1.FC Nürnberg - SV Darmstadt 98

Hosts to claim victory on Sunday

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key players Mikael Ishak and Sebastian Kerk will miss out with long-term injuries while Enis Alushi and Dennis Lippert are both out with knee problems. Midfielder Eduard Lowen is still on the sidelines due to a suspension.

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer and Joel Mall the only two absentees.

Nurnberg

Suspended: Eduard Lowen

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring); Enis Alushi, Dennis Lippert, Mikael Ishak (all knee)

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer (foot), Joel Mall (shoulder)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Despite leading the league not too long ago, Nurnberg’s form has dipped ever so slightly of late, with the team winning just one of their last five 2. Bundesliga games. Having not lost in the league since the beginning of November, Michael Kollner and co. will be disappointed with their latest back-to-back losses as they succumbed to a 2-0 derby defeat against Greuther Furth, followed by a 1-0 loss at Bielefeld last round. As a result, the team have slipped down to second and are trailing leaders Dusseldorf by five points. Given their current form and key striker Mikael Ishak’s absence, Nurnberg have to find solutions for the upcoming matches.

Lowly Darmstadt held Ingolstadt to a 1-1 home draw last Saturday, after Tobias Kempe netted an 67^th minute equaliser. That result means Darmstadt remain unbeaten in their last three league matches and still hold out hope for survival in the 2. Bundesliga. Sitting in 16^th spot, they are four points from safety. With only eight matches left to play, the team are desperate for points in order to avoid their second relegation in a row.

This is a huge fixture for both and it is a game that neither side can afford to lose. However, Darmstadt have won just three of their 13 away league fixtures this term and could struggle on Sunday. I am siding with a vital Nurnberg victory here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – NURNBERG

Nurnberg have taken the lead in five of their six home 2. Bundesliga victories this term. Back Nurnberg to score the opening goal on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

In the reverse fixture at Bollenfalltor back in October, Nurnberg beat Darmstadt 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller. Darmstadt have not won a single game in nine attempts at Max Morlock Stadium.