1.FC Nürnberg - Greuther Fürth

Nurnberg to make it back-to-back derby wins

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key player Sebastian Kerk will miss out with a long-term injury while Enis Alushi and Dennis Lippert are both out with knee problems. Furthermore, the club have to replace back wing Enrico Valentini due to a suspension.

Greuther Furth won’t have Mathis Bolly and Nik Omladic at their disposal.

Nurnberg

Suspended: Enrico Valentini

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring); Enis Alushi, Dennis Lippert, Mikael Ishak (all knee)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle), Nik Omladic (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Nurnberg are unbeaten in the league since losing 2-1 on home soil to Ingolstadt in early November. With Dusseldorf drawing with Greuther Furth two weeks ago and losing to Regensburg last Friday, Nurnberg have now climbed to the top of the 2. Bundesliga as they clinched a scoreless draw at Bochum last Sunday afternoon. Away from home, the team are by far the best in the division, while they have claimed three points fewer at home, but overall they are really hard to beat at the moment.

Greuther Furth are undefeated in three having beaten Dresden as well as Braunschweig, and drawn with Dusseldorf. Last weekend, Sebastian Ernst’s 79^th minute winning goal was enough to seal an excellent 2-1 home win against lowly Braunschweig at Sportpark Ronhof. The Shamrocks have lifted themselves out of the automatic relegation places and are now sitting in 16^th, with only goal difference separating them from Bochum in 15^th. However, their recent revival is only due to their great home record while on the road they are still waiting for their first win after 12 games.

Nurnberg have been solid at home this season, losing only three at Max Morlock Stadium. They should be too strong for weak travellers Greuther Furth on Saturday and will be keen to bank a double in this Franconian derby this season after beating Furth 3-1 away from home earlier in the campaign. I’m siding with the leaders here.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 2-1

Nurnberg have won two of their last four 2. Bundesliga home games against Greuther Furth with a 2-1 scoreline. The hosts have in fact conceded one goal on average in their home matches this season while Greuther Furth have shipped exactly two in their 12 away games.  I fancy a 2-1 home win for Nurnberg here.

HEAD TO HEAD

When these two last met at Sportpark Ronhof in the reverse fixture in September, Nurnberg won comfortably 3-1. Overall, Nurnberg have the edge too, with 11 wins, ten draws and eight defeats in 29 meetings.