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.