1.FC Nürnberg - RB Leipzig

Both teams showed their strength this Season already although both had some problems to begin. But match after match they were able to bring more more stability in their play and results as well. Both are one of the better playing sides in this 2.Bundesliga and showed this in the first meeting between them already. Of course it was a big advantage for Leipzig that Nürnberg got a player sent off early in the match and they could scored 3 times while Nürnberg was very close for a big comeback but in the end they managed only a 2-3 lose. This time they want more and with a win they can bring Leipzig in danger and huge pressure as well as with 53 Points they can be very close to the leader Leipzig 56 then. The last lost game for Nürnberg who are unbeaten in 16 was against Leipzig.

The "Club" is one of the strongest home teams in the league and has not lost a single match at home. They are running from success to success there and won 4 of the last 5 matches. Of course some of them were a big luck like Fürth and Kaiserslautern due to late goals but nevertheless only the result count. This is one of the biggest reason why they are close to promote, the home power. Also the offensive is one of the best and with Burgstaller and Füllkrug they have two guys under the top 10 Goalgetter in their rows.
But it is not all well in Nürnberg above all after the training accident from youngster Erras. This guy was something like a mascot because since he stands in the starting lineup they never lost a game this Season. With him the great run began. But after his big knee injury under the week he will be out for the rest of the Season. A big blow for Coach Weiler and the team as well but he must find the right replacement for this excellent guy. Many expect Petrak beside Behrens in midfield while veteran Polak sit on bench again. In central back they have to replace Bulthuis suspended, the first alternative can be Hovland here.

This is one of the most important games in club history for Leipzig. They lead the league with 6 Points against Nürnberg and with a win they can open the gap to 9 Points what is almost impossible to bring them in danger then. This can be a big step to get promoted and arrive where they always want to be in 1.Bundesliga. The motivation should be very high and the self confidence is there anyway.
It looks all so good but they have a lot of problems fighting with illness under the week. A lot of players including the Coach were ill. All players like Gulasci, Poulsen, Selke, Kaiser were all not able to train. If Gulasci can not start Coltorti is back from injury and can return into the goal immediatley so on this position not a problem at all. Also the ill players from last week Halstenberg, Ilsanker and Sabitzer should be in starting lineup immediately again. For them must on bench Quaschner, Nukan and Demme who is suspended anyway. The most important thing is if Kaiser, Poulsen and Selke are not ready for RB it can be hard because all three are in good form above all Kaisers and Poulsen.

Union Berlin - Eintracht Braunschweig

Both teams were named as promotion candidates before the Season but the truth is much different right now. Union was able to collect a few Points lately what put them away from drop zone with 33 Points actually. On the other side Braunschweig were not able to get much in 2016 and this is a big  isappointment for them right now. They are suffering a lot and are not pleased with their current form anyway. The mood is not the best according to the latest results additionally. 8 Rounds before the end the Season is almost gone for both despite they need still some Points to be absolutely safe.
It is absolutely to see that Union has a lot of problems to bring stability in their performances. From week to week are absolutely unstable. Good home games followed weak away performances.

It was the same last weekend where they lost to bottom team MSV 1-2 despite leading for long time. If they had much more stability the outcome should have been much better but this was even
not the case. The most problem of this can be the huge injury problems they faced and face at the moment. Although some of the players are back they miss again 6 players with Thiel, Schönheim,
Kroos, Korte, Szkrybski all injured while Parensen is suspended for today’s match.
Interim Coach Hofschneider was away under the week and Bönig managed the training sessions. Nevertheless they have to build a new central back again. But with Leistner and Zejnullahu are two
players back again. Both can be in the starting lineup immediately and help to bring some stability in their defensive play. If Quiring can start is very open because he has some muscle problems to
begin of the week and trained not much. Therefore an alternative is maybe needed.

A lot of trouble and rumors in Braunschweig according too less success after the winter break and also the not done new signings from Manager Arnold. Of course both Coach Lieberknecht and
Arnold are still safe but most of the fans are not very pleased with the work from both. To get more peace the team must get back on track and deliver results what should be very important to get
a better mood and more self confidence for the last matches. Very important can be the first win 2016 but with what personal it is more as open. A lot of changes can be possible compared to the last
game anyway. Against Fürth Lieberknecht changed 6 times what is possible again today. Some of the players are doubtful and some were moved from squad last time, if they return this time is more
as open. So it is very interesting to see on which players he counts this time.

