Einer. Braunschweig - 1.FC Nürnberg

Hosts set to claim win number 11 against Nurnberg

TEAM NEWS

Braunschweig’s key striker Domi Kumbela is out injured while Mirko Boland and Joseph Baffo have suffered knee injuries and are unavailable.

Nurnberg’s key players Adam Zrelak, Enis Alushi and Sebastian Kerk will 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.

Braunschweig

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mirko Boland, Joseph Baffo (both knee); Domi Kumbela (unspecified)

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Braunschweig produced an average performance last time out on the road as they were unable to beat struggling Bielefeld in a 2-2 draw. They took the lead after falling 1-0 behind in the seventh minute but produced too many mistakes towards the end of the game and conceded a late equaliser in the 90^th minute. The draw means that they are unbeaten in the last five league matches, but in that time they have won only once. In fact, although the team have lost just twice this season, their nine draws in 14 games mean that they have lost considerable ground on the clubs at the top. Braunschweig will need to start to convert those draws into wins soon in order to be in with a chance of closing the gap.

Nurnberg produced another disappointing performance last time out in front of their own fans as they were unable to beat Holstein Kiel despite leading 2-0 until the 71^st minute. The draw ended their negative run of two consecutive defeats, but they will need to work on their defence as they have conceded in all of their last 12 games. It will be important for the team to hit the ground running here as their latest results against these opponents were not the best (one draw and two defeats) whilst the outcome of this game is also likely to have an impact on their involvement in the promotion battle.

Braunschweig tend to do well against Nurnberg in front of their own fans and given Nurnberg’s  current slump, it would be a surprise if the hosts can’t clinch a win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – BRAUNSCHWEIG

Braunschweig should get off the mark early as they did in their last three home games against Nurnberg, winning at half time. They have a +8 goal difference from the last four games played at their own stadium and I think they will lead at the break here too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Braunschweig’s all-time home record against Nurnberg consists of ten wins, two draws and two defeats. Nurnberg’s last away victory dates back to October 1968 when they beat Braunschweig 2-0 in their stadium.