Erzgebirge Aue - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to come out on top

TEAM NEWS

Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe are the only absentees for Aue.

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz, Dennis Kempe (both knee)

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Salih Ozcan (not fit), Niklas Hauptmann (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Aue have improved in recent months, losing just two and winning three of their last eight league matches, although the other three have ended level. Sitting in 12th, the team are still only seven points above the drop zone and will need to continue securing points. Avoiding relegation is Aue's number one priority this season. However, they only managed to hold bottom-of-the-league Duisburg to a goalless draw at Erzgebirgs Stadium last time out, meaning they have won only one of their last six home league fixtures (three draws, two losses).

Cologne won for the 13th time this term at the weekend, thumping second-from-bottom Sandhausen 3-1 at Rhein Energie Stadium, despite finding themselves 1-0 behind until the 50th minute. Only leaders Hamburg have claimed the same number of victories, with no other team exceeding that amount. Markus Anfang’s team are sitting pretty in the table after 22 league matches, just two points below Hamburg in second spot, but they will move up to th top if they grab all three points here.

League positions mean a lot at this stage of the season, and it is no secret that there is a vast gulf between these sides when it comes to their quality. My prediction is an easy midweek win for the away team.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

The last three league encounters between these sides at Aue have featured even total goals. It promises to be an easy league fixture for Cologne and I expect them to win by more than one goal. Have a punt on even total goals to be scored.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have won just one of their last five league meetings with Cologne, losing three and drawing one.

Erzgebirge Aue - MSV Duisburg

Aue to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS
Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe are the only absentees for Aue and Malcolm Cacutalua is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card against St. Pauli last weekend.

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Fabian Schnellhardt, Joseph Baffo and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined while Enis Hajri is suspended.

Aue
Suspended: Malcolm Cacutalua
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz, Dennis Kempe (both knee)

Duisburg
Suspended: Enis Hajri
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles), Joseph Baffo (thigh), Fabian Schnellhardt (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Aue sealed a massive three points in the league last weekend, beating high-flying St. Pauli 2-1 at Millerntor. That was the Viola’s first league win in 2019 since claiming a 3-0 home victory over Union Berlin back in December. Since then, Aue have lost twice in the German second division. Aue’s three points last time out sees them in 13th position, six points above the drop zone.

Torsten Lieberknecht’s Duisburg crashed to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to second placed Union Berlin last time out, which was their second successive loss in league action after clinching a rare win over Darmstadt earlier this month. The Zebras have picked up just one win from their last eight league matches, losing the other seven. They remain at the bottom of the table with 16 points and five points from safety.

Both teams head into this crucial league clash in desperate form, but a win for either of them could kick-start a streak. This could be close, but home advantage might just give Aue the edge. My money is going on a narrow home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Five of Aue’s last six league matches have been high-scoring affairs as have seven of Duisburg’s last eight league matches. With both sides in need of points, I believe we will see a very open league game where the goals will flow.

HEAD TO HEAD
Duisburg have the edge in their recent league meetings with Aue, winning six, drawing one and losing only one of their last eight. However, Aue’s only victory during that time arrived in their last league encounter back in September when they beat Duisburg 2-1 away.

FC Magdeburg - SC Paderborn

Draw seems likely between the pair

TEAM NEWS
Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Aleksandar Ignjovski and Steven Lewerenz who both remain out injured.

Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser, Khiry Shelton and Leon Bruggemeier out due to different injuries. Christian Strohdiek will miss with suspension, too.

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow), Steven Lewerenz (pulled muscle)

Paderborn
Suspended: Christian Strohdiek
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Fesser (thigh); Khiry Shelton, Leon Bruggemeier (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Magdeburg have been in excellent form lately. Just a couple of months ago, the side were fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table, but three wins and one draw in their four league matches in 2019 has lifted them out of the drop zone into 15th. Magdeburg’s 3-1 win at Bielefeld last weekend was their fourth success in the league this term, along with nine draws and nine defeats.

Paderborn have been in good form since mid-December, picking up 15 points from a possible 18 in the league. The team came from two goals down to win 3-2 against giants Cologne at Benteler Arena last time out, and they have now picked up three consecutive victories, including a 2-1 success at Bochum and a 6-0 thrashing of Greuther Furth at home. As a result, Steffen Baumgart’s men have moved into fifth in the table, two points adrift of the promotion/relegation playoff place.

On the whole, both teams have been hard to beat in recent weeks and I therefore expect them to cancel each other out.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Both teams are in good form and this may result in goals. Magdeburg have scored in each of their last four league matches, finding the back of the net three times last time out, while Paderborn have netted 11 goals in their last three league games. When these two met in league action back in September, the encounter ended in a 4-4 draw - and I’m confident we will see plenty of goals here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Three of the last four league meetings have been draws, with Magdeburg victorious in the other one.

Jahn Regensburg - Hamburger SV

Hamburg to take revenge with away win

TEAM NEWS
Jahn Regensburg's Adrian Fein has been ruled out for the upcoming weeks.

Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Douglas Santos, Stephan Ambrosius, Aaron Hunt and Hwang Hee chan are still absent while captain Gotoku Sakai is suspended.

Jahn Regensburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Adrian Fein (knee)

Hamburg
Suspended: Gotoku Sakai
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Aaron Hunt (calf), Hwang Hee chan (hip), Douglas Santos (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Too many draws have prevented Jahn Regensburg from mounting a serious promotion bid this season. Nine such results so far, including a 0-0 stalemate away from home against Dresden last weekend, have left the team in ninth in the league table, nine points away from the promotion/relegation playoff place. On a more positive note, Regensburg have been beaten only three times in their previous 17 league matches, winning six and drawing eight, although two of those defeats occurred in their last three league matches.