Karlsruher SC - FC Heidenheim

This is an "Baden-Württemberg" Derby where both teams are not far from each other. This derby is not a traditional one as it is not such old with only 5 matches played between these two clubs according to their different club history. KSC could win 2 of these matches while Heidenheim is winless but was able to draw 3 times. Both teams are neighbors in table and both are almost safe. The team from KSC was expecting much more after the winter break but it was not able to close the gap to the top, no they lost more. On the other side Heidenheim is very proud that they play such a good Season and can come to Karlsruhe very relaxed after successful weeks lately.

KSC won 1-0 last weekend but this was not enough to close the gap to the top teams according to their weak outcome with only 9 Points from 6 matches. The main fact that they can not climb up in table was the weak home outcome with only 3 draws against FSV Frankfurt, Braunschweig and Paderborn. They are winless since Round 18 at home but the motivation is not the same as they play for nothing at the moment and stand only in the midfield of the table. It is sure that Kauczinski leaves the club at the end of the Season and his replacement signed a contract this week. They are counting on Thomas Oral who is head coach at FSV Frankfurt at the moment but comes to the next Season.
Before the game against Düsseldorf Kauczinski changed his team 3 times but this time he may count on the same lineup as in last game where they could convince and win anyway. The only problem for them is Sallihi who is doubtful for the game and if he can not start the replacements are Nazarov or Gouaida while quick midfield player Torres miss again. Torres is with 4 goals and 6 assist on of the best offensive player in team from KSC. No one of the team mates has more assists and only Diamantakos scored more with 5.

After winning two times at home in a row after having a very long run without a win they are back on track there. On the road they were unbeaten in 7 of their last 8 games. Only the last game in Leipzig they lost with 1-3 because of only of the huge offensive power form RBL. They are aiming to start a new streak on the road now. According to lastest news and also to the last game there are no changes expected because of the good game and win against St. Pauli 2-0. They have only one guy out injured anyway therefore Coach Schmidt can choose from a lot but he count on a good balanced eleven again. Some options are there with Theuerkauf instead of Titsch-Rivero in midfield or in attack where Morabit and Thomalla harmonized very well against St. Pauli. But also Finne made some self advertising with his goal after he came in. In attack is also Leipertz an option but he can play also on the wing as well. Leipertz (8 goals / 7 assists) and Schnatterer (5 goals / 6 assists) are the most dangerous players from Heidenheim. Both are able to decide a match for them but also Morabit is with his 4 goals an important factor in offensive.

This match can be a very close one but according to the big problems form KSC if they play at home and they do not like to control the game or make the game. They prefer the same style as Heidenheim and this is playing from a compact defense and go for fast counter attacks. This can be key for Heidenheim if KSC opens more and more. Also the motivation should be on Heidenheim's side, they are doing well have a good run and are aiming for more. They know that they play to avoid relegation but his is done already and they can look forward to have one of the best Seasons ever in their 2.BL history. KSC suffers more and more from the lost relegation battle to Hamburg last Season and they are not able to come out from their bad mood.

PICK: FC Heidenheim AHC +0,25 @ 2,01 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

1899 Hoffenheim - VfL Wolfsburg

After newcomer Nagelsmann took over in Hoffenheim the team is much more flexible and have a lot of options more. The youngster is a tactical fox and he knows how to play the only problem
his idea are not always realizable for the players on the pitch. But overall they have a much better play as to former Coaches like Gisdol and Stevens. They are a offensive minded team and under
Nagelsmann they were always able to score but on the other side they concede in all games as well. Despite this he does not want to change anything. He works on some more tactical options and
that his team is getting more clinical in front of the goal.

VW-Town is coming to Sinsheim with some success in their bag, they won the important encounter to Gladbach 2-1 and also the CL game against Gent 1-0. This maybe give them a lot of self onfidence back for the upcoming weeks and the fight for an international spot. At the moment they are a bit behind but with a win here they can bring them in a better position maybe. And additional hold the pressure on the teams above high. Although they had a lot of problems on the road they were able to overcome Hannover 4-0 at least. Against the next bottom team they hope to do the same but they know also that they face a much better opponent here. For this reason they have to bring all their power on the pitch to get the job done. With Draxler, Schürrle and Kruse they have 3 players up
front which all showed an uptrend in their form what can help to replace important long term injured key striker Dost.

We have two teams here which have to play for a lot, 1899 against relegation Wolfsburg for an international spot. Both teams have their strength more in offense as in defensive therefore we are very sure for goals here. Both offensive lines are able to score above all with such a big potential both have in their rows while both defensive lines are always able to produce mistakes. The goal line should be a good choice here.

