Erzgebirge Aue - FC Magdeburg

Both teams look evenly matched with draw possible

TEAM NEWS

Midfielder Steve Breitkreuz, who has a knee injury, is the only absentee for Daniel Meyer’s Aue.

Jens Hartel’s Mageburg will yet again be without Manfred Kwadwo and Joel Hanna, who are still recovering from injuries.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz (knee)

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Manfred Kwadwo, Joel Hanna (both pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Aue were unlucky in their opener as they lost 1-0 on the road to Union Berlin, with the winning goal arriving three minutes from time. Their attack just wasn’t up to scratch, but overall the team performed well. However, they may be encountering the same problem as last season when they hardly scored goals, registering only 35 throughout the campaign, and this is an area they clearly need to improve on quickly. Overall, their squad looks weaker than last term and the upcoming matches against newcomers Magdeburg and Cologne won't be easy. Having to start the new campaign against unknown opposition may put Aue at a disadvantage, but it is important they secure points quickly. 

Mageburg lost for the first time in the last 13 league matches (ten wins, two draws) as they were edged 2-1 at home by St. Pauli last weekend. They allowed goals in the 29^thand 81^stminutes and although they had opened the scoring in the 17^thminute, they could not find the net a second time. FCM's away record last season was the second best in the third division with 12 wins, one draw and six defeats. In those matches they were able to keep six clean sheets and they will hope to build on this form.

On paper, this looks like it will be heading for a draw. Both Aue and Magdeburg have lost their opener and are in need of points. I can see a very close game which will end level.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW 

Two of the last four league encounters between these two sides have ended in draws, with neither of them exceeding two total goals. With that in mind, I will take a punt on a low-scoring outcome in this East German derby.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two will meet for the first time in the 2. Bundesliga. However, they have played each other four times in lower divisions, with Aue winning twice and drawing twice.