1.FC Nürnberg - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

This is the last match from Round 8 but it is a traditional match between two teams who should play in 1.BL normally. After a long time in 2.BL Kaiserslautern is on a good way this season and with 14 Points on their side close to the top. This season they do not talk from promotion and look only from game to game what makes it maybe a bit more easy for them. They have not the pressure as in last years and allow them also weaker games. On the other side Nürnberg was talking a lot before the season and their goals was promotion but after losing 5 from 7 games already it is hard to hold this goal alive. Now they have to look that they get more stability in their play and results to get out of the bottom zone. The fans are very angry about the team and management and it makes it not easier for them anyway.

The pressure is hugh in Nürnberg at the moment above all on Coach Ismael and Manager Bader. Nevertheless Coach Ismael is trying all to get the team back on track. After late news he suspended keeper Schäfer and replace him with young Rakovsky. He said that he wants to count on younger players who follow him more and also are more motivated as the old ones. A big step he made here and hopefully it is not a disadvantage for him. The next veteran captain Polak is suspended today and must be replaced additional. This means the system plan can be 4-1-4-1 with only Mössmer in central midfield. For Polak can move Füllkrug as offensive guy into the first eleven. A lot of more changes are possible according to the weak performance under the week in Heidenheim. In attack Sylvestr has not the power from last season what gives Mlapa the chance to begin today. The rest is also very open, we will see a very young lineup but for FCN fans hopefully a hungry one.

The team from Kaiserslautern can go on top with a win today. This is motivation enough for them anyway but they are not the best traveler as we saw past seasons. Not much to say about the team because they won the last match with 1-0 to Union Berlin and Coach Runjaic said that he will give the same lineup his trust. They are in good shape at the moment and all parts of the team worked very well the only thing they have to improve is in front of the target. They wasted a lot against Union above all Hofmann who came from bench had a big big miss. Therefore Lakic starts again and Hofmann must on bench again. Hard decision is also Gaus who has lost the fight to Stöger at the moment.

FSV Frankfurt - FC St. Pauli

Bottom team FSV Frankfurt meets FC St. Pauli for an important match because both are behind their expectations and they are down on bottom zone. FSV lost all the last three matches and scored only a single goal but conceded 10. All talked after the huge defeat to Darmstadt 0-4 that they have to improve a lot otherwise they are for sure a candidate to get relegated. On the other side St. Pauli managed the win to Braunschweig 1-0 under the week and celebrated the first win under new coach Meggle. This should be the turnaround for them now but they have to continue this way with hard work and they will see what they are able to get in Frankfurt today.

The management and all in and around the club are very pleased with the work from Coach Möhlmann and they do not think to suck him. Also they trust the team who has much more quality but they were not able to bring it on the pitch so far. Overall they see the problems more mentality wise because all of the goals they conceded against Darmstadt were from corner kicks. This is a huge number but they have to bring the heads free and look forward to the next matches. The options are not there at the moment according to the huge injury list, therefore he can only count on the available guys again. According the the experiment from last match with Oumari on the wing what was a big disappointment move Coach Möhlmann back and give Bittroff the chance there. In offensive they must look what players are available and they should try to find more dangerous players, not only Kapllani.

The problems are big on St. Pauli said once again and they have to replace several players. This happen already under the week to Braunschweig but I was very keen there on them above all they played on home. Now the situation has not changed much but the mood and self confidence is higher after the win. Ok, with Thorandt returns a key player today but against Braunschweig got Buballa injured what is the next on the injury list where are already Halstenberg, Schachten, Gonther, Buchtmann, Kalla, Nehrig and Himmelmann. Coach Meggle returns on the sideline today after his suspension in the last matches. Nevertheless he has to count on the same team as in last match because of less alternatives. He must trust the youngsters Kurt and Startsev who plays normally for the second team. For Buballa Thy is the only option for the wing here or he move central midfielder Kringe back to the wing and change in central midfield. It is a bit open at the moment but so many changes can not be done according to their small squad.

This is a very funny match, both teams miss a lot of players and have a lot of problems anyway. Both for sure try to win this and a lot of mistakes are also expected in the play from both. I am very keen that this encounter can produce goals above all St. Pauli has not scored one in all their away matches this season and if they do not score today when should they score then? Both conceded for free in the past if FSV at home or Pauli on the road. Additional fact can be the power because of the match under the week and the small squad also the youngsters in St. Pauli's team. This open this encounter for a lot of mistakes in defensive and the logical consequence are goals !!!

