Greuther Fürth - SV Sandhausen

Hosts to return to winning ways with third home victory

TEAM NEWS

Greuther Furth won’t have Mathis Bolly, Nik Omladic and Sercan Sararer at their disposal.

Sandhausen will again be without Mirco Born, Rick Wulle and Korbinian Vollmann, who are all injury concerns.

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle), Sercan Sararer (unspecified), Nik Omladic (foot)

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mirco Born, Rick Wulle (both knee); Korbinian Vollmann (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Greuther Furth’s miserable season continues as the team have only collected two wins from 11 matches so far. The side are second from bottom and are looking for a way out of this disastrous situation. After losing 3-1 away at Union Berlin last weekend, they have registered the worst start to a season in the club’s history. Furth do have some talented and experienced players in their squad, but so far they have not been able to make use of their potential on the pitch.

Sandhausen have two wins in their last five league games and a journey to Greuther Furth will prove a tough test of their credentials. They drew 1-1 at home with St. Pauli last time out and remain in fifth despite a poor recent run, which consists of three matches without victory. The team have been mixed on their travels, with one win, two draws and two defeats.

Although Sandhausen are occupying a much higher position in the leagu tablee, Greuther Furth should be capable of claiming their third home win here. They have collected both their wins in front of their own supporters and this should give them additional hope. I’ll back a victory for the hosts.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – TWO

With Greuther Furth scoring just seven times in their five home games and Sandhausen netting the same amount in their five away matches, I expect a low-scoring match here. The visitors’ last three matches have all ended with exactly two goals scored in total and I would not be surprised to see the same number of goals again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Greuther Furth have played four times against Sandhausen at home in 2. Bundesliga and have managed to remain unbeaten during that time. Their record is two wins and two draws against these opponents.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Holstein Kiel

Darmstadt to stop high-flying Holstein Kiel

TEAM NEWS

Darmstadt’s Peter Niemeyer and Daniel Heuer Fernandes are the only players on their injury list.

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Christopher Lenz and Manuel Janzer while Arne Sicker will miss out again with illness.

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer (heel), Daniel Heuer Fernandes (finger)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Lenz (adductor), Manuel Janzer (Achilles), Arne Sicker (infection)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Darmstadt are coming into this top match with huge pressure on their shoulders, having failed to collect a single point in their last three matches. In these three matches they have scored only three goals but conceded an incredible eight, although their latest defeat was only a 1-0 loss at leaders Dusseldorf. This home game will be a welcome opportunity for the team to get back on track, but it will be important that they claim the three points here if they do not want to lose too much ground on the top.

Holstein Kiel’s positive play has been a surprise. Following their 2-1 success over Bielefeld at home, they are coming off four consecutive wins, scoring 13 goals and conceding five goals in these games. The team remain in second place in the 2. Bundesliga, while they boast the best goal difference at +13 and they have scored at least two goals in ten of their 11 league matches. Marvin Ducksch found the net again against Bielefeld, making it goal number nine for him this season.

Kiel are on a much better run, but unlike Darmstadt, who have a whole week to prepare for this encounter, they had a cup game in midweek and will be tired. The hosts will take advantage of this and I think they will claim victory here.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE

Both teams have been involved in plenty of goals recently and their games have produced over three goals on average this season. In fact, two of Holstein Kiel’s last four games have seen exactly three goals while the same can be said about one of Darmstadt’s last three. I expect another match with exactly three goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in the 2. Bundesliga. They last met in the third tier in 2013-14, with Darmstadt winning 2-0 away and Holstein Kiel registering a 3-1 away victory

Jahn Regensburg - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Regensburg bounce back

TEAM NEWS

Regensburg will not have Oliver Hein at their disposal.

Kaiserslautern have two players on their injury list as Kacper Przybylko and Mads Albaek remain absent.

Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein (knee)

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot), Mads Albaek (pubis)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Regensburg produced a dominant performance away from home against Aue last time out, but they were not able to win despite having a numerical advantage – and they even lost 1-0. Their third defeat in a row puts them under huge pressure against Kaiserslautern who are only three points behind them and this is in fact one of the most important games so far this season for Regensburg in front of their own fans as it will give them the opportunity to increase the gap between themselves and the drop zone. However, having won only one and lost four at home it is likely to be a difficult game for them.

