Eintr. Braunschweig - Arminia Bielefeld

Big three points for Eintracht on Friday

TEAM NEWS

Braunschweig have Christoffer Nyman out injured while Joseph Baffo has suffered a knee injury and is unavailable, too.

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

Braunschweig

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Joseph Baffo (knee), Christoffer Nyman (adductor)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Braunschweig have had a campaign to forget and Sunday’s 1-1 draw with second-from-bottom Darmstadt at Bollenfalltor extended their average run this season. With only eight wins, 14 draws and eight defeats, they are in 11^thplace and only one point above the drop zone. Torsten Lieberknecht’s side are clearly not out of the woods just yet and only wins will keep them away from more trouble over the upcoming four weeks.

Bielefeld have kept their slim playoff dreams alive after taking five points from their last three games. After back-to-back draws, Arminia managed to beat in-form Aue 2-0 at Schuco Arena last the weekend. Bielefeld are currently fifth in the 2. Bundesliga table, but a victory on Friday could see Jeff Saibene’s men go within three points of third place. 

Braunschweig’s form has picked up in recent games on home soil while Bielefeld have been inconsistent away from home of late, winning only one, drawing three and losing one of their last five on the road. I therefore fancy Braunschweig to come out on top in this one. 

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – BRAUNSCHWEIG

Braunschweig have scored the opening goal in their three recent consecutive home league wins. Back Torsten Lieberknecht’s Eintracht to score first in this one, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

There have been 15 goals scored in the last three meetings between Braunschweig and Bielefeld, which ended in one win for each team and one draw. Overall, Braunschweig have the edge on home soil with nine wins, one draw and one defeat.