Arminia Bielefeld - Erzgebirge Aue

Hosts to nick this crucial clash at Schuco Arena

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld’s Nils Quaschner and Brain Behrendt are set to miss this game with knee injuries.

Aue have no new injury worries. The only two players not at their disposal are Nicolai Rapp and Soren Bertram. 

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Brian Behrendt (both knee)

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicolai Rapp (foot), Soren Bertram (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN 

Bielefeld are not giving up on the playoffs just yet as they sit six points off third-placed Holstein Kiel. Sunday’s 2-2 draw against rivals Ingolstadt at Audi Sportpark has given them a fighting chance. Arminia have lost only one of their last eight home games, winning three and drawing four in this period. Bielefeld have only lost four times at Schuco Arena in the league this season and Jeff Saibene’s team will be gunning for all three points this Saturday.

Aue have been like a machine in recent weeks, winning four and drawing four of their previous eight 2. Bundesliga matches. Last Saturday, goals from Clemens Fandrich and Mario Kvesic gave them a 2-1 win over strong travellers St. Pauli. The team are now sitting in eighth with ten wins, nine draws and ten defeats – they are only one point and two positions behind Bielefeld in the table.

These two are almost level on points in the table, but Bielefeld are certainly the better team. Arminia have only lost once at home this year and will see this match as a great opportunity to return to the playoff race. My money is on a Bielefeld win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD 

Five of Aue’s six away defeats have ended on odd goals while the same can be said about three of Bielefeld’s five home wins. I expect this trend to continue.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have not beaten Bielefeld in five attempts, losing twice during that spell. The reverse fixture finished in a 1-1 draw in Aue in November.