Kaiserslautern already seem doomed for relegation, with only six points in 11 matches and three behind 15^th placed Regensburg. Away from home, Kaiserslautern have lost five and drawn one of their six games. Their hope against Regensburg relies on the fact that their only draw came in their last game on their travels against St. Pauli. Yet, they have been pretty dull and lost 1-0 at home against Duisburg last time out.

Regensburg were unlucky last time out and it will be the perfect time for them to bounce back. I think they will claim a home win against bottom side Kaiserslautern.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – TWO

Both teams have found it difficult to find the net in the previous games, with Regensburg and Kaiserslautern only scoring six goals between them in the last five matches. With both sides having a lot of problems in attack and their games averaging a goal total of just over two this season, I expect a low-scoring match here with exactly two goals scored.

HEAD TO HEAD

Regensburg have played only once at home against Kaiserslautern in the 2. Bundesliga in an entertaining game which they lost 3-1 in 2013.

FC St. Pauli - Erzgebirge Aue

St. Pauli to end negative trend at home

TEAM NEWS

St. Pauli will again be without the long-term injured Ryo Miyaichi, Marc Hornschuh and Philipp Ziereis while Enver Cenk Sahin and Richard Neudecker will be unavailable too.

Aue are without long-term absentee Nicky Adler and Clemens Fandrich while Dimitrij Nazarov saw a red card against Regensburg and is suspended for three games.

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ryo Miyaichi (knee), Philipp Ziereis (muscle), Marc Hornschuh (back), Enver Cenk Sahin (knee), Richard Neudecker (unspecified)

Aue

Suspended: Dimitrij Nazarov

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicky Adler (adductor), Clemens Fandrich (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Sixth placed St. Pauli took part in an uneventful 1-1 draw against Sandhausen on Monday. Following that result, the team remain unbeaten in their last three matches, but their three-game winning streak away from home has come to an end. At home, they have not impressed recently, losing two and drawing one of their last three. Aue will be considered difficult opponents, especially given the fact that St. Pauli have not managed to win any of their last five encounters with them.

Aue were lucky enough to find a single goal against 15^th placed Regensburg during their 1-0 home win on Sunday. They were poor and almost ended up with a draw after Dimitrij Nazarov was sent off early in the game. Sitting in eighth, the team have been unpredictable this term, with five wins, one draw and five defeats.

Although their last victory over Aue dates back to December 2013, I think St Pauli are on a better run. They may not have been strong at home recently, but overall they haven’t lost for a month and I think they should be able to claim their second home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF TIME HAD – DRAW   

Both teams have not found the net in the first half of the last three league games. In addition, two of the last three meetings between these sides have been level at half time. I expect the same again this time round.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have done really well against St. Pauli in the last five meetings in Hamburg where they have won three and drawn two. St. Pauli’s last home win dates back to May 2008.

Arminia Bielefeld - FC Ingolstadt 04

Ingolstadt to continue their unbeaten run

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld can count on the same team as in their previous matches. Christopher Nothe will be out with a knee problem while Baboucarr Gaye will miss this game with a finger injury.

Ingolstadt have a full squad available.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Nothe (knee), Baboucarr Gaye (finger)

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

After kicking the campaign off with an excellent run, losing just twice in the first nine games, Bielefeld have suffered two defeats in a row and have lost their form, finding goals more difficult to come by. They have registered just four goals in their last five matches and lost 2-0 against Dusseldorf and 2-1 against Holstein Kiel over the past two weeks. They have their work cut out if they want to increase their efficiency up front and collect better result again.

Having secured seven points in three matches, Ingolstadt remain unbeaten in the last three matches. They beat Darmstadt and Heidenheim comfortably 3-0 at home while clinching a 2-2 draw against Dresden two weeks ago. This run has enabled Ingolstadt to move away from the relegation zone and siting in 11^th place, it gives them hope in that they could still enter the race for promotion soon this season.

