FC Ingolstadt 04 - SC Paderborn

Schanzer to nick a close game at Audi Sportpark

TEAM NEWS

Ingolstadt are without midfielders Christian Trasch and Joey Breitfeld, who could both be out until the end of the year with knee injuries. Almog Cohen is still absent too but is working on his comeback.

Steffen Baumgart has a fully fit Paderborn team to choose from. The only unavailable players are Massih Wassey with a back injury and Sven Michel with an Achilles issue.

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Trasch, Joey Breitfeld (both knee); Almog Cohen (ligaments)

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Massih Wassey (back), Sven Michel (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Ingolstadt have failed to win in the league since beating Aue 3-2 at Audi Sportpark in round four. The Schanzer have lost to Bochum 6-0, St. Pauli 1-0, Cologne 2-1 and Union Berlin 2-1 in league action since. During that time they parted ways with coach Stefan Leitl and have appointed Alexander Nouri as the new man in the dugout, but their problems remain the same. As a result of their poor form, Ingolstadt are in 17^thwith only five points from an available 24. 

Having sealed promotion form the third tier last season, Paderborn have made a fantastic start to Germany’s second division. The team have been beaten just twice in eight league matches, winning three and drawing three. A strike from Bernard Tekpetey was enough to give Paderborn their second home win of the season at Benteler Arena last Saturday. However, they fell to a very unlucky 2-1 defeat against St. Pauli in their last away league outing, despite being the better side.

Although they have been poor so far, I expect a reaction from Nour’s team after four league defeats on the bounce. Back the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Three of the last four meetings between the pair across all competitions have finished with odd total goals. With that in mind, back odd total goals to be notched at Audi Sportpark this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Ingolstadt and Paderborn last met in the second tier more than four years ago. Back then, during the 2013-14 season, Paderborn won 2-1 away from home and drew 1-1 on their own turf.