Hamburg rescued a lucky point in the league last weekend as they staged a comeback twice to earn a 2-2 draw with in-form Heidenheim at Voith Arena. However, with Union Berlin scoring late on to claim a 3-2 victory over Duisburg, Hamburg’s lead at the top of the standings has now been reduced to four points.

Jahn Regensburg will be desperate to build on their weekend draw with Dresden, but I can see leaders Hamburg leaving the Continental Arena with all three points. They were on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing at home against Jahn Regensburg earlier this term and will want revenge. Back the away side to prevail in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Jahn Regensburg have scored only two goals in four league outings in 2019, drawing a blank in their last three, while Hamburg have netted five goals in their last four league fixtures. I am predicting a low-scoring affair at Continental Arena this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have met only once in Germany’s second tier in the past decade. Back in September, Jahn Regensburg thrashed Hamburg 5-0 at Volkspark Stadium.

FC St. Pauli - FC Ingolstadt 04

All square at Millerntor this weekend

TEAM NEWS
St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis and Henk Veerman are both injured and will not be available for the rest of the season while Dimitrios Diamantakos is working on his comeback.

Ingolstadt will be without Joey Breitfeld, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao.

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee); Dimitrios Diamantakos (pulled muscle), Johannes Flum (rib)

Ingolstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Frederic Ananou (shoulder), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
St. Pauli crashed to a disappointing 2-1 loss against Aue at Millerntor in their last league outing, which saw Markus Kauczinski’s men slip down to sixth. After sealing wins over Greuther Furth (2-0), Magdeburg (4-1) and Union Berlin (3-2), the side fell to their first home defeat since late October. Overall, they have accumulated only three points from their four league games in 2019, losing three and winning only one.

Ingolstadt have won two league games in a row for the first time this term. They beat Aue 3-0 away from home two weeks ago before following that up with a 2-1 home win over Bochum 2-1 at Audi-Sportpark last weekend. Things are starting to look up for the Schanzer, who are on the right path under new boss Jens Keller. The club have climbed up into 16th place, two points from safety, after spending much of the season rooted to the bottom of the table.

Keller has done an excellent job as Ingolstadt boss so far and given their current form, they should be difficult to beat here. I’ll put my money on a draw this weekend.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – ST. PAULI
St. Pauli have scored the opening goal in each of their last five home league fixtures. Have a punt on the home side to score first.

HEAD TO HEAD
The recent statistics in this head-to-head are surprisingly even with two wins each in their last four league meetings. However, St. Pauli have been victorious in their two most recent league clashes, winning 1-0 on both occasions.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Dynamo Dresden

Darmstadt to secure a vital home victory

TEAM NEWS
Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt.

Dresden's Patrick Moschl, Lucas Roser, Marco Hartmann, Florian Ballas and Niklas Kreuzer are sidelined.

Darmstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow)

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Niklas Kreuzer (groin), Patrick Moschl (hamstring), Lucas Roser (infection), Marco Hartmann (thigh), Florian Ballas (joint)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Darmstadt are in a rocky patch of form at the moment as Dirk Schuster’s boys have won just one of their past ten matches in league action, drawing three and losing the remaining six. After recording an excellent 2-1 home win over top team St. Pauli in their first league fixture in 2019, Darmstadt have picked up only one point from the last nine available in the league. The side suffered back-to-back defeats over Duisburg 3-2 and Heidenheim 2-1 before clinching a lucky 1-1 draw with Sandhausen at Hardtwald Stadium.

After losing 1-0 in heart-breaking fashion against league leaders Hamburg two weeks ago, Dresden secured their first point in 2019 with a goalless draw against Jahn Regensburg at DDV Arena last weekend. The team have won only seven of their 22 league matches, drawing five and losing ten. They go into this weekend’s league match at Bollenfalltor just seven points above the drop zone in 12th place.

Neither side are in good shape, but Darmstadt should be able to make home advantage count. This has the potential to be a close league encounter, with the Lilies just edging it.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
Dresden have been drawing at half time in their last two league fixtures. I fancy the first half to finish level at Bollenfalltor this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been one win for each team and one draw in the last three league encounters.

1.FC Köln - SV Sandhausen

Important three points for Cologne on home soil

TEAM NEWS
Cologne's list of absentees consists of Louis Schaub, Marco Hoger, Niklas Hauptmann and Matthias Lehmann while Rafael Czichos and Florian Kainz are both suspended.

Alexander Rossipal and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only absentees for Sandhausen.

Cologne
Suspended: Rafael Czichos, Florian Kainz
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Louis Schaub (acroedema), Marco Hoger (ligaments), Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Salih Oczan (not fit), Niklas Hauptmann (pulled muscle)

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Cologne were involved in a dramatic 3-2 loss against in-form Paderborn at Benteler Arena last week. Despite being two goals up thanks to strikes from Jhon Cordoba and Anthony Modeste, the team found themselves on the losing end, conceding three goals in the final ten minutes. That defeat came as a real shock in Cologne’s race for promotion and the team have now won only one of their last four league fixtures, losing the other three.

