FC Ingolstadt 04 - SV Sandhausen

Ingolstadt to claim rare home league win as they battle against relegation

TEAM NEWS
Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all out throuh injury while two  players are suspended in the form of Marcel Gaus and Benedikt Gimber.

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

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

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Ingolstadt are in trouble as the Schanzer have won just three times in league action since early September. Jens Keller’s side were beaten for the 15th time in the league before the international break, falling to a 3-1 defeat against Paderborn at Benteler Arena. The Schanzer also have the second worst home record, accumulating only ten points from a possible 39 at the Audi Sportpark. The team sit rock bottom in the table, four points from safety.

With Magdeburg drawing last time out, Sandhausen managed to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time in months two weeks ago. Uwe Koschinat’s men have won their last two league fixtures, beating Magdeburg 1-0 away and St. Pauli 4-0 at home. However, the side have picked up just one away league win since late September, drawing twice and losing six times.

Sandhausen sit 15th, only four points above Ingolstadt, and the Schanzer have an important opportunity here to move up the rankings. Given their desperate state at the bottom of the league table, it is almost a must-win situation for the hosts and I can see them taking all three points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Three of Ingolstadt’s four wins in the league have been by a single goal. I fancy odd total goals to be netted at the weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
Sandhausen are unbeaten in their last four league meetings, winning three and drawing one.

1.FC Köln - Holstein Kiel

Five league wins on the spin for Cologne

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

David Kinsombi continues to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel while Kingsley Schindler is still working on his comeback.

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (match fitness)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Leaders Cologne are the in-form team in Germany’s second tier at the minute, with four straight wins as the team dispatched Sandhausen 3-1, Aue 1-0, Ingolstadt 2-1 and Bielefeld 5-1. Their phenomenal run has seen them at the top of the league standings, one point ahead of second-placed Hamburg and with one league game in hand.

After their stunning 5-1 league win over Aue at Holstein Stadium last time out, Holstein Kiel will be looking for a similar outcome against Cologne this weekend. However, despite that impressive result, Tim Walter’s boys are only on average form, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their last five games in the league. The Storks are back in the promotion race as they are only five points adrift of third-placed Union Berlin.

With Markus Anfang’s Cologne in such fine fettle, they will fancy their chances of securing a fifth league win in a row this weekend. My money is going on a comfortable home victory at Rhein Energie Stadium.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Cologne have found the net 64 times in the league this term while Holstein Kiel have netted 51 goals in their 26 league matches. I can see plenty of total goals in this one here.

HEAD TO HEAD
There has only been one league meeting between the pair in the second tier. Back in October the match finished 1-1 at Holstein Stadium.

Greuther Furth - Arminia Bielefeld

Draw seems possible between the pair

TEAM NEWS
Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi won't feature because of injury.

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Joan Simun Edmundsson and Christopher Nothe are sidelined while Brian Behrendt will miss with suspension.

Greuther Furth
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi (knee)

Bielefeld
Suspended: Brian Behrendt
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Joan Simun Edmundsson (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
New Greuther Furth boss Stefan Leitl has been producing positive results since taking over at Sportpark Ronhof in early February. The side have lost only one of their last five league outings (two wins, two draws) and won the Bavarian derby at Continental Arena against Regensburg 2-0 last time out. That win puts them in 13th place on 32 points, nine above the relegation zone.

Bielefeld, who sit three places above Greuther Furth, have only accumulated seven points from a possible 15 on offer in league action recently, but they did register a 3-1 home league win over struggling Bochum last time out. Uwe Neuhaus’ troops have not won on the road in the league since beating Jahn Regensburg 3-0 at the Continental Arena back in early February, drawing once and losing once since.

This promises to be a very close matchup and I fancy the pair to play out an entertaining draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - BIELEFELD
Bielefeld have scored first in three of their last four league meetings with Greuther Furth, with the other league encounters ending scoreless. Put your money on the away side to open the scoring at Sportpark Ronhof.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been two draws while both teams have also registered one win in their last four league meetings.