PICK: OVER 2,5 @ 1,87 (3 Units)

Karlsruher SC - FC Ingolstadt 04

An important and interesting match for both sides. They are top half and they started very well. The "Schanzer" can make history today because they are unbeaten in 16 road games so far and if they get at least a draw today they are even with Leverkusen who has the record with 17 unbeaten matches in a row. This record comes from 1979 and is long time ago but today it can crashed. Both teams want of course do not want to lose and they want to keep the distance to the top as close as they can. They are only 2 and 1 point behind the top and this means that they are very close at the moment although both could not win under the week. The reason that Ingolstadt could not win to 1860 or Aue was only due to their weak performance in front of the goal. They have in both a lot of shots on target but could not finish. Against Aue it was more than 40 !!! but in the end only a 1-1 draw. On the other side KSC played by newcomer Leipzig and it was one of their weakest performances in past weeks. They were in all categories the weaker side and therefore a deserved loser there.

Coach Kauczinski said that he has seen a lot and he will learn from this match and looking forward to the next matches. It is more as possible that they change some today but not because of the bad performances of some players it is more a decision of power. He wants to rest some players and give them time to load up their batteries for the upcoming matches. What players he meant is more as open and we have to wait for the lineup maybe. The squad is the same as under the week because none of the injured players returned today. In this case he change only some positions but it should not affect it much as the bench from KSC is very good and some players are anyway close to the starting lineup.

Coach Hasenhüttl expect a close match and said that KSC is well organized and play very fast over the wings but this is also their style of play. This encounter will be a hard one for both and they have to invest all what they have available to get out with a good result of the english week. Under the week they have controlled the game very well and they were the far better side, this time it is open and both have a lot of weapons on their side. Ingolstadt is on a good way and they are doing very well this season but they have to improve from match to match and go step by step as Coach Hasenhüttl also mentioned. According to the good and unbeaten run, they should not expect to much from the team. All players are ready who were in squad against Aue, only the long injured players are out. Same situation as KSC has.

For me Ingolstadt has a little bit advantage here, they know how to play away and with their fast wings they are always dangerous on counter attack while KSC had a lot of problems this season to win matches at home. Away from home they do better because of the same style of play like Ingolstadt. The last two matches showed also that Ingolstadt is in good shape because against 1860 and Aue they were closer to win and additional they had the better play. In this case I put my money on Ingolstadt for the new record.

PICK: FC Ingolstadt 04 AHC +0,25 @ 2,01 (3Units)

Eintracht Braunschweig - SV Sandhausen

Eintracht Braunschweig won one week ago 2-0 to newcomer and high flying Darmstadt but lost in Hamburg 0-1 against St. Pauli, therefore they are under huge pressure again today. They are only at the bottom half of the table and they have for sure much higher aims and this is the case for the rumors around the club. Most of the fans are angry about the first matches and they were not able to win much, only two times. The opportunity are there to get the third and important win against a team who had a lot of problems to begin of the season but come to Braunschweig with a lot of self confidence after three wins in a row with 1-0 to Fürth, Aalen and 1860 Munich.

Nevertheless Coach Lieberknecht has a lot of trust in his squad but at the moment he has not found the right lineup, mix or balance for his team. Therefore to the game in Hamburg again some changes are expected. Some changes are possible, Hedenstad is back from injury and can replace Kessel on the wing while Pfitzner made again a weak match and should be replaced too. It looks like that Theuerkauf and Boland plays in the middle while Kruppke and Zuck are the offensive players on the wings. Up front they have not the striker like Kumbela last season and therefore they have to search for the right partner for Nielson. Last time Ademi played but not such successful and maybe Bakenga gets a chance to start today.

Of course Sandhausen has a great run so far but the problems arrived there too. They have a lot of problems on the right wing where Kübler is suspended due to yellow red card against 1860 and Zillner got a huge knee injury in this game what makes it impossible for him to play in the upcoming month. Coach Schwartz has to search for two new players on this side but it is not such easy. On defensive side Pfertzel is an option but in offense they have less alternatives. They think about Kuhn on this position but his is normal a right back wing. Nevertheless he played already there and made a really weak game against Aalen. This was the case of the change to Zillner against 1860 but he had no luck. And according to the missing players Stiefler and Alder they have no alternatives there.

Overall the performances speaking a clear language but I am very keen on Braunschweig this time. They have a huge crowd in their back and they play much better at home as on the road. The strength on home soil is there while Sandhausen count only on their strong defensive line including keeper Riemann and up front on Wooten who scored all three late winning goals. I think this can be to less and also the weak right side can be a key fact here. 

PICK: Eintracht Braunschweig AHC -0,75 @ 2,03 3 Units

VfL Bochum - Fortuna Düsseldorf

One game left in 2 Bundesliga and this will be played between VfL Bochum and Fortuna Düsseldorf this evening. Both teams can with a win climb up to the top but it is not such important to be on top because it is very close at the moment anyway. Bochum can be on top with a win only, they do not manage a home win this season while Düsseldorf is very strong away from home but they need a win with a 3 goals margin to get on top. As I wrote already it is not such important to be on top, both Coaches want to see more that past performances can be repeated and show the uptrend.

