FC Magdeburg - Arminia Bielefeld

Too close to call at the MDCC Arena on Monday

TEAM NEWS

Magdeburg coach Jens Hartel can choose from a fully fit squad for the league encounter with Bielefeld.

Bielefeld are expected to be without midfielder Nils Quaschner, who is still recovering from a knee injury, and Cedric Brunner, who succumbed to injury recently. Tom Schutz is a big doubt with a broken nose.

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Bielefeld

Suspended: 

Doubtful: Tom Schutz (nose)

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner (knee), Cedric Brunner (meniscus)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

With no wins and just two points to their name, Magdeburg go into this encounter with Bielefeld in a disappointing 15^thplace, with only one point separating them from the bottom three. It has been a very difficult start to life in the second division for Jens Hartel's newly-promoted team, with the coach seeing his side lose at home to St. Pauli and away to Holstein Kiel, both via 2-1 scorelines. It is clear that a win and more points on their tally are desperately needed if they do not want to be involved in a battle for survival this season.

Bielefeld clinched a very entertaining 5-3 home win against Jahn Regensburg in their most recent league match, with Julian Borner, Andreas Voglsammer, Fabian Klos and Patrick Weihrauch registering one goal each, while Regensburg also scored an own goal. The encouraging result allowed Jeff Saibene’s men to climb into seventh position on seven points with an even goal difference (eight goals scored, eight goals against). However, the side are still winless on the road with one draw and one defeat, and they have scored only one goal in those two league matches whilst conceding four. 

The hosts are yet to adapt to life in the second division and it is unlikely they will start winning against a team who are coming off a convincing 5-3 win. However, Magdeburg are known for having a strong home fortress, having lost just once in the third division at home last season (15 wins, three draws), and they should be able to claim a point here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Magdeburg have been level at the break in each of their four league games and we could see a repeat of this here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams are yet to meet in league action.