Union Berlin - SC Paderborn

Union Berlin to pick up three important points in promotion race

TEAM NEWS
Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

At Paderborn, Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier have been ruled out through injury while captain Uwe Hunemeier will miss out through suspension.

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

Paderborn
Suspended: Uwe Hunemeier
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Union Berlin were beaten for the second time in league action in 2019 two weeks ago, losing 2-1 at Heidenheim. They have won five and drawn one of their other six league matches this year. Urs Fischer’s side have been strong at home all season, winning nine and drawing four of their 13 home league matches at Alte Forsterei. They have in fact the best home record in Germany’s second division.

Paderborn currently occupy seventh spot and are six points behind Union Berlin, who are in third. The team picked up their first win since mid-February last time out, beating rock-bottom Ingolstadt 3-1 at Benteler Arena. Prior to that victory, the club had taken only one point from the last nine on offer in league action, drawing one and losing two.

Union Berlin will want to keep hold of their promotion/relegation playoff spot with a convincing victory over Paderborn. The home side should be far too strong for the struggling travelers, who have won only one of their last five away league matches (one draw, three losses). My money is going on the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - EVEN
73% of Union Berlin’s and 62% of Paderborn’s league matches this season have finished with even total goals. Expect even total goals here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn are unbeaten in their last three league meetings at Alte Forsterei, winning two and drawing one.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Jahn Regensburg

Darmstadt to continue good home form with another win

TEAM NEWS
Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Christoph Moritz, Felix Platte, Slobodan Medojevic and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt while Fabian Holland is out suspended.

Jahn Regensburg's Adrian Fein has been ruled out for the upcoming weeks and defender Markus Palionios will miss this league match due to suspension.

Darmstadt
Suspended: Fabian Holland
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Christoph Moritz (shoulder), Felix Platte (ligaments), Slobodan Medojevic (foot)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Darmstadt have the joint worst away record in Germany’s second tier, picking up just nine points on their travels. However, the Lilies have been far more competitive at home where they have taken 23 points so far, from seven wins, two draws and four losses. Dimitrious Grammozis’ men have won three and lost just one of their last four league fixtures at Bollenfalltor. They sit nine points above the drop zone in 12th place after beating second-placed Hamburg 3-2 on the road two weeks ago, despite being two goals down at the break.

Jahn Regensburg have been in good form since mid-February, winning two and drawing two of their last five league fixtures, along with only one loss. That 2-0 defeat came in the last league outing at home against Greuther Furth, which was a disappointing result for them. Achim Beierlorzer’s side are currently in eighth spot on 37 points and don’t have to worry about relegation. They have the third best record on the road having clinched five wins and five draws, along with three defeats in league action.

Going by Darmstadt’s great home form, they should be able to snatch all three points in this one - although it might be not be a straightforward win, given Jahn Regensburg’s strong results on the road.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - DARMSTADT
Darmstadt have opened the scoring in their last two home league matches. I am backing the home team to score first in this clash, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Darmstadt registered a 3-0 away win and 1-1 away draw against Jahn Regensburg in the league last year.

VfL Bochum - Hamburger SV

Back-to-back away league wins for Hamburg

TEAM NEWS
Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam and Baris Ekincier while Jan Gyamerah is suspended.

Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Hwang Hee chan, Aaron Hunt and Stephan Ambrosius are out.

Bochum
Suspended: Jan Gyamerah
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee), Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh)

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Hwang Hee chan (tendon), Aaron Hunt (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Bochum conceded three goals within ten minutes in the second half to fall to a disappointing 3-1 league defeat away from home against fellow mid-table side Bielefeld at Schuco Arena in the last round. It was the side’s fifth league loss in 2019 along with two wins and one draw. Robin Dutt’s men are in ninth spot, 11 points above the drop zone but also 13 points below the top three. They are equally average when it comes to their home league form, with seven wins, one draw and five losses.