PICK: OVER 3 @ 2,01 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Arminia Bielefeld - 1.FC Nürnberg

It is as always in the past weeks, Nürnberg can put some pressure on second placed team Freiburg with a win what was always possible recently. They are coming to Bielefeld with an excellent run of 15 unbeaten matches and of course they want to continue this run. The home team was almost far away from any trouble after winning 2-1 against MSV Duisburg to begin of the year but had a lot of problems to get a result lately. And after the teams behind them collecting some Points they are only 5 Points ahead of the danger zone. Both teams can not allow a gift above all Nürnberg is in a must win situation if they want to hold the pressure high while Bielefeld maybe can life with a draw here.

It was a bit disappointing for Bielefeld not to get the win in Bochum after got a doubtful penalty against them in added time. Bochum scored with this penalty the equalizer but overall the reaction from Bielefeld was there after 2 defeats in a row. Overall they can life with the result although the win has brought them in a much better position as now. One of their key players Klos was out 10 minutes before the end according to some muscle problems. He could not train to begin of the week so far but all are very positive that he can start against Nürnberg. This would be very important for the team as he can not be replaced equal.
The next not available player is Schütz who got injured against Bochum as well. He can be replaced from Behrendt who was ill last week and return this time into the squad what is a big help for Coach Meier. It is also possible that they field a complete new central midfield with Burmeister and Behrendt. This is only because of the weak performance of Junglas in Bochum and he was substitute at half time and replaced from Burmeister who made a good game then. Also new in starting lineup was Horning in central back who made a good game and is an option again. Salger move on the left wing to replace not in form Schuppan at least. This can happen again, of course.

Of course Nürnberg is still unbeaten in 2016 and won 4 of their 6 matches but they did not so well as to the end of 2015. They had some luck and a lot of problems to win the matches above all against Fürth 2-1 and Kaiserslautern 2-1 they scored very late and both maybe were not absolutely deserved. It is not understood that they walk on so easy at the moment. But overall if you win such matches it is a sign for quality and maybe the actual mentality of the team what can be a big advantage in promotion race.
One of the key facts for Nürnberg is the big injury from keeper Schäfer. He is one of the key players and stands for the good run after he returns into the goal after the weak start into the Season. Now after his big injury they must count on Rakovsky again what is not the safest. With him Nürnberg had a lot of problems last Season and to begin too. Despite the absent from Schäfer they have no real choice and must count and trust him now. This can be a big disadvantage in promotion race for Nürnberg and all hope that the old problems arrive not again.
Compared to the last game they can count on Brecko and Leibold again who both returns form suspension. This means that Coach Weiler changes maybe on two positions more but all the others remain unchanged. Additional to last match they can not count on winning goal scorer Stieber who was sent off with yellow red and is suspended here. Therefore one option less on bench for Coach Weiler.  

PICK: Arminia Bielefeld AHC +0,25 @ 1,74 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Werder Bremen - Hannover 96

After the good performance against Leverkusen 4-1 under the week, Bremen is looking for a win at home after a 9 games winless streak in the own stadium. The chance was never better at against bottom side Hannover 96. After losing 5 matches in a row at home they drew 4 times where they scored always at least 1 goal. In the last games they were able to score 2 and 3 but could not win. Maybe this win in Leverkusen gave them the needed self confidence and additional motivation to celebrate with their fans a win at home after a long time. Of course this match is much more different as against Leverkusen where they have to be the active team. This is not what Bremen like or prefer but they are able to get the job done. Some of their young players can get a boost and with inform Pizzaro it is not so impossible to beat this weak side from Hannover.

After winning in Stuttgart after a long time without a success Hannover got some hope back to get the bad situation cleared but after showing a really weak match against Wolfsburg in derby it is absolutely hopeless to give this team a real chance in relegation battle. Of course they are only 6 Points behind 16. placed Frankfurt but the other teams do not sleep as well. For the upcoming matches they need wins urgently otherwise it is impossible for them to avoid the worst case. Almost all stats speaks against them and this is what makes it so difficult for them. The new winter signings were not what they expect and they are all behind the expectations in them. The last hope was the return from midfield player Kiyotake who was involved in both goals against Stuttgart but he alone can not win matches. The form is average after long injury time but with free kicks he can make the difference.

