VfL Bochum - Greuther Fürth

Bochum to claim rare league win after poor 2019 so far

TEAM NEWS

Bochum's injury list consists of Jannik Bandowski, Danilo Teodoro Soares, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam, Sebastian Maier, Vitaly Janelt, Robbie Kruse, Simon Zoller and Baris Ekincier while Jan Gyamerah is suspended.

Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi, Maximilian Wittek and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury while Daniel Keita-Ruel is suspended.

Bochum
Suspended: Jan Gyamerah
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Danilo Teodoro Soares (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh), Sebastian Maier (groin), Vitaly Janelt (adductor), Robbie Kruse (not fit), Simon Zoller (ligaments)

Greuther Furth
Suspended: Daniel Keita-Ruel
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi (knee), Tobias Mohr (meniscus), Maximilian Wittek (broken hand)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Bochum could really do with a victory, having won just two of their past ten league matches (two draws, six losses) in 2019. Since beating Heidenheim 1-0 at the Vonovia Stadium a month ago, they have picked up a mere one point from the last nine on offer in league action. Having lost 2-1 away at Jahn Regensburg last weekend, the pressure is starting to mount on coach Robin Dutt. Sitting in 11th place on 35 points, they are currently eight points above the drop zone.

Greuther Furth have been in good form of late, winning two and drawing two of their last four league fixtures, but Stefan Leitl’s men still find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Having collected 37 points so far, the Shamrock will most likely not go up or down this term. It is their away form which has prevented them from rising further up the table, having lost six, drawn two and won only one of their last nine away league matches. The side are coming off a 2-1 home league win against Darmstadt though.

After losing their last league outing, Bochum will be looking to get back to winning ways in front of their own supporters this weekend. It won’t be easy, but I fancy the hosts to take the three points in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
Greuther Furth have been drawing 0-0 at half time in seven of their last eight league outings. I fancy this league match to be goalless at the break and predict a first-half draw.

HEAD TO HEAD
Bochum are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Greuther Furth, winning one and drawing three.

SV Sandhausen - Dynamo Dresden

Dresden to return home with all three points

TEAM NEWS
Fabian Schleusener, Maximilian Jansen and Ken Gipson are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen while Karim Guede is not available either after his red card against Paderborn.

Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Jannik Muller, Vasil Kusej and Marco Hartmann are sidelined.

Sandhausen
Suspended: Karim Guede
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schleusener (broken foot), Maximilian Jansen (adductor), Ken Gipson (ill)

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Jannik Muller (pulled muscle), Vasil Kusej (ligaments), Marco Hartmann (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
If Sandhausen are to stay in Germany’s second division after this season, it will no doubt be due to their recent home form. Uwe Koschinat’s side have been decent at Hardtwald Stadium of late, losing only one of their last seven home league matches (two wins, four draws). They have also accumulated a respectable ten points from the last 12 on offer in league action, after winning just one of their previous 14 league games (six draws, seven losses).

Dresden picked up a decent point at home last time out as they held Union Berlin to a goalless draw. Since taking charge at Dresden, coach Christian Fiel is unbeaten in five league outings, winning one and drawing four. Prior to registering back-to-back goalless stalemates in their last two league contests, the side had beaten Aue 3-1 away from home in the league. However, Dresden have won just once away from home in the German second tier since late December, drawing one and losing three.

Both teams have been very solid in the past weeks, but Dresden have received a real boost under new boss Christian Fiel. Irrespective of Sandhausen’s good home form, I expect the visitors to grab the three points here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - EVEN
Nine of the last ten league meetings between Sandhausen and Dresden have finished with even total goals. Expect even total goals here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Both team have won two of their last four league encounters. Dresden were victorious in the most recent league meeting, which they won 3-1 at home in November.

FC Magdeburg - SV Darmstadt 98

Magdeburg to seal maximum points

TEAM NEWS
Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Christian Beck, who remains out injured.

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Felix Platte, Slobodan Medojevic, Sebastian Hertner and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt. Yannik Stark will miss due to suspension.

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Beck (cheekbone)

Darmstadt
Suspended: Yannik Stark
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Felix Platte (ligaments), Slobodan Medojevic (foot), Sebastian Hertner (rib)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Magdeburg scored very late last week to surprise promotion-seeking Hamburg in a 2-1 league win away from home. A goal from Philip Turpitz gave the visitors the winner in the third minute of added time. The relegation-threatened side are undefeated in their last three league fixtures, although the other two have ended in draws. League wins have in fact been hard to come by for the east German club, with only two victories in their last eight league matches, along with four draws and two losses. Those results have not helped them to climb out of the drop zone as they remain in 16th, level on points with Sandhausen above them.

Darmstadt is one of teams in the German second division to win only two games away from home this season, with no other side winning fewer. The Lilies have been poor on their travels in league action, drawing three and losing nine times. They did however beat second-placed Hamburg in the league on the road three weeks ago. Dimitrios Grammozis’ men came from two goals down to earn an excellent 3-2 win then, but they returned to their usual losing ways in their most recent away league outing when they succumbed to an unlucky 2-1 defeat at Greuther Furth last weekend.

Based on Magdeburg’s solid form of late, I do believe this is a match they could win. Darmstadt have had a lot of problems away from home this season and I think they may lose here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Magdeburg’s last seven home league matches have featured two total goals or fewer while the MDCC Arena has only seen 29 goals in total this season, with Magdeburg scoring 13 and conceding 16 in their 14 home league fixtures. I’m predicting this to be a low-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD
Darmstadt won the reverse league fixture 3-1 at Bollenfalltor back in November, which has been the only league meeting between the teams.

SC Paderborn - MSV Duisburg

Paderborn too strong for struggling Duisburg

TEAM NEWS
At Paderborn, Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier have been ruled out through injury.

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Dustin Bomheuer and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined.

Paderborn
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

Duisburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles), Dustin Bomheuer (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Having taken seven points in the league from the last nine on offer, Paderborn are still in the race for the playoff place. The side picked up a 3-1 home league victory over bottom side Ingolstadt before beating third-placed Union Berlin by the same scoreline at Alte Forsterei and holding relegation-threatened Sandhausen to a lucky 1-1 draw last time out. They are currently in fourth with 45 points, three below the coveted playoff spot.

