SV Sandhausen - FC Magdeburg

Sandhausen to seal first win of the season

TEAM NEWS

Sandhausen’s Tim Knipping, Nejmeddin Daghfous and Ken Gipson are all out with different injuries. 

Magdeburg coach Jens Hartel can choose from a fully fit squad for this league encounter with Sandhausen, the only absent is Rico Preißinger with a foot injury.

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Knipping (broken foot), Nejmeddin Daghfous (calf), Ken Gipson (shoulder)

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Rico Preißinger (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Sandhausen have lost four of seven league matches so far, with one win and two draws, falling to a 2-0 home defeat to Cologne in their last encounter on home ground last Friday. Away from home, Sandhausen are still managed their first win at Aue (2-0), but Kenan Kocak’s troops have two of their three home encounters at Hardtwald-Stadium. Sitting in 16^thplace, the SVS currently occupy a place in the relegation zone.

It has been a difficult start to the season for Jens Hartel and Magdeburg, although they have already lost only two league matches, winning none and drawing five. FCM go into this one at Hardtwald-Stadium having drawing two and lost one of their last three road trips. Too many draws has left them languishing in 15^thplace in the table. On Wednesday night, Magdeburg fell to their fifth draw of the season against Duisburg despite leading twice.

Sandhausen will see this one as great opportunity to claim their first home win of the season. With Sandhausen totally devoid of confidence at the minute, I can only see one winner on Sunday.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF TIME HAD - DRAW

Both teams have found it difficult to find the net in the first half this season, with Sandhausen and Magdeburg three of their goals within the first 45 minutes. With both sides appearing to be much more clinical in front of the goal in the second half, I expect a scoreless draw at half time here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams will met for the first time in 2.Bundesliga.