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.