Relegation candidates Sandhausen have been abysmal away from home this season, losing seven of their 11 league matches on the road (one win, three draws), which is the joint worst record in the German second division. Four of those defeats have in fact arrived in their last five away league matches, with the team securing only one point during that time. Sandhausen have taken just one point from their last two league fixtures, too, clinching a disappointing 1-1 draw against Darmstadt last weekend after losing 2-0 to Union Berlin away.

Giants Cologne should be too strong for the struggling visitors. Have a punt on the hosts to take the points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - COLOGNE
Cologne have scored first in each of their last four league wins at Rhein Energie Stadium. Have a punt on the home team to open the scoring in this one.

HEAD TO HEAD
The last league encounter - and their only league meeting in the last five years - was a 2-0 win for Cologne back in September.

VfL Bochum - Holstein Kiel

Bochum to claim seventh home league win

TEAM NEWS
Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch, Patrick Fabian and Baris Ekincier. Anthony Losilla is suspended.

Aaron Seydel, Kingsley Schindler, Masaya Okugawa, Lee Jae Sung and David Kinsombi continue to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel.

Bochum
Suspended: Anthony Losilla
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Patrick Fabian (rib)

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aaron Seydel (heel), David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (ankle joint), Masaya Okugawa (pulled muscle), Lee Jae Sung (infection)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Bochum’s improved form has halted somewhat as the team have lost their last three matches in the league. Last weekend, the side were beaten 2-1 by relegation candidates Ingolstadt at Audi Sportpark after falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Paderborn the previous week. After going seven league games without losing (three wins, four draws) from October to early December, Bochum have now lost five and won only two of their last seven league fixtures. Robin Dutt’s side sit in a disappointing eighth position with eight wins, six draws and eight losses to their name, but six of those victories have come on their own turf.

After drawing 2-2 at home with Greuther Furth last weekend, Holstein Kiel have now gone five league games unbeaten. However, three of those have ended all square while only two have resulted in wins. Meanwhile, Tim Walter’s side are also unbeaten in their last six league matches on their travels, winning three and drawing three. They are currently in seventh place just three points behind third placed Cologne and six points ahead of Bochum.

Bochum have been poor recently. However, their overall home form suggests that they will be no pushovers and I have a feeling they will bounce back this weekend. My money is going on a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – HOME WIN
Bochum have been leading at the break in their last two league encounters with Holstein Kiel. I fancy them to be ahead at half time again this weekend .

HEAD TO HEAD
There has been only one league encounter between the pair at Vonovia Stadium, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw in March last year. Back in September, the teams played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Holstein Stadium in the league.

Greuther Fürth - FC Heidenheim

Heidenheim to see off Greuther Furth at Sportpark Ronhof

TEAM NEWS

Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi, Hans Nunoo Sarpei, Maximilian Bauer and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury.

Heidenheim will be without the injured midfielder Robert Leipertz.

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi, Tobias Mohr (both knee); Hans Nunoo Sarpei (pubis), Maximilian Bauer (ankle)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Robert Leipertz (tendon)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Greuther Furth have taken four points from their last two league games, beating Duisburg 1-0 at home before battling to a 2-2 draw at Holstein Kiel last weekend. However, worryingly for the Shamrock, they have won just two of their past 12 league matches, losing seven and drawing three along the way. No other team in Germany's second tier have scored fewer goals than Greuther Furth (six) in the last nine league outings.

Heidenheim have been flying lately, winning five and drawing three of their last eight league fixtures, including a 2-2 draw against leaders Hamburg on home soil last weekend. They have lost only one of their last 15 league outings, too, winning eight and drawing six. Sitting in fourth, Heidenheim are hot on Union Berlin and Cologne's heels, with just two and one point separating them from the two sides above them respectively.

Having moved within touching distance of the top three, Heidenheim will be eyeing up another win here. Greuther Furth have not been convincing and their only win since late November was against rock-bottom Duisburg. Back the visitors to pick up all three points form this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 0-2

Heidenheim have kept a clean sheet in two of their last three league matches at Sportpark Ronhof, with two of those ending 2-0. I fancy this to be a comfortable league fixture for the visitors here too and will back them to win by the same scoreline.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim beat Greuther Furth 2-0 at home when they last met in the league in September. However, their records have been identical over the last seven league encounters with three wins each and one draw.

Union Berlin - Arminia Bielefeld

Union Berlin to come out on top at Alte Forsterei

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Cedric Brunner and Christopher Nothe will be sidelined.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (foot)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Cedric Brunner (ill)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

The last five league matches have seen Union Berlin succumb to their first two defeats this season, but they have bounced back with back-to-back wins over Sandhausen (2-0) at home and Duisburg (3-2) away in their two most recent league outings. The team have moved up to second in the process, four points behind leaders Hamburg. Union Berlin have been excellent at Alte Forsterei all season, registering the league's best home record with eight wins and three draws.

After starting the new year with three successive wins over Dresden (4-3), Hamburg (2-0) and Jahn Regensburg (3-0), Bielefeld fell to a disappointing home defeat last weekend, losing 3-1 against relegation candidates Magdeburg. Bielefeld had one player sent off before conceding the three goals. They are now in 11th on 27 points and have won four, drawn three and lost three of their last ten league fixtures.

Union Berlin are pushing for promotion while Bielefeld's prime objective is to stay away from potential relegation trouble. Urs Fischer’s side have been very strong at home and the hosts will clearly fancy their chances in this one. My money is going on the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Five of Union Berlin’s last six league victories at Alte Forsterei have been secured by a two-goal margin. With that in mind, put some money on even total goals to be scored in this league clash.

