SC Paderborn - FC Magdeburg

Visitors to remain without win

TEAM NEWS

Steffen Baumgart has a fully fit Paderborn team to choose from. The only unavailable player is Massih Wassey with a back injury.

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

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Massih Wassey (back)

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Paderborn have been very competitive on their return to the second division, sealing eight points from their first five league games. Since falling to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Darmstadt in their opening match, Paderborn have hit back with two wins and two draws in their most recent four league matches. Moreover, they produced one of the surprise results of the week away from home against Cologne in round five. They set up with a 4-4-2 formation and did well to frustrate Cologne to gain an excellent 5-3 win against one of the top favourites for promotion.

Jens Hartel has endured a tough start as Magdeburg boss so far, with the team yet to win a league game under the 49-year-old. Magdeburg clinched a goalless draw on Monday against Bielefeld at MDCC Arena. So far, the side have mustered just three points from a possible 15 after drawing three and losing two of their five league matches. The upcoming league match against Paderborn, who were – like them – plying their trade in the third division last season, will be seen as a good opportunity to pick up their first victory of the season – but if they will succeed is another question.

Magdeburg were unbeaten against Paderborn in the third division last season, snatching four from a possible six points. However, given their latest performances, Paderborn should be too strong for Magdeburg at the moment. I'm going with a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Magdeburg have been level at the break in each of their five league games. This could be tight between these two newly-promoted teams, so don’t be surprised to see the teams drawing at half time here too.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams will meet for the first time in the second division. Back in 2017-18, Magdeburg beat Paderborn 1-0 on home turf in the third tier and claimed a 1-1 draw at Benteler Arena.