1.FC Nürnberg - FC Ingolstadt 04

Nurnberg set to defend third place

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key players Adam Zrelak and Sebastian Kerk will miss out with long-term injuries while Dennis Lippert is out with a knee problem, but he does not play an essential role at the club.

Ingolstadt have a full squad available, with the exception of  Marcel Gaus, who will miss this match after his red card against Bielefeld.

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring), Dennis Lippert (knee), Adam Zrelak (broken foot)

Ingolstadt

Suspended: Marcel Gaus

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Nurnberg’s unbeaten run came to an unexpected end last weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by a very motivated Heidenheim side. The team struggled to find the same goalscoring form as in their last six matches. Coach Michael Kollner will have been surprised by his men’s disappointing performance and will have been looking for solutions ahead of this game. He will have to ensure that Nurnberg return to their normal selves quickly. However, they sit still in third place but have several other teams hot on their heels, so securing more points straight away will be vital.

After a difficult start to the campaign, Ingolstadt have been improving week after week and they continue their unbeaten run after beating Bielefeld away from home 3-1 last weekend. Their streak of four matches without defeat has put them into seventh, but they are still five points behind third place. However, if they continue this way they can close the gap by the end of the year in what is their actual aim this season – to be back in promotion battle. Both Sonny Kittel and Stefan Kutschke are in great form and have been helping with their goals to extend that good run.

This match is very hard to predict as both teams are very strong, but I tend towards the home side as Ingolstadt have been lucky lately.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE

Both teams are in great form and this may result in goals. They are both free-scoring, with Nurnberg netting 26 and Ingolstadt scoring 21 this season. In fact, five of their nine encounters, including friendlies, have resulted in exactly three goals. I can see this happening again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Nurnberg have played twice against Ingolstadt at home in 2. Bundesliga and have managed to remain unbeaten during that time.