Duisburg failed to build on their four-match unbeaten run in the league last weekend as Torsten Lieberknecht’s men lost a relegation six-pointer against Ingolstadt 4-2 on home soil. The loss saw them leapfrogged by their opponents, but a hard-fought 4-4 home draw against leaders Cologne in midweek saw them claw back 17th place in the league table. That result was even more impressive given the fact that they were 4-2 down until the 71st minute.

Paderborn have been good at home this term, enjoying the third best home record in the league. Duisburg did play well against the table toppers in midweek, but I’m still backing the hosts to pick up another home victory this weekend.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - PADERBORN
Paderborn have scored first in three of their last five league victories this year, I think they will break the deadlock again here.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn have not beaten Duisburg in league action in the last eight years, losing seven and drawing one.

Erzgebirge Aue - FC Heidenheim

Aue and Heidenheim to play out draw

TEAM NEWS

Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe have been ruled out while defender Malcolm Cacutalua is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Robert Leipertz is Heidenheim’s only absentee due to injury.

Aue
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz, Malcolm Cacutalua, Dennis Kempe (all knee)

Heidenheim
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Robert Leipertz (tendon)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Aue have found it tough going in the league of late, losing each of their last three, with their latest defeat arriving away from home against Bielefeld via a 2-1 scoreline last time out. However, the Viola had won two league matches in a row before their losing streak. Daniel Meyer’s side are now in 14th place, five points above the bottom three. While it is unlikely that they will be dragged into the drop zone they still have work to do with six league matches left to play.

Heidenheim have claimed only four away league wins all season (seven draws, three losses), with the last one of those clinched in mid-February at Darmstadt (2-1). Frank Schmidt’s men have been in average form of late, winning only one of their last seven league fixtures, along with three draws and three defeats. That run has seen them drop down the table, with the side now sitting in seventh, five points behind the promotion playoff spot. Heidenheim fell to a 2-0 home league defeat against leaders Cologne last weekend.

Neither Aue nor Heidenheim are in good form, so it could go either way in Erzgebirge. Because of that, I am putting my money on this to end in a draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW

Three of the last four league meetings between Aue and Heidenheim at Erzgebirgs Stadium have been low-scoring affairs(total goals two or fewer). I think that trend will continue, with two or fewer total goals expected.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim have won two, drawn one and lost one of their last four league meetings with Aue.

Union Berlin - Jahn Regensburg

Promotion-chasing Union Berlin to bounce back with home win

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin coach Urs Fischer can choose from a fully fit squad.

Jahn Regensburg coach Achim Beierlorzer has all his players available, too.

Union Berlin
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: None

Jahn Regensburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Union Berlin have had a fine season so far as Urs Fischer’s men push for promotion. However, since registering back-to-back league victories at the beginning of March, the side have been struggling, losing to Heidenheim away (2-1) and to Paderborn at home (3-1) before drawing 0-0 away at Dresden in an East German derby last time out. Sitting in third and with a three-point lead over fourth-placed Paderborn, Union Berlin are still well and truly in the race for the promotion playoff place though.

Jahn Regensburg are one of the in-form teams in the league at the moment, winning three, drawing three and losing only one of their last seven league matches since their two consecutive league defeats back in early February. Last weekend, the team from Bavaria beat struggling Bochum 2-1 at Continental Arena for the first time. They are in the middle of the table having won ten, drawn 11 and lost seven league fixtures so far. However, Jahn Regensburg are the third best away team of the league, with only top sides Cologne and Hamburg boasting even better records.

After a winless run in their last three league fixtures, Union Berlin will be targeting all three points from this one, although they will have a challenge on their hands given Jahn Regensburg’s strong away record. The hosts are the best home team in the German second division though, and I fully expect them to secure the three points here. My money is going on the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH

Union Berlin have scored a respectable 43 goals in their 28 league matches so far while Jahn Regensburg have scored the joint highest amount of league goals (26) away from home. I can see this being a high-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin have won two and drawn three of their five most recent league meetings with Jahn Regensburg.

MSV Duisburg - 1.FC Köln

Convincing league win expected from visiting leaders

TEAM NEWS
Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Dustin Bomheuer and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined.

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann.

Duisburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles), Dustin Bomheuer (thigh)

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Rooted to the bottom of the league table, Duisburg have an enormous amount of work ahead of them in their quest for survival this season. After a heavy 4-2 league defeat to fellow relegation candidates Ingolstadt on home soil at the weekend, Torsten Lieberknecht’s men are five points from safety. The Zebras have been woeful in front of their own fans this term where they boast the worst record in Germany's second division, picking up just three wins from 13 home league fixtures, along with ten losses.

Leaders Cologne are pushing for promotion, and they proved their title credentials once again at the weekend with a 2-0 win away at Heidenheim, clinching their sixth league victory in a row since losing to Paderborn 3-2 away from home at the middlle of February. Cologne have the best away record in the division, winning nine, drawing one and losing just three of their 13 away league matches. They are at the top of standings with six-point lead over Hamburg.

This is a vital league fixture for both teams. Cologne are looking to gain promotion back to the German top flight while Duisburg hope to avoid relegation to the third tier. However, this should be an easy win for the away team.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – COLOGNE
Cologne have scored the opening goal in seven of their last eight league outings. Back the visitors to score first in this one, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Duisburg have won one and drawn two of the last three league meetings, with Cologne failing to beat them since a 3-1 league away win back in May 2007.

Hamburger SV - FC Magdeburg

Hamburg to get back on track on home soil

TEAM NEWS
Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Hwang Hee chan, Aaron Hunt and Stephan Ambrosius are out.

Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Rico Preissinger and Christian Beck who remain out injured.

