FC Ingolstadt 04 - Greuther Fürth

Schanzer to seal home triumph in Bavarian derby 

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 out but working on his comeback already.

Greuther Furth have no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about.

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None 

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Ingolstadt were beaten 2-1 by Jahn Regensburg on the road last Saturday, after an own goal from defender Frederic Ananou in the 72^ndminute. They took the lead early in the game through a shot outside the box from midfield player Konstantin Kerschbaumer but could not take advantage of that lead. The result suggests that the issues that affected Stefan Leitl’s side last season are still a problem now as they controlled the game and accumulated 13 shots, but only managed three on target. Although they have a strong squad that features some excellent young and talented players they may need time to gel and will have to take more risks up front if they are to improve on their ninth-place finish from last season. 

Greuther Furth continued their excellent home run from last term with a 3-1 home win over Sandhausen at Sportpark Ronhof last Saturday, thanks to two goals from newly-signed striker Daniel Keita-Ruel and another from Daniel Steininger. However, the scoreline somewhat flattered the hosts as the teams cancelled each other out and Sandhausen opened the scoring at the start of the second half. Nevertheless, Damir Buric's side did enough to secure the three points and will now look to build on this with their first away win of the campaign. The side will particularly need to pay attention to their away games as they have won only one of the past 21 league matches on their travels, drawing eight and losing 12.

Ingolstadt have the better squad and home advantage against very weak travellers. That should be enough to give them a win in their first home game of the season.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – INGOLSTADT 

Ingolstadt have scored the first goal against Greuther Furth in their last two home encounters in the 2. Bundesliga, winning both matches without conceding a goal. I believe they will be the first team on the scoresheet once again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Ingolstadt have met Greuther Furth six times at Audi Sportpark in Germany's second division, winning three, drawing two and losing only one of those meetings. Moreover, they have kept a clean sheet in the last four.