LIVESTREAM Germany PPV: Braunschweig Lions @ Hildesheim Invaders, Aug. 8, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)

The Hildesheim Invaders (5-2) host the Braunschweig Lions (3-6) Saturday night in a German Football League matchup that could go a long way toward deciding the playoff picture in the GFL North.

The Invaders enter the weekend in third place and can tighten their grip on a postseason spot with another victory. The Lions, meanwhile, have little room left for error. A loss in Hildesheim would deal a major blow to their remaining playoff hopes.

Hildesheim looking to bounce back

The Invaders opened the season with five straight victories before running into the Potsdam Royals, losing both meetings with the defending champions.

Now they return to Friedrich Ebert Stadium looking to regain the form that established them as one of the top teams in the North.

Watch live PPV. Braunschweig Lions @ Hildesheim Invaders, Aug. 8, 19:00 CET (7 pm, 1 pm ET)

Quarterback Nelson Hughes has been a major part of that success, although his status bears watching after he was forced out of the last game against Potsdam with an injury. Jeremie Kwanzambi Beni gives the offense a threat on the ground, while Paul Terjung has emerged as an important target in the passing game.

Matti Probst adds another dimension with his ability to line up in several roles.

Lions fighting to stay alive

After a difficult start, Braunschweig has worked its way back into the postseason conversation, but at 3-6 the margin for error is virtually gone.

The Lions also have some unfinished business with their nearby rivals. Hildesheim won the first meeting 31-27, leaving Braunschweig needing a road victory to split the season series and keep its playoff chances alive.

Protecting the football will be particularly important against an Invaders defensive front featuring Kyle Kitchens and Julian Thompson.

Plenty riding on the rematch

There is more at stake Saturday than the long history between two of northern Germany’s best-known programs.

A victory would move the Invaders closer to securing their place in the postseason and complete a sweep of the Lions. For Braunschweig, the equation is considerably less comfortable: win and the playoff chase continues; lose and the path becomes extremely difficult.

With the first meeting decided by four points, there is every reason to expect another tight battle when the teams meet under the lights in Hildesheim.