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (both knee); Hwang Hee chan (tendon), Aaron Hunt (thigh)

Magdeburg
Suspended:
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rico Preissinger (knee), Christian Beck (cheekbone)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Hamburg managed to secure only a 0-0 draw at Vonovia Stadium against mid-table side Bochum last weekend. Hannes Wolf’s boys have had a rough time of late, winning just two of their last six league matches (two draws, two defeats), a run which has seen them drop from first to second place. The side are now trailing leaders Cologne by three points. Since beating St. Pauli 4-0 in their local derby away from home last month, Hamburg have secured only a point from their last two league fixtures, but two goals from Pierre-Michel Lasogga were enough to give them a 2-0 win over Paderborn in the quarter-final of the German cup in midweek, taking them into the semi-final.

Lowly Magdeburg have not won a league game since a 3-1 victory away at Bielefeld in mid-February, losing two and drawing three of their last five games in the German second tier. After back-to-back defeats, Magdeburg have struck back with two league draws against Dresden away (1-1) and Heidenheim at home (0-0), but Michael Oenning’s team still find themselves in the bottom three. Sitting in 16th place, they are two points adrift of safety.

Hamburg will want to get back on track as soon as possible after losing a lot of ground to leaders Cologne over the past few weeks. This will not be an easy league game for the hosts given Magdeburg’s urgent situation, but they should just edge it.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - HAMBURG
Hamburg have won seven times in the league at Volkspark Stadium this season, opening the scoring in six of those. Back the hosts to draw first blood in this clash.

HEAD TO HEAD
Hamburg won the reverse league fixture 1-0 at MDCC Arena back in October, which has been the only league meeting between the teams.

FC Heidenheim - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to snatch sixth league win in a row

TEAM NEWS
Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from. Robert Leipertz is the only absentee due to injury while Norman Theuerkauf is suspended.

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann.

Heidenheim
Suspended: Norman Theuerkauf
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Robert Leipertz (tendon)

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Heidenheim were held to a 0-0 league draw away from home by relegation-threatened Magdeburg last time out. After starting 2019 with one draw and two wins in league action, Heidenheim have been struggling of late, winning only one of the last six league fixtures along with three draws and two defeats. Those back-to-back defeats against Jahn Regensburg at home (2-1) and Bochum away (1-0) have hindered Heidenheim’s playoff hopes, but all is not lost with the side still sitting only four points behind third-placed Union Berlin in sixth place. The team lost 5-4 away at ten-man top-flight team Bayern Munich in the quarter-final of the German cup, leading at the break 2-1. As a result, they have exited the competition.

Cologne are flying high in Germany’s second division and are sitting at the top of the standings after beating Holstein Kiel 4-0 at home in league action last weekend. Since losing 3-2 to Paderborn away from home, Cologne are on a five-match winning run, scoring nine times in their last two league victories alone. In addition, Markus Anfang’s side have the second best away record in the league, winning eight, drawing one and losing just three of their 12 away league matches, whilst boasting the joint best defence on the road with only 13 goals conceded.

With leaders Cologne having their eyes firmly set on automatic promotion to the German top flight, they will be targeting all three points from their weekend trip to Voith Arena. My money is on the away win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Cologne have found the net 68 times in the league this term while Heidenheim have netted a respectable 40 goals in their 27 league matches. I can see plenty of total goals in this one here.

HEAD TO HEAD
There has only been one league meeting between the pair in the second tier. Back in October the reverse league match finished 1-1 at Rhein Energie Stadium.

Greuther Fürth - SV Darmstadt 98

Greuther Furth to secure home league win over Darmstadt

TEAM NEWS
Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi, Maximilian Wittek and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury.

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Felix Platte, Slobodan Medojevic, Sebastian Hertner and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt.

Greuther Furth
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi (knee), Tobias Mohr (meniscus), Maximilian Wittek (broken hand)

Darmstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Felix Platte (ligaments), Slobodan Medojevic (foot), Sebastian Hertner (rib)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Greuther Furth were involved in a four-goal thriller in the league last weekend. Despite being 2-0 up at the break, they eventually had to settled for a 2-2 draw with Bielefeld at Sportpark Ronhof. They followed that up with a 0-0 home draw against fellow bottom-half side Dresden in midweek. The side have lost only once in their last six league matches, losing once and drawing four times.

Dimitrios Grammozis has made a solid start at Bollenfalltor, taking seven points from his first four league games in charge of Darmstadt (two wins, one draw, one loss). Before drawing 1-1 with Jahn Regensburg at home last weekend, Darmstadt had seen off Holstein Kiel at home and Hamburg at Volkspark Stadium (both 3-2). The Lilies have lost only one of their last six fixtures in the league (three wins, two draws), but they have the joint worst away record in the league.

Greuther Furth have been in decent shape over the past couple of months under new boss Stefan Leitl while Darmstadt are one of the weakest travelers in the German second division. With that in mind, my money is going on a vital win for the Shamrock.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Greuther Furth have scored only 18 league goals at home this term while Darmstadt have notched only 16 away from home in league action. Back this to be a low-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD
Greuther Furth have won only one of the last five league meetings, losing two and drawing two. 

Dynamo Dresden - Union Berlin

Promotion hopefuls Union Berlin to book important away league win 

TEAM NEWS
Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Patrick Ebert, Vasil Kusej and Marco Hartmann are sidelined.

Urs Fischer coach Union Berlin can choose from a fully fit squad.

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Patrick Ebert (pulled muscle), Vasil Kusej (ligaments), Marco Hartmann (thigh)

Union Berlin
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN 
Dresden travelled to Greuther Furth for a rearranged league fixture in midweek where they drew 0-0. The side had been unbeaten in their four league matches - a very good start for new coach Christian Fiel at the east German club, having drawn with both Bochum and Magdeburg at home before beating Aue 3-1 away in round 27. The team have managed to remain unbeaten for four league fixtures only twice so far in the campaign. Worryingly, they have been winless on their own patch since mid-November, having drawn three and lost two of their last five home league contests.

Union Berlin were beaten for the first time in league action at Alte Forsterei this term last weekend as they fell to a 3-1 loss against Paderborn. It was their second league loss in a row having registered a 2-1 reverse away at Heidenheim before the international break. However, Union Berlin are still in an excellent position when it comes to the promotion race. They are sitting third on 47 points, three points above fourth- and fifth-placed Paderborn and St. Pauli.

