FC Ingolstadt 04 - Erzgebirge Aue

Ingolstadt to claim first victory

TEAM NEWS

Ingolstadt are without midfield player Christian Trasch, who has suffered a knee injury and could be out until the end of the year, while Almog Cohen is still absent too but is working on his comeback.

Midfielder Steve Breitkreuz, 'keeper Robert Jendrusch and Florian Kruger are the only absentees for Daniel Meyer’s Aue.

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Trasch (knee), Almog Cohen (ligaments)

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz (knee), Robert Jendrusch (meniscus), Florian Kruger (ribbon)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Stefan Leitl’s disastrous start to the campaign continued on Saturday as his team managed only a 1-1 draw against 2. Bundesliga new boys Magdeburg. The Schanzer began their league campaign with a 2-1 defeat in their Bavarian derby against Jahn Regensburg away from home, followed by a 1-1 draw at home in another derby against Greuther Furth. Having picked up just five 2. Bundesliga victories on home soil last season, along with four draws and eight losses, Ingolstadt must get their act together fast, starting with three points at Audi-Sportpark at Friday.

Daniel Meyer has endured a tough start as Aue boss so far, with the Viola yet to win a league game under the 38-year-old. Aue were beaten again at the weekend, this time at relegated Cologne by a 3-1 scoreline. So far, Aue have mustered just one point from a possible nine thanks to a scoreless draw with Magdeburg. Daniel Meyer will have to find a way to bring more danger into their attack to be more successful in front of the goal.

This should be an entertaining matchup at Audi Sportpark, which could go either way. However, being at home, Ingolstadt will fancy their chances of securing the points. I’m predicting a home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Three of the last four league meetings between the pair at Audi Sportpark have seen exactly three total goals. With both teams needing points, I expect a high number of total goals again in this important early encounter.

HEAD TO HEAD

There have only been six meetings between these teams at Audi Sportpark in the 2. Bundesliga since 2010, with Ingolstadt winning none, drawing three and losing three.