Coach Neururer was very pleased with the last 5-1 win to Frankfurt but he said also that they have to be focused on the next match. It is not sure that they win always with so big margin and at home they have a lot of problems anyway. They are winless in 3 home games this season but they played three times draw but they are looking for the first win now. For this Coach Neururer will field the same lineup as in Frankfurt also with second keeper Esser who replaced Luthe very good and they do not want to risk anything with him. So he will be rested once again. All the hopes are on top striker Terodde who had a great start in Bochum and also an amazing run with already 8 goals scored this season.

The team from Düsseldorf started very slow and was not able to win a single match from their first three matches. But after the first success they are on a really uptrend and they improved from match to match above all on the road they are very dangerous with their quick players. Additional key fact is that Coach Reck has found the right mix for the starting lineup. After 3 wins in a row Düsseldorf comes to Bochum with a lot of self confidence and motivation to continue the good run. Against the last win to Heidenheim there are not many changes expected, almost no one. Although winning goal scorer Pohjanpalo is an option for the first eleven but maybe must start from bench again. Also defender Soares is only on bench after some vacation days at the weekend. He lost his place to youngster Tah who made a good game and replace Soares again.

SV Darmstadt 98 - FSV Frankfurt

A long time since both teams meets each other for a league match. In Season 2003/04 both teams won their home matches with 1-0 but it is already 10 years ago. Of course Darmstadt would be very pleased with a narrow 1-0 win today. With this win they can remain on top and make the distance to the bottom places bigger what is important for them to avoid relegation in the end what is their prime goal. The euphoria is very high in Darmstadt and they could sell already over 10.000 tickets for this game. On FSV side the moral is down after the harsh 1-5 defeat to Bochum at home at the weekend. If they lose this match again it is more as possible that they fall down to the bottom, they are already in danger zone with only 4 Points on their side.

Additional to these bad run they have not many alternatives left above all in offense they miss a lot. They can count on new signing Aouida at least after winter break, also MID Yelen is out for some weeks and on Monday gets Roshi ill. He is a big doubt here anyway. For this reason Roshi moves into the starting lineup and plays on left wing while Grifo plays on the right. A big question mark is behind the central part in defense, according to the less alternatives. Oumari played there after long injury time against Bochum but he was far away from good and needs some time to get in the rhythm. The only good and possible option is Beugelsdijk and Balitsch who played together 3 matches and FSV conceded only 1 goal in these games. But they have to look that they can control top striker Stroh-Engel and he is always good for goals and he is very tall what speaks against the duo. Therefore it is more as open what Coach Möhlmann decides.

The “Lilien” Coach Schuster can not criticism his team much as they invest all and did all what they are able to bring but in the end they lost 0-2 to Braunschweig. It was a big fight with a lot of action but on this day they were not able to score and therefore it was not possible to get anything there. At home today they want to give an answer to the last defeat and continue the way from last matches, they are 3-0-0 and 5-0 goals in their own stadium. The same eleven are ready, only Behrens is a big doubt after his knock out against Braunschweig with a head injury. For him Jungwirth is an option and maybe starts today. All in all Schuster expect a close and hard match, a typical Derby even.  

Greuther Fürth - VfR Aalen

Last Saturday Fürth celebrated an important 2-1 win against Kaiserslautern what was very important to hold the contact to the top. They are coming from behind and managed the third win in their third game at home. Of course they want to continue this run while Aalen is more and more in downtrend. They were not able to win a single game from the last 4 and they got only 1 Point out of these matches. It is clear that they want to stop the downtrend but it is a high hurdle today.

A big surprise happened before the game against Kaiserslautern, where Coach Kramer let Schröck play on the left wing instead of the right. It is more as possible that this lineup is the same as on Saturday. Both Pledl and Schröck did their jobs and why should Coach Kramer change then. Despite the slight injury from striker Przybylko is he set to play today. Although Zulj is near the starting lineup and can hope that he is sooner or later an option for Coach Kramer in starting lineup. He has some arguments on his side and in the near future he is the man.

After the not expected 0-1 lose at home to Sandhausen Aalen travels to Fürth with some pressure already. But Coach Ruthenbeck has not a lot of personal to choose and therefore no alternatives at the moment. According to him has the second row not enough power and also less motivation to bring them in the right positon to play from beginning on. Nevertheless one or two changes are possible. With Junglas and Klauß some candidates are there to replace players like Ludwig who was a big disappointment on the wing against Sandhausen. Also the late signing Gjasula should be an option for the starting eleven to bring a bit more creativity and more idea in the midfield play and create more opportunities to score.