Ingolstadt are on better form and I think that they can claim the three points here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – INGOLSTADT

Ingolstadt should take advantage of their opponents’ recent slump from the beginning as they have much better players who have the potential to make a difference in this game. They have been the first to score in three of their last four league matches and also netted the opener in the last meeting between these sides over three years ago. I think they will start the game like this again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two teams have meet twice in 2. Bundesliga at Bielefeld.  Bielefeld managed to win the first encounter 1-0 while Ingolstadt won the last meeting 2-0 in February 2014.

SV Sandhausen - FC St. Pauli

 Low-scoring game expected between these two

TEAM NEWS

Sandhausen will again be without Mirco Born, Rick Wulle, Andrew Wooten and Korbinian Vollmann, who are all injury concerns. Furthermore, they have Tim Kister suspended for this encounter.

St. Pauli will again be without the long-term injured Ryo Miyaichi, Marc Hornschuh and Philipp Ziereis while Enver Cenk Sahin and Aziz Bouhaddouz are facing fresh knee injuries and will be unavailable for the next few weeks.

Sandhausen

Suspended: Tim Kister

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mirco Born, Rick Wulle (both knee); Korbinian Vollmann (unspecified), Andrew Wooten (thigh)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ryo Miyaichi (knee), Philipp Ziereis (muscle), Marc Hornschuh (back), Enver Cenk Sahin (knee), Aziz Bouhaddouz (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Sandhausen unexpectedly registered their second defeat in three games last weekend as they were beaten convincingly 2-0 by a very motivated Bochum side. The team struggled to find the same good form as in their previous matches and were clearly overrun. Coach Kenan Kocak will have been surprised by his men’s horrible performance and will have been looking for solutions during the week. He will need to ensure that Sandhausen return to their normal selves quickly. However, sitting in fourth place, their current position is really good for a small club like them.

St. Pauli produced an average home performance against bottom side Kaiserslautern last time out, and they were unable to follow up their 2-0 victory over Braunschweig with another success, with the game ending 1-1. Olaf Janssen’s side took the lead but were not able to hold it until the final whistle. St. Pauli continued their weak home performances, but they have been much stronger on their travels with four wins and just one defeat in the last five games.

St. Pauli have impressed away from home lately and I expect them to continue this streak in an attempt to close the gap to the top with a win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Both teams have found it difficult to find the net in the first half this season, with Sandhausen and St. Pauli only scoring one of their goals within the first 45 minutes in the last three league matches. With both sides appearing to be much more clinical in front of the goal in second half, I expect a scoreless draw at half time.

HEAD TO HEAD

The last five times St. Pauli have visited Sandhausen they have picked up two wins, while the home team have also accumulated two victories by one draw. The last three matches have produced only five goals.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - MSV Duisburg

TEAM NEWS

Kaiserslautern have two players on their injury list as Kacper Przybylko and Mads Albaek remain absent.

Zlatko Janjic and Tim Albutat are still on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there are no fresh injury worries for Ilija Gruev.

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot), Mads Albaek (pubis)

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Zlatko Janjic (knee), Tim Albutat (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Kaiserslautern started the new campaign miserably, collecting not a single win in their first eight matches. The team are rooted to the bottom of the table but hope has arrived in the form of new coach Jeff Strasser who led his team to their first win two weeks ago and also claimed a deserved draw against St. Pauli last weekend. Strasser will need to line up a compact XI who will fight from the beginning to secure a good result against fellow relegation candidates Duisburg.

Duisburg are coming off a disappointing scoreless draw against Braunschweig. The team were not able to make use of their potential on the pitch  and although they had 48% ball possession and 11 attempts on goal but they were not able to score the winning goal. They are finding life in the second tier difficult and are yet to find a way into the games, having lost three and drawn two of the last five games.

Kaiserslautern have the momentum on their side and I expect them to take advantage of it in front of their great fans who tend to build up an excellent atmosphere in home games. I think this could be a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – KAISERSLAUTERN

Kaiserslautern have finally started to score in the last two games, netting four of their seven goals so far this season, and they should find the net first against Duisburg, as indeed they have done in three of their last four games against them.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kaiserslautern’s all-time home record against Duisburg in all competitions consists of 23 wins, four draws and four defeats. They have won the last three matches with scoring eight goals and conceding only two.

Erzgebirge Aue - Jahn Regensburg

Aue to level their record

TEAM NEWS

Aue are only without long-term absentee Nicky Adler and Soren Bertram while Fabian Kalig saw his fifth yellow card against Greuther Furth and is suspended.