HEAD TO HEAD

The last four league meetings between Union Berlin and Bielefeld have produced only ten goals in total. Union Berlin won 3-1 back in February 2017 while the other three league encounters ended in 1-1 draws.

Holstein Kiel - Greuther Fürth

Holstein Kiel to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS
Aaron Seydel and David Kinsombi continue to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel while Alexander Muhling is missing due to suspension.

Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi, Hans Nunoo Sarpei and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury while Paul Seguin is suspended.

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: Alexander Muhling
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aaron Seydel (heel), David Kinsombi (shin bone)

Greuther Furth
Suspended: Paul Seguin
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi, Tobias Mohr (both knee); Hans Nunoo Sarpei (pubis)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Holstein Kiel have been difficult to beat at home this season, having won five, drawn four and lost only one of their ten league matches at Holstein Stadium. Tim Walter’s boys eased past mid-table side Jahn Regensburg in their last home league outing earlier this month, winning 2-0, but they only managed to hold struggling Magdeburg to a 1-1 draw on the road last weekend, despite taking the lead early in that league game. Unbeaten in their last four league matches (two wins, two draws), they are only two points behind the top three.

After Damir Buric’s dismissal, new Greuther Furth boss Stefan Leitl managed to guide his men to a 1-0 win over bottom-of-the-league Duisburg at Sportpark Ronhof last weekend. It was only their second win in 11 league fixtures, having lost seven and drawn two during that time. Since recording back-to-back away wins against Dresden and Bielefeld, the Shamrock have lost five and drawn one of their last six league matches on the road.

Greuther Furth are looking to rebuild after Buric’s departure, but Holstein Kiel will be hoping to take full advantage of their opponents’ low confidence by sealing a home league win this weekend. I think the home team will edge this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – HOLSTEIN KIEL
Holstein Kiel have scored first in each of their last four league games, picking up eight points along the way. Back the home side to open the scoring here.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been only three league meetings between these sides, with both registering one home victory each and one draw.

Dynamo Dresden - Jahn Regensburg

Jahn Regensburg to prevail in East Germany

TEAM NEWS
Dresden's Patrick Moschl, Lucas Roser and Niklas Kreuzer are sidelined.

Jahn Regensburg's Adrian Fein has been ruled out for the upcoming weeks. Benedikt Saller is suspended.

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Niklas Kreuzer (strip), Patrick Moschl (hamstring), Lucas Roser (infection)

Jahn Regensburg
Suspended: Benedikt Saller
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Adrian Fein (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Dresden have been in patchy form recently, with their latest league outing ending in a narrow 1-0 loss at Hamburg. The team have lost five, drawn one and won two of their last eight league fixtures and avoiding relegation will be their number one priority right now. Maik Walpurgis’ side are well off the pace in 12th position at present, with only a nine-point lead over Sandhausen in 16th.

After losing just one of their previous 14 league games (six wins, seven draws), Jahn Regensburg have now fallen to back-to-back defeats. The side were beaten 2-0 by Holstein Kiel away from home two weeks ago before being thrashed 3-0 by Bielefeld at Continental Arena last time out. Achim Beierlorzer’s team are currently sitting in ninth place on 29 points, trailing the top three by eight points.

This promises to be an intriguing matchup at DDV Arena, which could go either way. However, I’m backing Jahn Regensburg to pile more misery on Dresden with an away win in East Germany.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – JAHN REGENSBURG
Jahn Regensburg have scored first in three of their last five away league matches, picking up eight points along the way. Back the away side to open the scoring here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Dresden are unbeaten in their last nine league encounters against Jahn Regensburg, winning seven and drawing two.

Arminia Bielefeld - FC Magdeburg

Bielefeld to make it four league wins in a row

TEAM NEWS
Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Tom Schutz and Christopher Nothe will be sidelined.

Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Aleksandar Ignjovski who remains out injured.

Bielefeld
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Tom Schutz (pulled muscle)

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Bielefeld secured an excellent 3-0 win at Regensburg last weekend, with Fabian Klos, Andreas Voglsammer and Cedric Brunner responsible for the goals. The side have won their last three league games on the bounce, scoring nine and keeping two clean sheets in the process whilst increasing their tally to 27 points. Uwe Neuhaus’ men have now moved 11 points above the drop zone. They beat leaders Hamburg 2-0 in their most recent home league match, which was only their third home win in this league campaign.

Magdeburg have shown a real improvement since the start of the new year, winning two and drawing one of their last three league matches. They have moved out of the relegation zone with a two-point lead over Sandhausen in 16th. Last weekend, Magdeburg came from one goal down to earn a 1-1 draw over sixth-placed Holstein Kiel at MDCC Arena. However, Magdeburg have one of the worst away records in the league with two wins, two draws and six defeats.

Bielefeld are on fire and I can see them securing their fourth league win on the spin here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Odd total goals have been scored in five of Bielefeld’s seven league wins. Eight of Magdeburg’s nine league defeats have also resulted in odd scorelines. I expect that trend to continue.

HEAD TO HEAD
The teams cancelled each other out in a goalless stalemate back in September, their only league meeting so far.

FC St. Pauli - Erzgebirge Aue

St. Pauli to bounce back with home win

TEAM NEWS
St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis and Henk Veerman are both injured and will not be available for the rest of the season while Dimitrios Diamantakos is working on his comeback.

Steve Breitkreuz is the only absentee for Aue and Fabian Kalig is suspended after receiving two yellow cards against Ingolstadt last weekend.