Dresden’s recent league results may have been more positive than Union Berlin’s, but the visitors have a lot more at stake here as they continue to challenge for promotion. Union Berlin will also be more rested than the hosts, given that they didn’t have a midweek fixture to focus on. I can see the visitors edge this league game.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 0-1
Union Berlin have kept clean sheets in five of their last six league wins. Two of the last three league meetings between them and Dresden have finished 1-0, and I would not be surprised to see a similar outcome here. I’m backing a 1-0 win for the away side.

HEAD TO HEAD
Four of the last six league meetings have been draws, with each side registering one away win, too. 

SV Sandhausen - SC Paderborn

Paderborn to return home with all three points

TEAM NEWS
Alexander Rossipal, Fabian Schleusener, Maximilian Jansen and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen.

At Paderborn, Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier have been ruled out through injury.

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee), Fabian Schleusener (broken foot), Maximilian Jansen (adductor)

Paderborn
Suspended:
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Sandhausen continued their climb up the league table with another win at the weekend, as Andrew Wooten’s late goal in stoppage time was enough to give the in-form team a 2-1 triumph at bottom side Ingolstadt. That was Sandhausen’s third straight victory in league action, with the club increasing their tally to 26 points from 27 league games. Their campaign may have been disappointing overall, but thanks to their current winning streak they have moved out of the drop zone and now enjoy a four-point lead over the bottom two, who will be automatically relegated.

Having gone three league games without a win (one draw, two losses), Paderborn have recorded back-to-back league wins. The side beat relegation candidates Ingolstadt 3-1 at home prior to the international break, before repeating that scoreline in another league victory away at Union Berlin last weekend. Paderborn are hot on the heels of third-placed Union Berlin and are currently sitting in fourth on 44 points. However, they were beaten 2-0 by Hamburg in the quarter-final of the German cup in midweek, exiting the competition.

With both teams in tip-top shape and coming off an impressive win, this could be a close affair at Hardtwald Stadium. However, I am backing Paderborn to keep up their fine form with another victory away from home this weekend.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
These two were involved in an enthralling matchup at Benteler Arena earlier in the season, with Paderborn and Sandhausen playing out a 3-3 league draw. All of Paderborn’s last three league matches have featured at least three total goals too, as have four of Sandhausen’s last five. I can see this being another high-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD
Sandhausen have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six league meetings with Paderborn. 

Holstein Kiel - FC St. Pauli

St. Pauli to return to winning ways

TEAM NEWS
David Kinsombi continues to be sidelined while Kingsley Schindler is still working on his comeback at Holstein Kiel.

St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis, Luca-Milan Zander, Jan-Philipp Kalla and Henk Veerman are all injured and will not be available for the rest of the season.

Holstein Kiel
Suspended:
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (match fitness)

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee); Luca-Milan Zander (shoulder), Jan-Philipp Kala (ligaments)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Holstein Kiel fell to yet another damaging league defeat last weekend as Tim Walter’s side were beaten 4-0 away from home by leaders Cologne. That loss was the Storks’ third such result in the last four league matches, having won only one along the way. Holstein Kiel are five points adrift of the playoff spot in seventh with just seven league games to go.

St. Pauli failed to win for the third time in a row last time out, drawing 0-0 at home with strugglers Duisburg in the league. The side have now picked up just two victories in league action since the start of February, drawing one and losing four in the process. Despite those poor recent results, they are in the race for a top three spot, with only three points separating them from third-placed Union Berlin.

With both teams looking for a win, this promises to be an intriguing league fixture at Holstein Stadium. However, St. Pauli are the fourth best away side in the German division and I can see them bouncing back here. I’m backing the away side to win this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
All of St. Pauli’s last three league wins have come by a one-goal margin. A single goal could also be enough to settle this league contest between two evenly matched rivals, who are separated by only two points in the league standings. My money is going on odd total goals at Holstein Stadium.

HEAD TO HEAD
All of the last three league encounters have been decided by one goal, with St. Pauli winning twice while the other one was won by Holstein Kiel.

MSV Duisburg - FC Ingolstadt 04

Too close to call at Schauinslandreisen Arena

TEAM NEWS
Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Dustin Bomheuer and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined while Gerrit Nauber will be suspended.

Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all out through injury while two players are suspended in the form of Marcel Gaus and Benedikt Gimber.

Duisburg
Suspended: Gerrit Nauber
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles), Dustin Bomheuer (thigh)

Ingolstadt
Suspended: Marcel Gaus, Benedikt Gimber
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh), Frederic Ananou (shoulder)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Duisburg have had a league campaign to forget, with the side sitting second from bottom with 22 points from 26 league matches. They are at least unbeaten in their last four league fixtures - a run which they achieved only twice so far this season - but three of those games have been draws along with only one win. Last weekend, Torsten Lieberknecht’s men claimed a point at Millerntor in an uneventful 0-0 draw with top three contenders St. Pauli. The Zebras are four points from guaranteed safety but they have still one league match in hand.

Ingolstadt are seemingly on their way to the third division. Rooted to the bottom of the table, the Schanzer are three points below Duisburg and have the joint worst away record in the league, winning a mere two of their 13 away league games (three draws, eight losses) and taking nine points in the process. The team have lost their last five league outings and fell to a 2-1 defeat on home soil against fellow relegation candidates Sandhausen last time out.

Both teams are running out of opportunities to save their second-tier status, with this relegation six-pointer presenting the ideal opportunity for them to grab three important points. I can see them cancelling each other out.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - DUISBURG
Duisburg have scored first in their last four league meetings against Ingolstadt. Expect them to continue this trend.

HEAD TO HEAD
Duisburg are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Ingolstadt, winning two and drawing two.

Arminia Bielefeld- Erzgebirge Aue

Another league win for Bielefeld

TEAM NEWS
Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Joan Simun Edmundsson and Christopher Nothe are sidelined.

Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe have been ruled out while defender Malcolm Cacutalua is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Bielefeld
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Joan Simun Edmundsson (pulled muscle)

Aue
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz, Malcolm Cacutalua, Dennis Kempe (all knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Bielefeld are slowly but surely taking off under Uwe Neuhaus, winning six, drawing two and losing just three of their 11 league games under him. Last weekend, the team earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Greuther Furth in league action at Sportpark Ronhof, despite being 2-0 down at half time. They have prevailed in their last two league fixtures at home and are 11 points above the drop zone.

Sitting three places behind Bielefeld are Daniel Meyer’s Aue. The Viola have endured an average campaign up until now, winning nine of their 27 league contests, along with five draws and 13 losses. They suffered yet another defeat against East German rivals Dresden in midweek, losing 3-1. 

Bielefeld have been strong at home in recent weeks, winning three and losing only one of their past four league fixtures at Schuco Arena. Meanwhile, Aue have secured only four league wins on the road this term, drawing one and losing eight. I fancy Bielefeld to claim a home victory here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Six of the last seven league meetings between Bielefeld and Aue have been low-scoring affairs. I expect that trend to continue and predict two total goals or fewer.

HEAD TO HEAD
Bielefeld have won two, drawn two and lost only one of their five league encounters on home soil against Aue.

Jahn Regensburg - VfL Bochum

Jahn Regensburg to snatch home victory

TEAM NEWS
Jahn Regensburg coach Achim Beierlorzer has a fully fit squad available.

Bochum's injury list consists of Jannik Bandowski, Danilo Teodoro Soares, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam, Sebastian Maier, Vitaly Janelt and Baris Ekincier.

Jahn Regensburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: None

Bochum
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Danilo Teodoro Soares (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh), Sebastian Maier (groin), Vitaly Janelt (adductor)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Achim Beierlorzer’s Jahn Regensburg have picked up lately, winning two, drawing two and losing only one of their past five league fixtures. In their most recent league outing, Andreas Geipl scored their only goal to secure a 1-1 draw at Bollenfalltor against Darmstadt. The team sit in the middle of the table on 38 points and don’t have to worry about relegation for the time being.

Bochum have struggled for wins lately, winning just two, drawing two and losing five of their last nine league games. The side have an average record on the road – picking up just two wins along with six draws and five defeats in league action. Robin Dutt’s troops have taken one point from their last two league fixtures. After losing 3-1 to Bielefeld away from home they clinched an excellent 0-0 home draw against promotion contenders Hamburg in their last league outing.

Bochum are yet to win in the league away from home in 2019 and I can see them losing on their travels again here. Back Jahn Regensburg to prevail on their own patch.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Four of Jahn Regensburg’s last five league wins have been secured by a one-goal margin. Take a punt on odd total goals to be scored in the home team’s favour.

HEAD TO HEAD
The reverse league fixture finished in an entertaining 3-3 draw back in October. Both of the last two league meetings between Jahn Regensburg and Bochum at Continental Arena have ended with 1-0 scorelines, with the visitors winning both.

Greuther Fürth - Dynamo Dresden

Greuther Furth set to see off Dresden at Sportpark Ronhof

TEAM NEWS
Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi won't feature because of injury.

Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Patrick Ebert, Vasil Kusej and Marco Hartmann are sidelined.

Greuther Furth
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi (knee)

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Patrick Ebert (pulled muscle), Vasil Kusej (ligaments), Marco Hartmann (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Greuther Furth have been in good form of late, winning two, drawing three and losing only one of their last six league fixtures after registering a 2-2 draw against Bielelefeld on home soil at the weekend. Stefan Leitl’s men still find themselves in the bottom half of the league table, but with a nine points lead over the bottom three, it is very unlikely they will be dragged into a fight against relegation.

Dresden still have a lot of work to do in their quest for survival this season. Since joining the club, Christian Fiel has picked up five points in his three league matches as Dresden boss. Last time out, the team secured a vital 3-1 win against rivals Aue at Erzgebirgs Stadium. They have have been poor away from home in the leage this term, picking up 15 points from their 13 away league matches thus far.

Greuther Furth have lost only twice at Sportpark Ronhof this season and should have the edge here. My money is going on a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Four of the last five league meetings between these teams have been decided by one goal. This could be a tight encounter, so have a punt on odd total goals to be scored.

HEAD TO HEAD
Greuther Furth beat Dresden 1-0 away from home when they last met in the league in September. They are in fact unbeaten in their last four league encounters, having won three and drawn one.

Erzgebirge Aue - Dynamo Dresden

Dresden to record rare away league win

TEAM NEWS
Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe have been ruled out due to injury while defender Malcolm Cacutalua is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Patrick Ebert, Vasil Kusej and Marco Hartmann are sidelined and Niklas Kreuzer and Jannis Nikolaou will both miss out with suspension.

Aue
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz, Malcolm Cacutalua, Dennis Kempe (all knee)

Dresden
Suspended: Niklas Kreuzer, Jannis Nikolaou
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Marco Hartmann (thigh), Patrick Ebert (pulled muscle), Vasil Kusej (ligaments)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Aue have had a mixed bag of results in the league lately, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their last five fixtures. Since losing 1-0 at home to leaders Cologne at the end of February, the side have won back-to-back league games against Sandhausen (3-0 away) and Paderborn (2-1 at home) before Daniel Meyer’s men were thrashed 5-1 away from home to Holstein Kiel 5-1. They are currently in 11th place.

Dresden have been in awful form of late, losing four and drawing three of their last seven league matches. Since beating Duisburg 3-1 in late 2018, they have not won in the league in seven attempts in 2019. New boss Christian Fiel and his team were held to a lucky 1-1 draw against Magdeburg in their last league outing. They have also lost their last three away league matches and have won only once on the road in league action since late September, drawing three and losing five during that time.

This is a tricky league fixture to call, but Dresden are unbeaten in their last two league matches with two draws under their new boss. I have a feeling they could pick up a vital three points at the Erzgebirgs Stadium at the weekend.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
The last two league affairs between the two have been level at half time, so back the first half to end all square once again.