Regensburg will not have Oliver Hein at their disposal and will miss Andreas Geipl after midfield player received his fifth yellow card against Union Berlin. He will be suspended for this game in Aue.

Aue

Suspended: Fabian Kalig

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicky Adler (adductor), Soren Bertram (nose)

Regensburg

Suspended: Andreas Geipl

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Aue were unlucky in their last league outing as they lost on the road to Greuther Furth 2-1, with the winning goal arriving three minutes from time. Despite the fact they had plenty of time during the international break to practice their offensive play, their attack just wasn’t up to scratch and they have scored only one goal on average so far this season. This is an area they clearly need to improve on quickly, but overall the team performed well last time out.

Regensburg’s torrid season continued at home to Union Berlin last weekend. They could have taken the lead through a penalty but missed it and lost the game 2-0 in the end. They were expecting much more in front of their own supporters and were going for their second win there. However, the team have now lost two in a row and failed to score in both. This game at Aue might be an encounter they can win, but they will need to be at their best in attack. Their last defeat will be a great source of motivation for them, but it is unclear as to whether it will be enough.

A very close match is expected with slight advantage for the home side. Therefore, I will go with Aue – home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF TIME HAD – DRAW

Both teams have found it difficult to find the net in the first half this season with Aue only scoring two of their goals within the first 45 minutes in the last five games and Regensburg netting just three first-half goals all season. With both sides appearing to be much more clinical in front of the goal in the second half, I expect a scoreless draw at half time here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two teams have met each other four times in Germany’s second division, with both teams registering a win.

1.FC Nürnberg - Dynamo Dresden

Goals will flow between these teams

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key players Adam Zrelak and Sebastian Kerk miss out with long-term injuries while Dennis Lippert is out with a knee problem, but he does not play an essential role at the club.

Dresden are still without the long-term injured Pascal Testroet while Soren Gonther has problems with his Achilles tendon and will miss out again.

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring), Dennis Lippert (knee), Adam Zrelak (broken foot)

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Pascal Testroet (knee), Soren Gonther (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Nurnberg claimed an exciting 4-3 away win against Darmstadt in round 10. It was their sixth win of the season and they have climbed into third place with a positive goal difference of +10. Furthermore, the team have scored 17 goals in their last five matches, or an impressive average of 3.4 goals per game. If they can keep their goalscoring form going – Mikael Ishak has scored seven goals in the last five matches and Cedric Teuchert has netted in the last three – then t will be hard to stop them.

Curiously enough, Dresden have been superior away from home than in front of their own fans. Following their 2-2 draw with Ingolstadt last weekend, they have secured just five points at home so far, but have registered eight on their travels via two wins, two draws and one defeat – the third best tally on away turf in the league. In addition, 11 of their 15 goals have been netted away.

I expect a close encounter which will end in a draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 2-2

With Dresden scoring 11 in five away matches – the third highest in the league – and Nurnberg nearly averaging two goals at home too, I expect goals for both sides and it is just a case of how many. Nurnberg’s only draw this season ended 2-2 while two of Dresden’s four draws also finishing with the same scoreline – and I can see a repeat here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two teams have met ten times in the 2. Bundesliga, with Greuther Furth winning eight and losing only two.

Union Berlin - Greuther Fürth

Union Berlin to beat lowly Greuther Furth

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin will be without Marc Torrejon.

Greuther Furth won’t have Mathis Bolly and Sercan Sararer at their disposal.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Torrejon (calf)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle), Sercan Sararer (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Union Berlin’s excellent home record of two wins and two draws is likely to be extended with the visit of Greuther Furth. Union have kept a clean sheet in two of the last three matches, which all resulted in wins, following their 2-0 success over Regensburg away from home last weekend. The team’s third place looks likely to be consolidated here and one of their most impressive players this season has been the Sebastian Polter as the striker has six goals in ten starts.

Greuther Furth managed to register their second win of the season when beating Aue 2-1 at home last time out. Khaled Narey and Daniel Steininger both scored as the team managed to leave bottom place in the 2.Bundesliga. The clinical manner in which Steininger took his goal after coming on as a 78^th minute substitute did perhaps indicate that he has developed  into a player who is ready to grab his chance this time around. After three defeats in a row, Greuther Furth might finally be back on track, but they will need to produce a much improved performance against one of the best teams of the league.