For me the situation is clear and the favorite Fürth should be a big hurdle for Aalen. They are normally a hard side to play but lost a bit their style of play in the past matches and the self confidence and motivation is missed there anyway. Fürth at home always good should be able to win this encounter.       

PICK: Greuther Fürth -1 @ 1,85  3 Units

FC St. Pauli - Eintracht Braunschweig

Both teams had not the best start and have after six Rounds a lot to improve. Above all St. Pauli is far away from their goal and two defeats in a row with new Coach Meggle put them down to bottom zone. But this is not only due to their bad performances, this is also their bad luck with injuries. They miss a lot of players, also today around six. On the other side Braunschweig is doing better after two defeats in a row and won against strong newcomer Darmstadt 2-0. But at home they are stronger anyway as away from home, therefore it will be interesting how they are coming into the match today. With the win they have some distance to the red zone now and can look forward. After the match vs. Darmstadt said Coach Lieberknecht that he is very pleased with the performance and this can give some self confidence for his players and the upcoming matches. Now they must get some stability in their play and looking forward to climb up in the table.

According to the last match can Coach Lieberknecht trust his defensive line because they allowed not much against Darmstadt what makes him very confident for today. The team mates saw this too and they are happy with the uptrend now. If we play this way, we can beat every opponent was the statement. The defensive line is the same as against Darmstadt while in midfield can be one change. Pfitzner was not the best in last match and was replaced by Vrancic at half time. This can be the same from beginning on today.

The problems for the home team are much bigger, they fall down to bottom zone after the huge 0-3 defeat against bottom team from Aue. One day later some of the injured players like Kalla and Alushi was on the pitch for the training session and can be in squad today. But the list of injured players is long, they miss with MID Buchtmann, DEF Schachten, MID Nehrig for sure a few while Gonther is a doubt and also second keeper Himmelmann. This means that Coach Meggle miss in all parts of the team players what makes it difficult for alternatives. He is on the tribune again after his suspension and can not help the team on the line anyway. Nevertheless they have to improve a lot but they are  looking forward and try their best. They are positive not negative and this is a good sign.

I think the hot atmosphere and the great fans will push Pauli today and the absent players are not so important if they play like a team and put all in what they have available. If they can beat a big fight what is possible above all at home in their stadium I am sure that they do not lose this encounter and the line is very good in my eyes also odds.

PICK: FC St. Pauli DNB @ 2,06 3 Units

Karlsruher SC - 1.FC Nürnberg

It is all well in Karlsruhe, they started very good and collected many points in the first five Rounds what put them near the top. Additional they are on a good run where they are unbeaten in all but one thing is a little bit annoying. They are winless at home so far and they were not able to score more as a single goal, this goal came from a Penalty. Therefore they have to improve a lot at home and this is the case why they are not absolutely on top. Maybe it is hard for them to play against defensive minded teams or teams who has the focus more on defensive. On the road they can play their style with their counter attacks and a lot of space anyway. Today, against an old rival they get maybe some space although Nürnberg should be warned and put the focus on their defensive. According to their performances they are not on a good run and they started awful. With two wins and 3 defeats out of the first five Rounds it is not the expected outcome. The pressure on Coach and Team is getting bigger and bigger and they have to show some reaction here. Maybe a good sign should be the last road match in Berlin where they won 4-0 to Union. If they can return to this style of play they can get here for sure something. Also they have to work hard on their offensive play as it was seen a lot that they were not able to create or get as dangerous as they should to finish they attacks. It was to harmless till now and the whole team must be more active.

After the harsh defeat against Düsseldorf on monday they are back on ground. Maybe this let them work harder and Coach Ismael said already that he does not know if he change the starting lineup or give all a chance from beginning on again. But he said also that he sees a lot of alternatives at the moment. But overall I see more a head problem and the pressure on the players are to big from outside. Additional some of the players put to many pressure on herself what is not so much beneficial for their performance. In this case he must trust his team and trust the players. This statement said all, if he said such he can not change much.

Home Coach Kauczinski does not want to change his team as well, maybe in some part a big but not much. He has almost all available and the rivalry is very big in training sessions. In central back the duo Gulde / Gordon plays for sure as with Mauersberger is the third defender not ready after his hand operation. One option more is Krebs who is back after his eye problems but he is in training since friday and this allow Kauczinski to take him into the squad for the match today.