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee); Dimitrios Diamantakos (pulled muscle)

Aue
Suspended: Fabian Kalig
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
St. Pauli fell to a 4-1 defeat at second-placed Cologne last week. Despite that disappointing result they have still been in decent shape of late though, winning five of their last ten league fixtures, along with three draws and only two losses. The club from Hamburg have responded well after an average start of the season, with Markus Kauczinski’s team now occupying an excellent fifth place with 37 points. St. Pauli have not lost at Millerntor since late October, winning three and drawing two of their last five home league matches.

Aue were unbeaten in four league fixtures (two wins, two draws) before suffering back-to-back defeats in their last two league outings. After failing to score in their 1-0 loss against local rivals Magdeburg away from home, the Viola were trashed 3-0 on home soil by second-from-bottom Ingolstadt. Away from Erzgebirgs Stadium, Daniel Meyer’s men have won two, drawn one and lost seven of their ten road trips in league action.

Aue have taken just four points from the last 18 on offer away from home in the league while St. Pauli’s last league loss on their own patch dates back to October. This should be an easy win for the hosts.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – ST. PAULI
St. Pauli have scored the opening goal in each of their last four home league fixtures. Have a punt on the home side to score first on their way to securing the three points here.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli have not beaten Aue in league action since 2013, with Aue winning five and drawing three of their last eight league meetings.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - VfL Bochum

Ingolstadt to make it back-to-back wins in bid to leave bottom three

TEAM NEWS
Ingolstadt will be without Joey Breitfeld, Frederic Ananou, Tobias Schrock and Lucas Galvao.

Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch, Patrick Fabian and Baris Ekincier. Silvere Ganvoula is suspended.

Ingolstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Frederic Ananou (shoulder), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh)

Bochum
Suspended: Silvere Ganvoula
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Patrick Fabian (rib)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Ingolstadt secured a precious three points last weekend as they beat fellow strugglers Aue 3-0 at Erzgebirgs Stadium. That was the Schanzer’s second win under new boss Jens Keller. Since the former Union Berlin coach took over from Stefan Leitl in early December, Ingolstadt have lost two and drawn two of their other six league matches. However, both wins have come in their last three league matches, with those successes allowing them to leave the bottom of the table. They have now climbed into 17th place, but are still level on points with rock-bottom Duisburg as well as Sandhausen in 16th.

Robin Dutt’s Bochum have been in patchy form of late as the club have won just two of their past seven league games, losing four and drawing one along the way. Since beating Cologne 3-2 at Rhein Energie Stadium back in December, the team have picked up only three points from their last three in league action, thanks to a 2-1 win over bottom-of-the-league Duisburg. Last weekend, Bochum were beaten 2-1 at home by high-flying Paderborn.

Ingolstadt will be looking for their second victory at Audi Sportpark since early September. Although the Schanzer have struggled at home all season, their two recent wins will have boosted their confidence and I think they will be able to ease past Bochum. My money is going on the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH
60% of Bochum’s ten away league matches have seen at least three total goals as have four of the teams’ last six league encounters. I’m backing this to be another high-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD
Ingolstadt have won four and lost four of their last eight league meetings against Bochum.

FC Heidenheim - Hamburger SV

All square at Voith Arena

TEAM NEWS
Heidenheim will be without the injured right winger Robert Leipertz.

Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Douglas Santos, Stephan Ambrosius, Aaron Hunt and Hwang Hee chan are still absent while captain Gotoku Sakai is suspended.

Heidenheim
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Robert Leipertz (tendon)

Hamburg
Suspended: Gotoki Sakai
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Aaron Hunt (calf), Hwang Hee chan (hip), Douglas Santos (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW 
Heidenheim have been going great guns lately, winning eight, drawing five and losing only one of their last 14 league matches. The team ran riot at Bollenfalltor last weekend, with in-form Robert Glatzel scoring both goals in their 2-1 win away at Darmstadt. Heidenheim have taken 20 points at Voith Arena and 17 points away from home so far. They are in fourth place, level on points with Union Berlin in third and only six points behind leaders Hamburg.

Hamburg left it late to beat Dresden at Volkspark Stadium last week, with captain Lewis Holtby scoring in the 84th minute to give Hannes Wolf’s men a 1-0 win. It was the German midfielder’s fourth goal this season. The club have hit a real purple patch of form of late, winning nine, drawing four and losing only two of their last 15 league matches, but they are coming off back-to-back defeats away from home, having lost 3-1 to Holstein Kiel and 2-0 to Bielefeld. Despite their recent slump on the road, they are still topping the table with a four-point lead over Cologne.

Even though they registered two disappointing results on their travels, Hamburg have the best record away from home in Germany’s second tier, winning seven, drawing one and losing two of their ten away league matches. However, Heidenheim are one of the best home teams in the league and on fire. With that in mind, I expect it to be a very closely contested league match which will end all square at Voith Arena.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
Nearly half (ten) of Hamburg’s 21 league matches so far have been level at half time. Interestingly, they aren’t particularly efficient up front in the first 45 minutes, having scored only 11 first-half goals, fewer than ten other teams, but they have also only conceded ten goals before the interval, the joint second best record in the league. Heidenheim and Hamburg were level at half time in their only other league meeting so far, back in September, and I think we will see a repeat of that here.

HEAD TO HEAD
The teams have met only once in Germany’s second tier in the past decade. Back in September, Hamburg beat Heidenheim 3-2 at Volkspark Stadium.