However, I believe Union Berlin are too strong for Furth. Union have found their form lately and they should take the three points at home.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – UNION BERLIN

Union Berlin have scored first in four of the last five fixtures against Greuther Furth. They have also opened the scoring in four of their last five league matches. I would not be surprised if this trend continues here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The last ten times Union Berlin have played Greuther Furth in front of their own crowd they have only picked up one win and three draws while Greuther Furth won six. In addition, Furth are unbeaten in the last seven games in Berlin against Union.

Holstein Kiel - Arminia Bielefeld

Holstein Kiel’s unbeaten run continues

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Christopher Lenz and Manuel Janzer while Arne Sicker will miss again with illness.

Bielefeld can count on the same team as in their previous matches. Christopher Nothe will be out with a knee problem and Baboucarr Gaye will miss this game with a finger injury.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Lenz (adductor), Manuel Janzer (Achilles), Arne Sicker (infection)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Nothe (knee), Baboucarr Gaye (finger)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel claimed an impressive 5-3 victory on the road against Heidenheim last time out – it was a game in which top striker Marvin Ducksch scored three. The club from the north of Germany remain second in the division boasting the best goal difference of +12. They have scored at least three goals in every one of their last three league games while Marvin Ducksch found the net again against Heidenheim, making it goal number six, seven and eight of the season for him as he continues to fire on all cylinders.

With two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five matches, Bielefeld have been inconsistent at best lately and they need to bounce back from their latest disappointing home result to avoid losing sight of the top three. They lost 2-1 at home to leaders Dusseldorf last weekend but have won the last two road trips, scoring four and conceding just one goal.

I expect Holstein Kiel to continue their amazing winning streak against difficult opposition. Home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR

Holstein Kiel have the best attack in the league with incredible 26 goals scored after ten matches while Bielefeld have already registered 15 but have also conceded the same amount. I expect that goals will flow in this game and with Kiel’s and Bielefeld’s last five averaging 4.40 and 3.40 goals in total respectively I predict exactly four here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Holstein Kiel have played only once against Bielefeld at home in 2.Bundesliga and managed a high-scoring draw 3-3 in that game.

Eintracht Braunschweig - VfL Bochum

Braunschweig to bounce back

TEAM NEWS

Braunschweig’s key striker Domi Kumbela is out injured while Mirko Boland has suffered a knee injury and is unavailable for this game.

Bochum’s Timo Perthel and Tim Hoogland are both absent with injuries while Johannes Wurtz is unavailable due to suspension.

Braunschweig

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mirko Boland (knee), Domi Kumbela (unspecified)

Bochum

Suspended: Johannes Wurtz

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Timo Perthel (knee), Tim Hoogland (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Braunschweig produced a disappointing performance last time out away from home to Duisburg as they were unable to beat the bottom side in a 0-0 draw. They run out of ideas when it came to breaking through their opponents’ defensive line. The draw means of course that Braunschweig are still on a three-match winless run and they would have expected much better results at the beginning of the season. With only two wins, six draws and two defeats they sit in 12^th and only four points from the drop zone. However, I believe Torsten Lieberknecht’s men should find a way out of this bad situation in the upcoming weeks.

Bochum too had huge expectations when new coach Ismail Atalan took charge at the start of the season, but they have so far not been able to meet them. The 37-year-old was fired ahead of the match against Sandhausen, which the team then won 2-0, producing a good performance against such strong opposition. It was their second win in the last three matches and has allowed them to dream of better results in the upcoming matches. However, if they fail to deliver going forward then they are likely to find it very hard to find a way back into the competition.

Neither team are in their best shape, but Braunschweig are due to take points. I’ll back a home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE

When these two met in the last five matches, the games always produced goals and the last six encounters do in fact average three goals per game. In addition, two of Braunschweig’s last four and four of Bochum’s last nine league games ended with exactly three goals in total. Expect three again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum haven’t won in the last two visits to Braunschweig, but they did manage to pick up five wins and two draws in their 18 away games.