Although Bremen has big problems at home to win matches I think this is the right opponent to the right time now. After 9 winless matches it is time for them to give their great fans some back. Against no other actual BL club has Hannover more defeats as against Bremen (28), only Gladbach (29) and Bayern (36) more. From 55 matches against Bremen could Hannover only win 12 and conceded in these matches 122 goals. Of course in the last 3 games were Hannover unbeaten (1-2-0) to Bremen but they managed never more in a row. Moreover they won only 1 of 27 BL matches in Bremen, this was 13 years ago. Last but not least, from the last 12 matches in Bremen they lost 8 and were 7 times without scoring a single goal. In this period they could score 8 goals but conceded 33!!! Time for a home win today.  

PICK: Werder Bremen AHC -0,75 @ 1,80 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Eintracht Frankfurt - FC Ingolstadt 04

The team from Frankfurt started good with a win into 2016 but in the upcoming matches they were not able to continue this and they are on a huge downtrend right now. Coach Veh wants to play am offensive style of football but the case is much different according to their weak offensive power. Most of the new signed players are not in the form to get this job done or they are maybe much too slow like Hustzi. The truth is that they have problems in all parts of their team. If the stability in defensive, the compactness in midfield or the power in attack. In the last 3 they could not score a single goal and tried only to be as compact as they can that they not concede. Two times with success but in attack was nothing which can make some hope right now. From the last 4 they scored 1 time  but they conceded 5 in these 4. In front of this important game for Frankfurt it is not the best situation there. Coach Veh has to find the right balance for his team between defensive and offensive but he can not count on important players like wing Aigner suspended and up front striker Meier who is key for this team with his goals.

The newcomer from Ingolstadt plays a really great Season and know one has expect such a great one. They are doing very well and they are also very hard to play. The system from Coach Hasenhüttl is working very well. They defend very compact and allow not much and on the other side they are really dangerous with their fast offensive players. Also with the free kicks and corners they can score as they have some tall and quick players in their rows. They have no stars, only the team is important and stand on first step what exactly bring this great success. Their aim is to avoid relegation and with 31 on their side it is not far away that they manage this goal very early in the Season. For today they have not the biggest problems and can count on the same lineup as in the past.

A very important match for the home side but in the actual form it is hard to see them winning against a very solid and compact playing team from Ingolstadt. Frankfurt is not in the position that they can score a lot right now, no they are in deep crisis and against a team who knows to defend it would be hard. Also they are maybe not a team who loves to make the game what they must do today as Ingolstadt plays on counter for sure. If they must open more and more it can be that they get the logical bill. Additional was seen in the last home games that most of the Frankfurt players have a lot of fear to make some mistakes, this is a real sign for no self confidence.

PICK: FC Ingolstadt 04 AHC +0,25 @ 1,75 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

1860 München - SV Sandhausen

After the first match day 2016 the distance between both teams was big with 16 Points but 4 Rounds later 1860 could close the gap to 9 Points and with a win today they can bring Sandhausen in danger for the last Rounds of the Season. The trend is absolutely positive for the team from Coach Möhlmann. They showed already to begin a much better style of play but had not the luck on their side but the last two against Düsseldorf 3-2 and Kaiserslautern 1-0 they had it and are unbeaten in 3 now. On the other side Sandhausen started really well and had a great first half of the Season but the last games showed a big downtrend and they were not able to get much. Only 5 Points out of the last 9 matches and this is a big disaster what should have been stopped from them. The last three are all lost.

To begin 1860 lost both matches to Nürnberg 0-1 and Union Berlin 0-3 but in both they should have got some as they showed a good performance but were not able to use some of their good opportunities they got in these matches. In the last 3 they were more clinical but had a lot of luck too. In last game they defend like hell and used the only chance they had in this game to win this match. According to the good performance it is absolutely possible that Möhlmann fields the same starting lineup again. In this case Lacazette replace injured Stahl in central midfield again. All the other positions remain unchanged also the attack with 2 strikers.

It was very important for Sandhausen that they won the first match against Paderborn this year otherwise they are already in a positon where they get some problems and the pressure on them are getting higher and higher. Nevertheless they are still in a good position and with a draw they can life of course today. It is not impossible that Coach Schwartz makes some changes according to the last matches and the weak performances. One change is possible anyway because with Klingmann saw a player the yellow red card against Nürnberg and is suspended for this game today. His replacement can be defensive Allrounder Schulz. Some good news are also there for Sandhausen as with Hübner gave one player his comeback against Nürnberg while Kosecki will return into the squad after long injury time today. Also important striker Wooten is back after gave his comeback against Nürnberg additional and he is a real option for Coach Schwartz in offensive today now. He can help to improve the offensive performance from Sandhausen immediately.