HEAD TO HEAD
Dresden are unbeaten in their last four league meetings, winning two and drawing two.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - SV Sandhausen

Ingolstadt to claim rare home league win as they battle against relegation

TEAM NEWS
Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all out throuh injury while two  players are suspended in the form of Marcel Gaus and Benedikt Gimber.

Alexander Rossipal and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen.

Ingolstadt
Suspended: Marcel Gaus, Benedikt Gimber
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh), Frederic Ananou (shoulder)

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Ingolstadt are in trouble as the Schanzer have won just three times in league action since early September. Jens Keller’s side were beaten for the 15th time in the league before the international break, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Paderborn at Benteler Arena. The Schanzer also have the second worst home record, accumulating only ten points from a possible 39 at the Audi Sportpark. The team sit rock bottom in the table, four points from safety.

With Magdeburg drawing last time out, Sandhausen managed to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time in months two weeks ago. Uwe Koschinat’s men have won their last two league fixtures, beating Magdeburg 1-0 away and St. Pauli 4-0 at home. However, the side have picked up just one away league win since late September, drawing twice and losing six times.

Sandhausen sit 15th, only four points above Ingolstadt, and the Schanzer have an important opportunity here to move up the rankings. Given their desperate state at the bottom of the league table, it is almost a must-win situation for the hosts and I can see them taking all three points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Three of Ingolstadt’s four wins in the league have been by a single goal. I fancy odd total goals to be netted at the weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
Sandhausen are unbeaten in their last four league meetings, winning three and drawing one.

1.FC Köln - Holstein Kiel

Five league wins on the spin for Cologne

TEAM NEWS
Cologne's list of absentees consists of Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann.

David Kinsombi continues to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel while Kingsley Schindler is still working on his comeback.

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (match fitness)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Leaders Cologne are the in-form team in Germany’s second tier at the minute, with four straight wins as the team dispatched Sandhausen 3-1, Aue 1-0, Ingolstadt 2-1 and Bielefeld 5-1. Their phenomenal run has seen them at the top of the league standings, one point ahead of second-placed Hamburg and with one league game in hand.

After their stunning 5-1 league win over Aue at Holstein Stadium last time out, Holstein Kiel will be looking for a similar outcome against Cologne this weekend. However, despite that impressive result, Tim Walter’s boys are only on average form, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their last five games in the league. The Storks are back in the promotion race as they are only five points adrift of third-placed Union Berlin.

With Markus Anfang’s Cologne in such fine fettle, they will fancy their chances of securing a fifth league win in a row this weekend. My money is going on a comfortable home victory at Rhein Energie Stadium.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Cologne have found the net 64 times in the league this term while Holstein Kiel have netted 51 goals in their 26 league matches. I can see plenty of total goals in this one here.

HEAD TO HEAD
There has only been one league meeting between the pair in the second tier. Back in October the match finished 1-1 at Holstein Stadium.

Greuther Furth - Arminia Bielefeld

Draw seems possible between the pair

TEAM NEWS
Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi won't feature because of injury.

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Joan Simun Edmundsson and Christopher Nothe are sidelined while Brian Behrendt will miss with suspension.

Greuther Furth
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi (knee)

Bielefeld
Suspended: Brian Behrendt
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Joan Simun Edmundsson (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
New Greuther Furth boss Stefan Leitl has been producing positive results since taking over at Sportpark Ronhof in early February. The side have lost only one of their last five league outings (two wins, two draws) and won the Bavarian derby at Continental Arena against Regensburg 2-0 last time out. That win puts them in 13th place on 32 points, nine above the relegation zone.

Bielefeld, who sit three places above Greuther Furth, have only accumulated seven points from a possible 15 on offer in league action recently, but they did register a 3-1 home league win over struggling Bochum last time out. Uwe Neuhaus’ troops have not won on the road in the league since beating Jahn Regensburg 3-0 at the Continental Arena back in early February, drawing once and losing once since.

This promises to be a very close matchup and I fancy the pair to play out an entertaining draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - BIELEFELD
Bielefeld have scored first in three of their last four league meetings with Greuther Furth, with the other league encounters ending scoreless. Put your money on the away side to open the scoring at Sportpark Ronhof.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been two draws while both teams have also registered one win in their last four league meetings.

Union Berlin - SC Paderborn

Union Berlin to pick up three important points in promotion race

TEAM NEWS
Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

At Paderborn, Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier have been ruled out through injury while captain Uwe Hunemeier will miss out through suspension.

Union Berlin 
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (foot)

Paderborn
Suspended: Uwe Hunemeier
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Union Berlin were beaten for the second time in league action in 2019 two weeks ago, losing 2-1 at Heidenheim. They have won five and drawn one of their other six league matches this year. Urs Fischer’s side have been strong at home all season, winning nine and drawing four of their 13 home league matches at Alte Forsterei. They have in fact the best home record in Germany’s second division.

Paderborn currently occupy seventh spot and are six points behind Union Berlin, who are in third. The team picked up their first win since mid-February last time out, beating rock-bottom Ingolstadt 3-1 at Benteler Arena. Prior to that victory, the club had taken only one point from the last nine on offer in league action, drawing one and losing two.

Union Berlin will want to keep hold of their promotion/relegation playoff spot with a convincing victory over Paderborn. The home side should be far too strong for the struggling travelers, who have won only one of their last five away league matches (one draw, three losses). My money is going on the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - EVEN
73% of Union Berlin’s and 62% of Paderborn’s league matches this season have finished with even total goals. Expect even total goals here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn are unbeaten in their last three league meetings at Alte Forsterei, winning two and drawing one.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Jahn Regensburg

Darmstadt to continue good home form with another win

TEAM NEWS
Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Christoph Moritz, Felix Platte, Slobodan Medojevic and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt while Fabian Holland is out suspended.

Jahn Regensburg's Adrian Fein has been ruled out for the upcoming weeks and defender Markus Palionios will miss this league match due to suspension.

