SC Paderborn - Jahn Regensburg

First three points for home side Paderborn

TEAM NEWS

Steffen Baumgart has a full-strength Paderborn team to choose from when his side entertain Jahn Regensburg in an important game at Benteler Arena this Friday. The only unavailable player is Massih Wassey with a back injury.

Jahn Regensburg's Oliver Hein and Sebastian Nachreiner are both out with a knee injury. However, Achim Beierlorzer can choose from a very good squad for this encounter.

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Massih Wassey (unspecified)

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Newly-promoted Paderborn played an excellent away game against Darmstadt last Sunday, but had nothing to show for it in the standings after falling to a very unlucky 1-0 defeat. The game was even, with no team able to take advantage, but one counter-attack from Darmstadt was enough for Paderborn to leave Bollenfalltor without any points. Although they had a big opportunity to equalise in the 72^ndminute through a penalty Bastina Schonlau’s shot was saved by the opposition’s goalkeeper. However, there were positives to take from the game as Paderborn played solid, aggressive football and had 56% ball possession despite being the away side.

Jahn Regensburg notched their first win of the season in their opener last weekend, beating Ingolstadt 2-1 at home. Back wing Benedikt Saller netted the equaliser before the half-time break while Marc Lais produced the winning goal with a shot inside the box which was deflected by Ingolstadt’s Frederic Ananou. New signings Marcel Correia and Jonas Fohrenbach have adjusted well and made positive contributions to the game. The hosts also dominated the second half as well as ball possession and had three times as many shots on target as the visitors. Jahn Regensburg are continuing to show their excellent fighting spirit from last season and after finishing last term in fifth, they should be able to do well in this campaign too.  

On paper, both sides look evenly matched but following Paderborn's excellent performance against Regensburg, I believe we will see a home win for the newcomers.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Two of the last three meetings between these teams at Benteler Arena ended with a win by two goals and I expect a repeat here. Have a punt on even goals to be scored again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Paderborn and Jahn Regensburg last met in Germany's third division two years ago, with Regensburg winning twice.