MSV Duisburg - Union Berlin

Union Berlin to secure vital away victory

TEAM NEWS
Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Joseph Baffo, Borys Tashchy and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined while Enis Hajri is suspended after a red card against Greuther Furth last weekend.

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

Duisburg
Suspended: Enis Hajri
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles), Joseph Baffo (thigh)

Union Berlin
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Struggling Duisburg are rooted to the bottom of the table, having lost 13 of their 21 league games, along with four wins and four draws. They managed to clinch an unexpected 3-2 win at home against Darmstadt two weeks ago, but were unable to register back-to-back victories as they returned to losing ways with a 1-0 defeat at Greuther Furth last time out.  The Zebras have now won only one of their past seven league matches (along with six defeats) and have conceded 18 goals during that time. They have been equally poor on their own turf, with three losses and only one win in their last four league fixtures at Schauinslandreisen-Arena.

After remaining unbeaten in their first 17 league matches (seven wins, ten draws), third-placed Union Berlin have now lost two and won only two of their previous four league outings. The fact that they have shipped exactly three goals in each of those two defeats - more goals than in any other league game - will be a worry, but they did keep a clean sheet in their 2-0 home win against Sandhausen last weekend. Both their losses have arrived on the road where they have won only once this term, drawing seven.

Union Berlin may have been poor on their travels recently, but this league fixture against the worst team in Germany’s second division is a perfect opportunity for them to bounce back. I can see the visitors claiming a crucial away win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Union Berlin’s only league win away from home was secured by a one-goal margin this season. Duisburg’s last three league matches have resulted in odd total goals, too. With that in mind, back odd total goals to be scored at Schauinslandreisen Arena.

HEAD TO HEAD
The last league encounter between Duisburg and Union Berlin was a 2-2 draw back in September. Both teams have clinched one home victory in their last five league encounters, along with three draws.

SV Sandhausen - SV Darmstadt 98

Draw likely between two struggling teams

TEAM NEWS
Alexander Rossipal and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only absentees for Sandhausen.

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt.

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee)

Darmstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Sitting in 16th, Sandhausen have been in poor form all season, winning only three, drawing seven and losing 11 of their past 21 league matches. Last weekend, the side were unable to make it back-to-back victories for the first time this term. After beating Bochum 3-0 at home at the beginning of the month, they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away at Union Berlin last time out. Only Ingolstadt (seven) and Duisburg (six) have picked up fewer points on home soil than Sandhausen’s ten. They are, however, unbeaten in their last three on their own turf in league action (one win, two draws).

Darmstadt have not been faring well of late. Dirk Schuster’s Lilies have lost six of their past nine league matches, winning just one and drawing two in the process. After suffering a 3-2 defeat away at rock-bottom Duisburg in round 20, Darmstadt lost 2-1 at home against promotion contenders Heidenheim last weekend. Only five of their 22 league points have come on the road, with no other side performing worse away from home. The club are now just six points above the bottom three in 14th place.

This is a huge league fixture at the bottom of the league table, with both sides in need of points. I can see them cancelling each other out and will back the draw in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW 
Sandhausen have scored only one goal on average at home while Darmstadt have barely netted more on their travels, recording 12 goals in their ten away league matches. In addition, both of their last two league encounters have been 1-1 draws. Have a punt on a similar result, with two or fewer total goals expected.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been one win each and two draws in their last four league encounters.

SC Paderborn - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to secure all three points at Benteler Arena

TEAM NEWS
Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser, Khiry Shelton and Leon Bruggemeier out due to different injuries.

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Louis Schaub, Lasse Sobiech, Marco Hoger, Vincent Koziello and Matthias Lehmann.

Paderborn
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Fesser (thigh); Khiry Shelton, Leon Bruggemeier (both knee)

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Louis Schaub (acroedema), Lasse Sobiech (adductor); Marco Hoger, Vincent Koziello (both ligaments); Matthias Lehmann (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
After kicking the new year off with a 2-0 defeat at Regensburg, Paderborn have now registered back-to-back wins, beating Greuther Furth 6-0 at home and Bochum 2-1 away. An impressive run of four wins and only one loss in their last five league matches has seen the side climb up the league table, with Steffen Baumgart's men currently in seventh place, only three points behind Union Berlin in third. They are the second best home side in the league with five wins and six draws.

Cologne are back on track after suffering back-to-back defeats. The side had lost 3-2 to Bochum and 2-0 to Union Berlin before last weekend’s impressive 4-1 triumph over fellow promotion contenders St. Pauli at Rhein Energie Stadium. Markus Anfang’s men have been very strong away from home this season, picking up six wins, one draw and only two defeats from their nine league fixtures on their travels. They do in fact boast the second best away record in Germany's second division.

With both of these clubs in good form, both will be eyeing up all three points from this one. However, I fancy giants Cologne to continue their good run away from home and will predict an away win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH
This will be a clash between the league's two best attacks. Paderborn have scored 50 goals while Cologne have netted 51 goals so far. A high-scoring affair is on the cards.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn beat Cologne 5-3 at Rhein Energie Stadium earlier in the season, in their first league encounter since meeting in the German top flight back in 2014-15. 

FC Magdeburg - Holstein Kiel

Hosts to see off Holstein Kiel at MDCC Arena

TEAM NEWS

Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Aleksandar Ignjovski who remains out injured.

Aaron Seydel, Lee Jae Sung and David Kinsombi continue to be out for Holstein Kiel.