FSV Mainz 05 - Borussia Dortmund

Stats:

- The last 6 matches between these two sides were all won from Dortmund.
- Mainz could only get 1 Point from the last 8 matches vs. BvB.
- The last win was 2010 with 1-0.
- Also the last 4 home matches were all lost and they conceded always minimum 2 goals.
- But Mainz has a strong record in the past, they are 7-3-1 at home at the moment.
- They won 5 from the last 6 home games and were hard to play in their stadium recently.
- From the last 7 road matches collected BvB 19 from 21 possible Points.
- New striker Ramos played only 92 minutes for BvB but scored two goals and gave on assist.
- Only one time scored Mainz more as one goal against BvB in 16 attempts.
- Both teams miss a few players, also the CL match can be a disadvantage for Dortmund.

Normally this is a clear one for Dortmund but Mainz is hard to play at the moment although the new Coach needs some time to get his tactic and system in all his players head. They are doing good so far and they strength the team excellent after the EL knock out. With Hofmann, Wollscheid, Allagui and two others came a lot of potential in their squad. On the other side is Dortmund one of the big Titel candidates and they have on all positions good players. They look much better prepared as last season if some players are not available. This time they can replace all very easy and the style of play is very good. The CL match against Arsenal showed a lot what is Dortmund able to bring on the pitch this season.

1.BL Saturday afternoon !!

Hamburger SV - Bayern München

- Bayern played 98 times vs. HSV, scored 216 goals and won 58 of the games.
- All the last 5 matches were lost from HSV and they conceded 24 and scored only 4.
- The last win was at September 2009 1-0 since then in 10 games 0-2-8.
- HSV was not able to get much in the past, only 1 from 24 possible Points.
- All last 3 home games were lost with at least 3 goals margin or higher.
- From 37 road games lost Bayern Munich only one, they are 31-5-1 right now.
- HSV waiting since 11 games for a win, they are 0-4-7 in this period.
- If HSV could score only 1 as sometimes in the past against Bayern, it is hard to win.
- Bayern lead in all their matches this season with 1-0 at half time.
- Hamburg was not able to score a single goal in the first three league matches.
- They fired Coach Slomka under the week and have newcomer Zinnbauer on the bench today.

After a very bad period with Coach Slomka on the bench they decide to give a new guy the chance with Joe Zinnbauer. He comes from the U23 from Hamburg where he had a lot of success in the first 8 matches, all won. All hope that he can give the team a new structure now and lead them to better times but he gets not the most easy start today with giant Bayern Munich. Of course, no one expect here something from them and this can be a big plus anyway. Bayern coming from a CL win to ManCity and is maybe not so focused as under the week. Also a lot of players are not available today and Coach Guardiola must find the right mix. Although without Ribery or Robben Bayern did much more hard in recent games I mean. So it is up to Götze, Shakiri to show that they are worth to play for Bayern. Both must go the next step in the upcoming weeks.



FC Schalke 04 - Eintracht Frankfurt

- Frankfurt won only 1 of the last 16 matches against Schalke (1-5-10).
- Schalke won 10 of their last 13 BL home games (10-2-1).
- Frankfurt allow a lot of shots on target what makes it more easy for the opponents to score.
- Since 1999 (3-2 win for Frankfurt), they are winless there (0-4-7).
- Schalke scored in all their BL matches this season, but always 1, to less for a win.
- Frankfurt did also very hard to score, they managed some Points with 1-0 and 2-2.
- Eintracht won only 1 of their last 8 matches, this was some weeks ago (Freiburg 1-0).
- Both teams with a lot of missing players today.

Disappointing start for Schalke but they had this already last season and they end up third. The CL match maybe give some boost for them now. No one was expecting that they get a draw in London and this was maybe a key factor for the next weeks. Coach Keller can work a bit more relaxed but if he fail again today the same old problems returns about him. The self confidence is there now and the motivation as well. On the other side Frankfurt has not found the right mix and they do hard above all in front of the goal although some good players in their rows. Also the rumors because Meier sit only on bench in the past matches and this is not what the fans like because he is the hero for them in Frankfurt and they call im "Fussballgott".

Greuther Fürth - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

This is a match with huge potential above all both teams are named as promotion candidates before the season. In this case both are contenders and both had a good start and showed this already in some matches. Of course, it should have been a bit better for Fürth because of the last two away defeats they are only on a midfield position now. After the disappointing match in Sandhausen they should try to put all their focus into this important home game and try to put things around. It is not an easy task for them anyway but they are capable to do the job. On the other side it is a big difference to last season's start from FCK. This time they started really well and are unbeaten so far. They are with 11 Points at the top of the table with a few other teams and they can continue their run today. Maybe it is not an easy one as all their last opponents were from second half of the table and this time they get a much better team which will be the first big test for this season. Now they can show that they are one of the teams who can fight for promotion.

