Arminia Bielefeld - SV Sandhausen

Bielefeld to take all three points

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Joan Simun Edmundsson, Julian Borner and Cedric Brunner have all been ruled out.

Sandhausen’s Tim Knipping, Erik Zenga, Tim Kister and Nejmeddin Daghfous are all out with different injuries while Daniel Linsmayer saw his fifth yellow card last weekend and is suspended.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Cedric Brunner (all knee); Joan Simun Edmundsson (ligament), Julian Borner (infect)

Sandhausen

Suspended: Daniel Linsmayer

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Knipping (broken foot), Erik Zenga (muscle), Tim Kister (broken foot), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN 

Bielefeld secured a precious point in their local derby against Paderborn last weekend, with Andreas Voglsammer and Fabian Klos registering the goals for the club in a 2-2 away draw. However, they were denied their first victory since late September by a Paderborn goal in the 90^thminute. Bielefeld have not been successful of late, with only two points from their last eight league matches. However, those two draws have arrived in their last three league fixtures. At home, Jeff Saibene’s men have won twice and drawn once so far, but they have lost the last four on the bounce in front of their own fans. 

Sandhausen fell to their second consecutive defeat last weekend, losing 2-1 to Heidenheim despite taking the lead very early in the game. Gerhard Kleppinger’s side have won just two, drawn four and lost nine of their 15 fixtures in the league and they are winless in their last five league fixtures (two draws, three losses). Sitting second from bottom, Sandhausen have taken a mere ten points from 30 on offer and are three points from safety.

Bielefeld will fancy their chances of getting back to winning ways against their struggling opponents despite registering disappointing results of late. The hosts should be able to take all three points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Odd total goals have been scored in Bielefeld’s last three league matches at Schuco Arena this season. I predict odd total goals here too. 

HEAD TO HEAD

Bielefeld have a good recent record in this head-to-head, winning three and drawing two of their last six league meetings, along with one loss.