Darmstadt
Suspended: Fabian Holland
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Christoph Moritz (shoulder), Felix Platte (ligaments), Slobodan Medojevic (foot)

Jahn Regensburg
Suspended: Markus Palionis
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Adrian Fein (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Darmstadt have the joint worst away record in Germany’s second tier, picking up just nine points on their travels. However, the Lilies have been far more competitive at home where they have taken 23 points so far, from seven wins, two draws and four losses. Dimitrious Grammozis’ men have won three and lost just one of their last four league fixtures at Bollenfalltor. They sit nine points above the drop zone in 12th place after beating second-placed Hamburg 3-2 on the road two weeks ago, despite being two goals down at the break.

Jahn Regensburg have been in good form since mid-February, winning two and drawing two of their last five league fixtures, along with only one loss. That 2-0 defeat came in the last league outing at home against Greuther Furth, which was a disappointing result for them. Achim Beierlorzer’s side are currently in eighth spot on 37 points and don’t have to worry about relegation. They have the third best record on the road having clinched five wins and five draws, along with three defeats in league action.

Going by Darmstadt’s great home form, they should be able to snatch all three points in this one - although it might be not be a straightforward win, given Jahn Regensburg’s strong results on the road.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - DARMSTADT
Darmstadt have opened the scoring in their last two home league matches. I am backing the home team to score first in this clash, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Darmstadt registered a 3-0 away win and 1-1 away draw against Jahn Regensburg in the league last year.

VfL Bochum - Hamburger SV

Back-to-back away league wins for Hamburg

TEAM NEWS
Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam and Baris Ekincier while Jan Gyamerah is suspended.

Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Hwang Hee chan, Aaron Hunt and Stephan Ambrosius are out.

Bochum
Suspended: Jan Gyamerah
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee), Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh)

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Hwang Hee chan (tendon), Aaron Hunt (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Bochum conceded three goals within ten minutes in the second half to fall to a disappointing 3-1 league defeat away from home against fellow mid-table side Bielefeld at Schuco Arena in the last round. It was the side’s fifth league loss in 2019 along with two wins and one draw. Robin Dutt’s men are in ninth spot, 11 points above the drop zone but also 13 points below the top three. They are equally average when it comes to their home league form, with seven wins, one draw and five losses.

Hamburg were beaten for the first time in the league at Volkspark Stadium in 2019 last time out, letting a two-goal lead slip to crash to a heavy 3-2 defeat against Darmstadt. The team had won five and drawn three of their eight home league fixtures beforehand, but away from home they have been less convincing recently, winning only one of their last five league outings, along with one draw and three defeats.

Bochum have not been great since the beginning of the year and given Hamburg’s top-flight ambitions, I can see the visitors returning home with all three points here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Bochum’s home league matches have seen 36 league goals in total - or 2.8 total goals on average - this season, with 20 of those being scored by the home side. Moreover, Hamburg have scored seven times in their last three road trips in league action. I can see this ending in a high score.

HEAD TO HEAD
The only league meeting between Bochum and Hamburg since 2010 ended goalless in the reverse league fixture back in October.

FC Magdeburg - FC Heidenheim

All square at MDCC Arena

TEAM NEWS
Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Rico Preissinger and Christian Beck who remain out injured.

Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from. Robert Leipertz is the only absentee due to injury while Sebastian Griesbeck is suspended.

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rico Preissinger (knee), Christian Beck (cheekbone)

Heidenheim
Suspended: Sebastian Griesbeck
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Robert Leipertz (tendon)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Michael Oenning’s team have dropped back into the relegation zone after claiming only one point in the East German derby away against Dresden in a 1-1 draw. The side have been in bad form since winning at Bielefeld 3-1 in mid-February, losing two and drawing two of their last four league fixtures. They are now sitting in 16th place in Germany’s second tier, but are level on points with Sandhausen above them, who have a better goal difference.

After picking up just two points from four league games, Heidenheim got back on track before the international break as they beat Union Berlin 2-1 at Voith Arena in league action. Despite losing against Jahn Regensburg and Bochum recently, Frank Schmidt’s troops have not been doing badly since early December, winning six, drawing four and losing only two of their last 12 league matches. They remain in sixth with 42 points, five below the top three.

Magdeburg are the draw specialists in the German second division, with no other side registering more than their 11 such results in league action. Heidenheim, meanwhile, have drawn six times on the road in the league this season, with only Union Berlin beating that record. I am predicting this league match to end all square, too.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
Magdeburg have been level at the break in two of their last three league outings, as have Heidenheim in three of their last five league matches. I expect another first-half draw here.

HEAD TO HEAD
Heidenheim have won the reverse league fixture 3-0 at Voith Arena back in October, which has been the only league meeting between the teams.

FC St. Pauli - MSV Duisburg

St. Pauli to get back on track with home league victory

TEAM NEWS
St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis and Henk Veerman are both injured and will not be available for the rest of the season.

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined.

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee)

Duisburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
St. Pauli’s surge towards the playoff place has slowed down somewhat of late after losing their last two league outings. After 1-0 back-to-back league wins against Ingolstadt at home and Paderborn on the road, St. Pauli were beaten 4-0 at home by second-placed Hamburg before falling to another league defeat by the same devastating scoreline against Sandhausen away before the international break. Sitting in fourth, the team are currently four points adrift of third-placed Union Berlin.

Since arriving at Schauinslandreisen Arena at the beginning of October, Duisburg boss Torsten Lieberknecht has picked up just five wins, whilst drawing four and losing eight of his 17 league matches. Following their 1-1 draw away at Jahn Regensburg two weeks ago, the Zebras have also won only one of their last five league matches, drawing two and losing two. The club are still in the relegation zone at present and two points from safety, but with one league match in hand. They have claimed more points away from home (12) than on their own ground (nine) in league action.

With St. Pauli aiming for the top three, this is a must-win game for the Hamburg based club. The hosts should be too strong for struggling Duisburg at the Millerntor and I expect them to clinch all three points.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Five of the last six league meetings between St. Pauli and Duisburg have been low-scoring affairs. I expect that trend to continue and predict two total goals or fewer.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli have won three, drawn one and lost only one of their last five league encounters with Duisburg over the past four years.