According to last match Coach Kramer was not very pleased with his team because they lost 0-1 there but had some good opportunities for more above all before the 0-1 they missed a penalty. If they used this shot they should have been up and maybe this match end up with a much more positive result for them. But nevertheless they have to learn form such matches and it was seen that they are not able to break though a defensive minded team. This time with FCK they have much more space because FCK try to play forward too. Despite the match in Sandhausen Coach Kramer must change anyway because Trinks got injured and is not available today. Zulj can be an alternative there but maybe he changes some positions in team. Therefore Weilandt move to the middle and Pledl plays on the wing. Important Schröck has some knee problems and was  a doubt under the week but he should be ready and in this case no more changes expected.

Last season FCK talk more offensive from promotion but failed big and this season they are looking only from match to match or go step by step and this was the better choice so far. They are on a good way but this is the first big test. Coach Runjaic count on the same starting eleven as last weekend because the only alternative who was close to the starting lineup was Younes but he is out with injury anyway. In midfield plays Gaus on the wing, zentral offensive Demirbay who has won the fight against Kevin Stöger on this position while Jenssen is expected on the other wing. Very interesting should be if the young defensive line with Zimmer, Orban, Heintz and Löwe can hold the pressure away. In the last matches they did a great job and helped the team much.

Eintracht Braunschweig - SV Darmstadt 98

Before the season it was clear for what both teams play but after a few rounds it is different now. Ok, Braunschweig started well with 4 Points out of the first two matches but failed in the upcoming three matches and fall down huge in table. This means that they are on a huge losing streak now and they have to turn things around today. On the other side Darmstadt was surprisingly promoted and all talk that they will have huge problems in 2.Bundesliga but they continue their run and are unbeaten in all their starts now. They are riding the wave of success at the moment but sooner or later they will come to an end. After 5 Rounds they collected 11 Points and standing on third place even with the top two.

Despite the bad run, Coach Lieberknecht is very pleased with his team and trusts them as he said that the way is positive and they will for sure have success in the future. Nevertheless some changes will be done today anyway. According to the 1-3 in Leipzig Hedenstad is back from injury and replace Kessel on the back wing while Correia and Decarli playing in the middle of the defensive line. Also some system changes can be made because at last they played 4-4-2 but move back to 4-1-4-1 probably. This means that on the sixer position plays only Theurkauf behind the two offensive players Kruppke and Nielsen. On the offensive wings Coach Lieberknecht is searching for the right players as he has not found the right mix there so far. It is possible that Boland and Korte can show their skills once again today. Up front it is possible that Ademi gets a chance after his good play in the second half in Leipzig. But also a few other guys are possible on this position.

High flying Darmstadt is riding the wave of success as I wrote already and why should Coach Schuster change his winning starting lineup after last weekend. He said already under the week if all players are ready it is more as possible that the same lineup starts as in the past. A big surprise was the return of captain Sulu in short time after his face injury. He will play again in the middle beside Bregerie and build up a strong part again. The “Lilien” are hard to break and this was a big plus this season so far.  

1.FC Nürnberg - Fortuna Düsseldorf

Important match between to ambitious teams. Nürnberg after a weak start showed that they can much better and they won deserved in Berlin by Union 4-0. This was maybe a good sign for them above all against home strong Union and the new players were all involved. Now, they are dreaming for better times and hope that they can go the next step and come closer to the top. But this is not as easy because with Düsseldorf comes a team who looked strong too in the last match after also a weak start. So it is very exciting to see which team can walk on and close the gap.

Although FCN won 4-0 by Union Coach Ismael wants to change on some positions. First one is in goal where he returns to the number one Schäfer who is back after his injury and replace Rakovsky there. Also veteran and captain Polak is back and ready after his broken rib. He is normal a player for the central midfield but Ismael do not want to change there as Mössmer did a great job in Berlin. Therefore it is only one position where he can play and this is on the wing what means that young talent Schöpf must on bench. If Polak can play this position like Schöpf is a doubt, above all he is no sprinter and also more a creative player as a winger. The system will be the same 4-3-3 as in Berlin and no more changes as the two mentioned above. A lot depends on Cadeias and Gebhardt, both had a great day in Berlin and they need it today again if they want to bring its team forward.

After a bad start Düsseldorf showed their strength in Aue before the break. Of course they hope that they can continue this way and close the gap to the top. It speaks a lot that Coach Reck counts on the same starting lineup which was already successful in Aue. The only change can be maybe in the defensive line where new signing Tah from HSV can replace Soares. But this not confirmed yet and we have to wait what Reck decides. It is true that Düsseldorf has more success on the road at the moment because with all their quick offensive players above all Hoffer, Bolly and Benshop they like to play on counter. This means that they let the home side the game control and hope that they get a lot of space for their fast actions.

It is very hard to make a prediction here but I am not sure about Nürnberg and their defensive line, they can get trouble with the quick players from Fortuna. If I have to favor I put my cents on Fortuna with the HC on its side.