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Aaron Seydel (heel), Lee Jae Sung (toe), David Kinsombi (shin bone)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After losing two league matches on the bounce, Michael Oenning’s Magdeburg have secured back-to-back league victories for the first time this season. Having beaten Aue 1-0 at MDCC Arena, the team recorded another 1-0 win over Ingolstadt on the road last time out. Despite those two positive results, the side are still dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting only one point above the bottom three.

Holstein Kiel’s results have improved drastically of late, with Tim Walter’s side winning six, drawing four and losing only one of their past 11 league fixtures. Last weekend, the side picked up a valuable 2-0 home win over in-form Jahn Regensburg. The Storks' impressive run of results has lifted the club up into fifth in the table, only three points behind St. Pauli in second, but they lost 1-0 at home against top-flight side Augsburg in the German cup in midweek.

This could be a close one, but Magdeburg have the home advantage and seem to have a bit of momentum on their side. I’m backing them to come out on top.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW

Magdeburg have scored more than once in only three of their ten home league games. Meanwhile, the last three meetings between these two at MDCC Arena have seen two total goals of fewer. I think we will see another low-scoring affair this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Back in September, Holstein Kiel have won the teams' most recent league encounter 2-1 at Holstein Stadium. Prior to that, the teams met four times in the third division, with both winning once and two draws.

SV Darmstadt 98 - FC Heidenheim

All square between Darmstadt and Heidenheim at Bollenfalltor

TEAM NEWS

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt through injury.

Heidenheim will be without the injured defender Sebastian Griesbeck.

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Griesbeck (ankle joint)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have been in patchy form of late, winning only one, drawing two and losing five of their last eight league matches. After claiming an excellent 2-1 win over St. Pauli at Bollenfalltor two weeks ago, they were dealt a setback in their most recent league outing as they fell to a 3-2 defeat away at struggling Duisburg. The Lilies are 14th in the table at present, with only six points separating them from the drop zone, and they could do with securing more points.

Heidenheim have been moving up the table in recent months thanks to a positive run of seven wins, five draws and only one loss in their last 13 league affairs. After crashing to a heavy 5-1 defeat against Paderborn at Voith Arena in late November, Heidenheim have won four and drawn two. They have started the new year with a 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel and a 1-0 win over Dresden in league action, before beating top-flight side Leverkusen 2-1 in the third round of the German cup in midweek, with all three matches taking place on their own turf. On the road, they have been doing well too, with their last defeat dating back to late September.

Heidenheim have been hard to beat over the past two months, but Darmstadt have been decent at home losing only one of their last five home league matches along with three wins and one draw. Because of that, I can see the pair cancelling each other out – back the draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW

Five of the last six league fixtures between the pair have finished all square, with four of those being 1-1 draws. I fancy this league match to end 1-1, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim have not claimed a win in this head-to-head since 2013 when the teams played in the third division. Since then, Darmstadt have won twice in league action while there have also been five draws.

Erzgebirge Aue - FC Ingolstadt 04

Visitors to bag important three points

TEAM NEWS

Steve Breitkreuz is the only absentee for Aue.

Ingolstadt will be without Joey Breitfeld, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz (knee)

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Frederic Ananou (shoulder), Lucas Galvao (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Aue are just nine points above rock-bottom Ingolstadt after their league game against giants Cologne last weekend was called off due to snow. Having enjoyed a week's rest, Daniel Meyer’s side are going into this league match having lost only one, drawn two and won two of their last five in the German second division. However, their most recent league outing was a 1-0 defeat away at struggling Magdeburg in an East German derby. The team have generally been stronger at home though, where they have secured 15 of their 22 points and are unbeaten in their last three league games (one win, two draws).

These are without doubt worrying times for Ingolstadt, who have lost ten, drawn five and won only one of their last 16 league fixtures. The Schanzer have picked up a mere five from a possible 21 points. Last week, they fell to a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Magdeburg and they are now four points from safety.

Aue have started to show signs of life, but I am going to take a risk and side with the visitors here. The side are desperate for points and find themselves under a considerable amount of pressure. Back the Schanzer to return to south Bavaria with all three points.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW

Five of the teams' last six league meetings at Erzgebirgs-Stadium have ended in a low-scoring match. I expect this trend to continue.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue have won just once in their last six league meetings with Ingolstadt, losing two and drawing three.

Union Berlin - SV Sandhausen

Union Berlin to ease past lowly Sandhausen

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter..

Alexander Rossipal is the only injury absentee for Sandhausen while Rurik Gislason and Philipp Forster are unavailable due to suspension.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (foot)

Sandhausen

Suspended: Rurik Gislason, Philipp Forster

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

No side in Germany’s second tier has drawn more league games than Union Berlin’s ten so far this season, but their last draw dates back to early December with the team winning two and losing two of their last four league outings in the meantime. Last week, they fought back from two goals down against fellow promotion candidates St. Pauli but conceded the winner in the final seconds of the league match through a penalty, losing 3-2 on away turf. However, at Alte Forsterei they are still unbeaten, winning seven and drawing three of their ten home league matches.

Sandhausen remain in the relegation zone, despite beating Bochum last weekend. They produced a decent display at Hardtwald Stadium, cruising to an easy 3-0 win over Bochum in front of their own fans. Sandhausen had not won since seeing off lowly Ingolstadt by a 4-0 scoreline in late October, drawing five and losing four of their following nine league games.

