Erzgebirge Aue - MSV Duisburg

Aue to take three points at Erzgebirgs Stadium

TEAM NEWS

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

Tim Albutat is still featuring on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there have been no more injury concerns for coach Ilija Gruev.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicolai Rapp (foot), Nicky Adler (pulled muscle)

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Albutat (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Despite a harsh 2-0 loss away at Bielefeld last weekend, Aue’s results have improved of late, with Hannes Drew’s men winning four, drawing two and losing one of their past seven league matches. As a result, they have moved away from trouble and have climbed up to tenth place. Aue are still only six points clear of the automatic relegation places with four matches left to play. However, one or two wins should save them and they will view this game as their biggest opportunity to get the job done.

Duisburg look to have blown their chance of finishing in the top three after another defeat last weekend. The Zebras were second best in a 2-0 loss against Sandhausen on their own turf last Saturday, their fifth defeat in their last six 2. Bundesliga games. Ilja Gruev’s men are trailing third-placed Holstein Kiel by 11 points and are only five points above the teams in the bottom two. A positive result here is paramount if they do not want to get involved in a relegation battle so close to the end of the season.

This has the potential to be a tight game in Erzgebirge, but Aue will back themselves to make it four home wins on the spin on Sunday. I’m siding with an Aue win in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – AUE 

Aue have opened the scoring in all their seven home league wins this season. With that in mind, back Aue to score first in this game on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have not beaten Duisburg in six attempts, losing five and drawing one during that spell. The reverse fixture finished in a 3-0 home win for Duisburg back in November.