FC St. Pauli - TSV 1860 München

Here meet two teams each other who had a very bad start into the season and no one has expected this but things are going not their way at the moment by both. Although St. Pauli could collect 4 Points so far the management was not very pleased about and their reaction was to suck Coach Vrabec. Therefore St. Pauli want to start absolutely new today with a new Coach on bench. Ok, Meggle is known in Pauli as he was a former player and he was very popular by fans. Maybe this can help him here a bit but if success arrive not soon he is the first person who must go again. On the other side 1860 is winless this season and they have only 2 points on their side although they spoke from promotion aim. This was maybe a bit to much and the steps to this are to big for the team from Munich at them moment. They do very hard in the past, create less, playing slow and have a shake defensive line. If Coach Moniz does not find the right balance today and the next defeat happens, it is is obvious that he is the next one who is fired.

New man on the bench Meggle came from the U23 team and he knows all at the Pauli. The experience is on his side as well as he knows the mentality and all the things in and around St. Pauli. But his debut is not an easy one, first with a hard opponent who comes winless and also he has to replace some missing players above all in defensive he must change or think how he can build up the right balance there with the players he has available. With Sobiech, Schachten, Halstenberg, Nehrig and Gonther he miss a lot for this part. This is almost the whole defensive line who starts normally. He can count now on Kalla, Thorandt, Ziereis and Buballa for defensive line today. Not many alternatives left but behind Ziereis and Kalla was a small question mark on saturday afternoon. In central midfield he count on Alushi and Buchtmann, both should try to get more idea in their offensive play and give the defensive line more stability. In offensive it should be all the same as in the past, Budimir and Nöthe up front while Rzatkowski plays on the wing and on the other side Görlitz and Maier fight for the last place in starting lineup but both could not convince this season so far. But it is also clear that they got an additional boost with the new coach, therefore all is possible now.

After a disappointing start from 1860 Coach Moniz has not many chances left and he must deliver results now. He was thinking a lot and at the national break he try to find some way to get more stability in his team and also some more offensive creativity. In the first matches they practice with 4-3-3 but now he wants to chance to a more compact system 4-4-2. He trained it already in the break and this can be that they use it the first time today. But this is not the only change, also personal wise he try to find the right mix. Therefore he change back to the old defensive line from last season with Volz and Wojtkowiak on the wings and central Bülow and Schindler while Kagelmacher who was very weak in all his matches and maybe key in defensive for all the bad actions is on bench today. Up front they are playing almost the same as in the past. Wings with Sanchez and Bedia, central Stark and on 10 Leonardo while Okotie and Rodri is expected as striker duo.

Bor. M'Gladbach - FC Schalke 04

Stats:

- In Gladbach lost S05 six of their last seven matches (1 win).
- Gladbach did not lose one of their first five matches of the season, S04 after 3 winless.
- Hrgota has already 7 goals scored this season but in league he is waiting since 25 matches.
- In the category shots on target has Schalke almost the lowest number with 20 after 2 matches.
- 25 home wins celebrated Gladbach against S04 so far, only against Bremen (26.) they have more.


Difficult match above all for Schalke and they Coach Keller who stands already in the focus of some media to be the coach who must go. He made a really good job last season but this is gone and it counts only now and the start was not in his favor although they got a point against Bayern Munich. Only success counts at Schalke and this is far away above all the team is to harmless and looks more and more that they have a lot of problems if some players have not their form or are not available due to injury.

Gladbach on the other side did the job in EL qualiy, in BL they are more or less on track with only two draws. The team have much more strength above all the offensive is great but they need maybe some time to come on rolling in BL too. Defensive normal stable as always under Favre because he counts more on a defensive style as on offensive.

I expect a close match here with big fight from both teams. They are two top teams in the league and this can be very exciting to watch what they have all in their tanks.

Bayern München - VfB Stuttgart

Next show down in Munich. Can Bayern walk on or have the World Cup cost to much power for their players? They started good with 2-1 against Wolfsburg but it was seen that they are not ahead of their fitness in both matches against Wolfsburg and Schalke have they a lot of problems after the 60. minute. Maybe they have training some fitness but was it possible? Many national players was again on a trip with their teams and they have not many players left in training, only youngsters. On the other side Stuttgart coming to Munich with a bad start and they have to play for nothing here, they talked that this is a bonus match for them. They have to collect points against other teams. Ok, they take a lot of pressure from their players here but on the other side they give a lot of range for excuses. Why should I invest all, if this is only a bonus. Maybe players think so. Coach Veh said it already, we play very good but only from box to box and nothing more, in the box we are harmless and we are not able to create a lot of chances. This is far to less if you want to win matches or compete with other teams in BL. Of course they work on it but this is not done in one week and it is the same scenario with the fitness from Bayern. Both teams with a lot of problems right now but the much more experience from Bayern can help here and also if some players return today like Ribery or Robben who can make the difference.

