacobsen, Philipp Maier, Marvin Rittmüller, David Philipp, FWD: Sigurd Haugen, Patrick Hobsch.
• Rot-Weiß Essen: GK: Jakob Golz, DEF: José-Enrique Ríos Alonso, Tobias Kraulich, Michael Schultz, Franci Bouebari, MID: Klaus Gjasula, Tom Moustier; Kaito Mizuta; Marek Janssen (C), FWD: Jannik Mause.

Digging into recent form reveals stark contrasts. TSV's last five matches include a resounding 4-1 victory over FC Winterthur but are punctuated by a disappointing loss against Verl (0-2) prior to that triumph. They clearly possess offensive firepower-evident in their two-goal performances in wins against FC Ingolstadt and FC Schweinfurt. However, defensive frailties remain concerning; they've conceded two or more goals in two of their last five outings.

Conversely, Rot-Weiß Essen has navigated recent challenges with mixed results but retains impressive resilience. Their ability to score late-see Marek Janssen's equalizer at Stuttgart II-shows tenacity but also highlights a tendency to struggle early in games. The draw at Verl indicates potential vulnerability away from home. With three wins in their last five games-including a dramatic 3-2 win over SSV Ulm-their scoring consistency makes them dangerous opponents.

Tactical Battle Lines Drawn

The chess match unfolds in the formations each coach employs. TSV has operated primarily out of a fluid 3-4-1-2 formation that allows dynamic movement through midfield and space for wingers to overlap. The real issue arises when it comes time to defend-rotating from defense into attack can leave them exposed if players don't track back quickly enough.

On the flip side is Rot-Weiß Essen's pragmatic approach featuring variations of the robust 3-4-2-1 setup. This structure balances possession and counter-attacking threat while maximizing width through overlapping full-backs and intelligent movement from forwards like Janssen and Mizuta. Watch how their midfield battles play out; Gjasula must control the tempo against TSVs marauding midfielders while supporting defensive actions-a critical area where success may yield dividends on both ends of the pitch.

Stats further illuminate this tactical tapestry: TSV 1860 München struggles defensively compared to their attacking output-they've averaged only about 57% pass accuracy across recent games versus a league-wide standard closer to 70%. This discrepancy reflects anxiety under pressure when transitioning from offense back to defense-something Rot-Weiß Essen will certainly exploit with quick breaks led by dynamic playmakers like Klaus Gjasula who has a respectable one assist so far this season amidst consistent appearances.

Meanwhile for Rot-Weiß Essen-their shot metrics show they often outshoot opponents yet have sometimes failed to convert those chances into goals (notably leading some matches without capitalizing on expected goals). Against a potentially porous TSV backline on paper that suggests an average of around three shots on goal per game allowed recently-that's bound for trouble if missed opportunities accumulate into frustration down the line.

Key Players & Final Thoughts

Key individual performances may determine who claims victory here. For TSV Münchens' ambitions to be realized expect eyes fixed firmly upon Sigurd Haugen-his pace and creativity could cause havoc along whichever flank he operates should he find space behind defenders if they push forward carelessly.

For Rot-Weiß Essen-a focal point emerges via Marek Janssen-a well-rounded forward capable of stretching defenses thin while contributing vital strikes within confined spaces that keep defenders guessing constantly between depth runs versus ball-holding capabilities when under pressure up front.

Taking all these elements into account leads toward one unavoidable conclusion: despite TSV's home-field advantage bolstered by momentum stemming from an impressive showing against Winterthur-the smart money tips slightly towards Rot-Weiß Essen emerging victorious due precisely because they have been better positioned statistically speaking through collective organizational efforts balancing both attack alongside intricate defensive coordination-with little room afforded from inefficient turnovers exhibited thus far leading up into kickoff here today!

Mark it down: expect at least two goals coming courtesy from either side-but my bet leans firmly on Rot-Weiß snagging it narrowly perhaps driven ahead via an inspired display rooted firmly within tactical execution under scrutiny finally rewarded post-match here!