SC Paderborn - FC Ingolstadt 04

Paderborn back to winning ways this weekend

TEAM NEWS
Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier out through injury, but captain Uwe Hunemeier will miss with suspension.

Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all out through injury while three players are suspended in the form of Almog Cohen, Robin Krausse and Paulo Otavio.

Paderborn
Suspended: Uwe Hunemeier
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

Ingolstadt
Suspended: Almog Cohen, Robin Krausse, Paulo Otavio
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh), Frederic Ananou (shoulder)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Paderborn fell to yet another defeat last weekend, this time losing 2-1 at Aue. They remain in seventh spot on 38 points from 25 league games. The side, who have lost three, drawn one and won five of their past nine in the league, are nine points away from the top three with 9 league matches left to play.

Ingolstadt fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Union Berlin last weekend. Their defeat in northern Germany also saw Almog Cohen and Robin Krausse sent off during the second half, with Jens Keller’s side ending up with only nine men. Last weekend’s loss at Alte Forsterei was their third league defeat in a row and a real setback given that Ingolstadt are sitting rock bottom with only 19 points and three points from safety.

This should be an intriguing league fixture at Benteler Arena, and I fancy Paderborn to hit back with an important home win. Put your money on the hosts to prevail in a close league encounter.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Four of the last five competitive meetings between these teams have been decided by one goal. This should be a tight league encounter, so have a punt on odd total goals to be scored.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn have won three of the last four league meetings between the two, with the other one ending in a draw.

Arminia Bielefeld - VfL Bochum

Bochum to pick up all three points at Schuco Arena

TEAM NEWS
Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy and Christopher Nothe are sidelined.

Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam and Baris Ekincier.

Bielefeld
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee)

Bochum
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee), Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Bielefeld fell to their tenth league defeat of the season last weekend, losing 5-1 to leaders Cologne away from home. However, this was only their second league defeat in 2019, having won four and drawn one in their last seven league matches. Despite this, Bielefeld are one of the weaker teams on home soil, with only four teams collecting fewer points. The side have won only four, drawn two and lost six of their 12 home league matches.

After going five league games without a win (one draw, four losses), last week’s narrow 1-0 victory over strong Heidenheim at Vonovia Stadium was just what the doctor ordered for Robin Dutt and his Bochum side. The side are sitting in the middle of the table on 34 points and are not worried by relegation. They have been average on the road lately, winning just one, drawing one and losing three of their last five road trips in league action.

Bochum have been in patchy form away from home in the league of late, but I can still see them picking up a vital away win here against a home side who are coming off a heavy defeat.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Seven of Bochum’s nine league wins have been secured by a one-goal margin and three of Bielefeld’s last four home league defeats have also been by a solitary goal. Back odd total goals to be scored in the away team’s favour.

HEAD TO HEAD
Bochum won 1-0 at home in the reverse league fixture in October, but they are winless against Bielefeld in their last three league meetings at Schuco Arena, drawing one and losing two.

SV Sandhausen - FC St. Pauli

St. Pauli to pick up three points at Hardtwald Stadium

TEAM NEWS
Alexander Rossipal and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen.

St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis and Henk Veerman are both injured and will not be available for the rest of the season.

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee)

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Last weekend, a Andrew Wooten goal was enough to give Sandhausen a 1-0 league win in a relegation battle against Magdeburg at MDCC Arena. However, Sandhausen still sit in 17th place, two points adrift of safety, whilst winning only one of their last five league fixtures, along with one draw and three losses. Nevertheless, they have only been beaten once at Hardtwald Stadium in their last five in the league, winning one and drawing three.

After being trashed 4-0 by Hamburg in last weekend’s city derby, St. Pauli will be hoping to hit back at the first time of asking. With third-placed Union Berlin winning last time out, St. Pauli have to close a four-point gap to make it into the playoff place. Markus Kauczinki’s men have been far from their best in recent weeks, losing three and winning only two of their last five in the league. However, only Hamburg (26) and Cologne (25) have picked up more points on the road than Kauczinski’s boys up until now.

Sandhausen are in desperate need of all three points as they seek survival, but I can see St. Pauli following up their good away performances with another league win here. Put your money on the visitors to secure a comfortable three points at Hardtwald Stadium

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
St. Pauli’s last three league wins have been secured by a one-goal margin. Back odd total goals to be netted this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Sandhausen, but have won only once during that time, drawing the other three.

Hamburger SV - SV Darmstadt 98

Fifth home league win in a row for Hamburg

TEAM NEWS
Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Josha Vagnoman, Hwang Hee chan, Aaron Hunt and Stephan Ambrosius are out.

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Christoph Moritz, Felix Platte and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt.

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Josha Vagnoman (unspecified), Hwang Hee chan (tendon), Aaron Hunt (thigh)

Darmstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Christoph Moritz (shoulder), Felix Platte (ligaments)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Hamburg secured a stunning 4-0 win in their city derby away at St. Pauli last time out. The club have been in good form since mid-February, winning three, drawing one and losing only one of their last five league fixtures. They still have plenty of work to do to ensure promotion though, with the side currently in second, one point behind leaders Cologne and only three above third-placed Union Berlin.

New coach Dimitrios Grammozis picked up is first Darmstadt win last weekend, guiding the club to an excellent 3-2 success over fifth-placed Holstein Kiel at the Bollenfalltor. That was the Lilies’ third victory in league action on home soil in 2019, along with one home league defeat. On the road, it has been a different story though, with the mid-table side winning only once all season whilst drawing three and losing eight of their other 11 away league matches.

Considering that Darmstadt are the only club with just one league win on the road, Hamburg should easily come out on top in this one. Three points here would take the hosts one step closer to promotion – back the home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Hamburg have won four of their last five home league victories 1-0 and Darmstadt’s last two away league matches have featured two or below total goals, too. I believe we will witness a low-scoring league game between these two sides.

HEAD TO HEAD
Hamburg have won two and lost two of the last four league meetings with Darmstadt. The reverse league fixture was won by Hamburg with a 2-1 scoreline back in October.