Some Stats:

- Bayern Munich won the last 11 matches against Stuttgart and scored 33 goals.
- The last win against Munich was on 27.03.2010 for Stuttgart.
- Both matches last season was decided in the last seconds (2-1 from Thiago 93. / 1-0 Pizzaro 90.).
- Since 11 matches is Stuttgart winless on the road, this is almost the longest run beside HSV 12.
- Stuttgart collected only 4 Points in this period.
- If Bayern Munich plays on Saturday 15:30 o'clock at home they are unbeaten in 41 matches now.
- In this period they got 121 from 123 possible points (home).
- One weak statistic for Bayern they could only keep a clean sheet one time in the last 11 at home.


GL

RB Leipzig - Eintracht Braunschweig

Important match between two teams which was far away from each other last season. RB Leipzig played in 3rd league but made the promotion step while Eintracht Braunschweig played 1.Bundesliga but had a hard and awful season and therefore at the end they were relegated. Both started very well, RB with 8 Points out of 4 matches as newcomer is very good and they kept in all their matches a clean sheet. On the other side Braunschweig did also well and they got 4 Points from the first two matches but failed in the following matches against Kaiserlsautern and Bochum. If they do not want to fall behind huge they have to return on the winning side today but first of all they have to break through this good defensive wall from Leipzig. Also a huge crowd is expected with over 20.000 fans.

We had a national break and normally all the injured players have time to return easy in this period but at Leipzig it is much more different. They got a lot of injured players more and therefore Coach Zorniger can not choose from all. Of course sure out because of long term injury are Coltorti, Franke, Ernst and Boyd. Fresh injured are Hoheneder, U19 national player Klostermann and due to red card suspended from last match in Frankfurt is Fandrich.  More as a doubt is Rebic who was on a good way but a lot of problems has arrived during the last trainings week again. Also doubtful are Kimmich, Khedira, Frahn, Kaisers and Heidinger but it is more as possible that these guys stands on the pitch today. According to all this news maybe some changes are possible but it looks like that these are only 2-3. All other guys are ready and the squad is big enough to replace one or two. Important striker Poulsen is back and this is a big plus for RBL. He is one of the best striker in 2.Bundesliga although he is still very young.

After the home defeat to Bochum 1-2 Coach Lieberknecht has a lot of work to do and he tried to find the right mix for this match as he wants to chance some positions. He was not very pleased with some players above all after the Bochum match. He is thinking about a new central back with Decarli and Correia because both are very fast and this means that old veteran Dogan is out of the starting lineup. With this new guys Lieberknecht hopes for more stability in defensive line and maybe a more faster play forward. Also Vrancic was weak against Bochum, this can move him back on bench while Boland move to the middle beside Theuerkauf. Therefore we have one open position on the left wing who can be played from Zuck here. On the other side Ryu is an alternative to Korte. In offensive they have four weapons with Kruppke, Nielsen, Ademi and Bakenga. Normally the first two guys are set to play as in the past but in the national break the others are making a lot of pressure with some need training sessions and also some goals in friendlies. So this position is more open as in the past.

Greuther Fürth - FC St. Pauli

This is the last match for 2.Bundesliga before we are going into a two weeks break. After the last defeat in Ingolstadt Greuther Fürth are looking to get back on track today. It is very important to go into the break with a good feeling and therefore a win should help. On the other side St. Pauli celebrated a win against Sandhausen with a late winning goal which let them dream for more. But if they do not want that their Coach Vrabec is getting in trouble again, they must try to continue the winning way.

  

After the last match it looks like that Coach Kramer changes a bit but nevertheless he wants to let almost all the same as he said that the performances before this defeat was good. They signed some new players like Rojas from Stuttgart who comes on loan and also Marco Caligiuri is back in Fürth. According to the last performance is it a big doubt that Tom Weilandt gets a chance again today, it is more that new signing Rojas plays for him while the second new guy Caligiuri is not option for today’s game. Additional if Schröck must pass again the first alternative should be Pledl. He played already last match in Ingolstadt, therefore no problem so far.

We have almost the same situation for St. Pauli, Coach Vrabec counts on the same lineup as in the past only new signing Alushi who came from Kaiserslautern can be in the starting lineup immediately. He should be one of the key players in midfield in the future. In this case Kalla is out of the team and on bench. Alushi plays beside Buchtmann in central midfield and should help to be more creative and bring some idea in St. Pauli’s offensive play. It is not out of youngster Maier starts again today after his disappointing performance last weekend, his replacement can be Görlitz but he is also far away from the form he had last season by FSV Frankfurt.

Close match but I see some advantage for the home side maybe.