Union Berlin will be looking to bounce back in a bid to climb back into the top three. I’m backing the hosts to nick this one at Alte Forsterei.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD

Union Berlin have won their last three home league encounters against Sandhausen by one goal. Meanwhile, Sandhausen’s last three defeats have also been by a one-goal margin. Back odd total goals to be scored in this league clash.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin have lost only one of their last six league meetings with Sandhausen, winning four and drawing one.

VfL Bochum - SC Paderborn

Bochum to take all three points on home soil

TEAM NEWS

Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch and Baris Ekincier. Silvere Ganvoula received a red card against Sandhausen last time out and is suspended.

Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser, Khiry Shelton and Leon Bruggemeier out due to different injuries.

Bochum

Suspended: Silvere Ganvoula

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld (both knee), Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified)

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Leon Fesser (thigh); Khiry Shelton, Leon Bruggemeier (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum’s promotion hopes have been dealt a blow in recent weeks as the side have lost three and won only two of their last five league matches. Robin Dutt’s side have also won just one of their last nine away league matches (five draws, three losses), losing 3-0 to bottom team Sandhausen last weekend. However, on home soil, they are one of the best teams in the league with only four other sides registering more points on their own turf. They have six wins, one draw and only three defeats in ten home league matches.

Paderborn have been flying recently, even though they started the new year with a 2-0 loss at in-form Jahn Regensburg. However, Steffen Baumgart’s men followed that up with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Greuther Furth at Benteler Arena last weekend. They sit in an excellent seventh place on their return to the second tier and have the best attack with 48 goals scored. The team beat Duisburg 3-1 away in the third round of the German cup in midweek.

Paderborn have been on a good run of late, winning three and losing only one of their last four league matches, but Bochum’s qualities should shine through here, especially seeing as they will enjoy home advantage. I fancy the hosts to take all three points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Bochum have been involved in several high-scoring league games of late, with four of their last five resulting in three total goals or more. Meanwhile, Paderborn’s last four league matches have produced 19 goals in total. I fancy this league game to end with plenty of total goals, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum have not lost any of their last three league meetings with Paderborn, winning two and drawing one.

Greuther Fürth - MSV Duisburg

Greuther Furth to secure massive three points

TEAM NEWS

Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury while Mario Maloca and Paul Seguin are suspended after their red cards against Ingolstadt.

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy and Sebastian Neumann will be out for the remainder of the year.

Greuther Furth

Suspended: Mario Maloca, Paul Seguin

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi, Tobias Mohr (both knee)

Duisburg

Suspended:

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner, Sebastian Neumann (both knee); Borys Tashchy (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Out-of-form Greuther Furth were thrashed 6-0 by Paderborn at Benteler Arena last weekend, a result which saw coach Damir Buric fired. The team have now been winless since end-November, losing five league matches and drawing only one. Their abysmal run has seen them slide steadily down the table. After sitting as high as second in round ten, they are now finding themselves in a lowly 12th place with 24 points to their name.

Duisburg picked up their second home win of the season last week, beating Darmstadt 3-2 at Schauinslandreisen Arena. It was the fourth victory since Torsten Lieberknecht's appointment as coach at the beginning of October, but the club have drawn only two and lost six of their other league games during that time. Sitting in 17th and one point from safety, the Zebras remain in a precarious position in the league table. They were beaten 3-1 by Paderborn at home in the third round of the German cup in midweek.

With both teams struggling, this is a massive league fixture for both clubs. Greuther Furth have not scored in their last six fixtures in league action, conceding 18 goals and claiming only a point during that time while Duisburg have not managed to string two consecutive league wins together this term. Home advantage could be a key factor in this one, so put your money on a Shamrock win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Odd total goals have been scored in Greuther Furth’s last five league wins. I can see this trend continuing.

HEAD TO HEAD

There has been one win for each side and three draws in their last five league meetings.

1.FC Köln - St. Pauli

Cologne back to winning ways

TEAM NEWS 

Cologne's list of absentees consists of Louis Schaub, Lasse Sobiech, Marco Hoger, Vincent Koziello and Matthias Lehmann.

St. Pauli's Philipp Ziereis and Henk Veerman are both injured and will not be available for the rest of the season.

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Louis Schaub (acroedema), Lasse Sobiech (adductor); Marco Hoger, Vincent Koziello (both ligaments); Matthias Lehmann (Achilles)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Cologne had last weekend's league fixture at Aue postponed due to heavy snow and will go into this league match well-rested. They have lost their last two league matches on the bounce, with their latest – their first league game in 2019 – a 2-0 defeat away at fellow promotion contenders Union Berlin. Currently sitting in third with 36 points, Cologne have been looking nervously over their shoulder given their slim two-point lead over Union Berlin, Holstein Kiel and Heidenheim below them. 

St. Pauli are coming off a 3-2 win at home against Union Berlin, who – like them – went into the league game on 34 points. The result means the side have now jumped into second place, leapfrogging Cologne, Union Berlin, Holstein Kiel and Heidenheim. Overall, it has been an outstanding season for Markus Kauczinski’s side while they are also the third best team when it comes to results on the road, winning five, drawing two and losing three.

After starting the new year on the wrong foot, Cologne will be looking for maximum points at Rhein Energie Stadium this weekend. St. Pauli may be decent on their travels, but they have not managed to win away against a top four team this season, drawing at Hamburg and losing at Union Berlin. My money is therefore going on the home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Cologne have won their last six league victories by at least two goals. Their last two league meetings with St. Pauli have resulted in an even scoreline and with that in mind I will take a punt on even total goals to be scored again here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Cologne have won four and drawn one of their last five league meetings against St. Pauli, scoring 13 times along the way.