Hamburg were beaten for the first time in the league at Volkspark Stadium in 2019 last time out, letting a two-goal lead slip to crash to a heavy 3-2 defeat against Darmstadt. The team had won five and drawn three of their eight home league fixtures beforehand, but away from home they have been less convincing recently, winning only one of their last five league outings, along with one draw and three defeats.

Bochum have not been great since the beginning of the year and given Hamburg’s top-flight ambitions, I can see the visitors returning home with all three points here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Bochum’s home league matches have seen 36 league goals in total - or 2.8 total goals on average - this season, with 20 of those being scored by the home side. Moreover, Hamburg have scored seven times in their last three road trips in league action. I can see this ending in a high score.

HEAD TO HEAD
The only league meeting between Bochum and Hamburg since 2010 ended goalless in the reverse league fixture back in October.

FC Magdeburg - FC Heidenheim

All square at MDCC Arena

TEAM NEWS
Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Rico Preissinger and Christian Beck who remain out injured.

Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from. Robert Leipertz is the only absentee due to injury while Sebastian Griesbeck is suspended.

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rico Preissinger (knee), Christian Beck (cheekbone)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Michael Oenning’s team have dropped back into the relegation zone after claiming only one point in the East German derby away against Dresden in a 1-1 draw. The side have been in bad form since winning at Bielefeld 3-1 in mid-February, losing two and drawing two of their last four league fixtures. They are now sitting in 16th place in Germany’s second tier, but are level on points with Sandhausen above them, who have a better goal difference.

After picking up just two points from four league games, Heidenheim got back on track before the international break as they beat Union Berlin 2-1 at Voith Arena in league action. Despite losing against Jahn Regensburg and Bochum recently, Frank Schmidt’s troops have not been doing badly since early December, winning six, drawing four and losing only two of their last 12 league matches. They remain in sixth with 42 points, five below the top three.

Magdeburg are the draw specialists in the German second division, with no other side registering more than their 11 such results in league action. Heidenheim, meanwhile, have drawn six times on the road in the league this season, with only Union Berlin beating that record. I am predicting this league match to end all square, too.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
Magdeburg have been level at the break in two of their last three league outings, as have Heidenheim in three of their last five league matches. I expect another first-half draw here.

HEAD TO HEAD
Heidenheim have won the reverse league fixture 3-0 at Voith Arena back in October, which has been the only league meeting between the teams.

FC St. Pauli - MSV Duisburg

St. Pauli to get back on track with home league victory

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

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined.

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
St. Pauli’s surge towards the playoff place has slowed down somewhat of late after losing their last two league outings. After 1-0 back-to-back league wins against Ingolstadt at home and Paderborn on the road, St. Pauli were beaten 4-0 at home by second-placed Hamburg before falling to another league defeat by the same devastating scoreline against Sandhausen away before the international break. Sitting in fourth, the team are currently four points adrift of third-placed Union Berlin.

Since arriving at Schauinslandreisen Arena at the beginning of October, Duisburg boss Torsten Lieberknecht has picked up just five wins, whilst drawing four and losing eight of his 17 league matches. Following their 1-1 draw away at Jahn Regensburg two weeks ago, the Zebras have also won only one of their last five league matches, drawing two and losing two. The club are still in the relegation zone at present and two points from safety, but with one league match in hand. They have claimed more points away from home (12) than on their own ground (nine) in league action.

With St. Pauli aiming for the top three, this is a must-win game for the Hamburg based club. The hosts should be too strong for struggling Duisburg at the Millerntor and I expect them to clinch all three points.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Five of the last six league meetings between St. Pauli and Duisburg have been low-scoring affairs. I expect that trend to continue and predict two total goals or fewer.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli have won three, drawn one and lost only one of their last five league encounters with Duisburg over the past four years.

SC Paderborn - FC Ingolstadt 04

Paderborn back to winning ways this weekend

TEAM NEWS
Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser and Leon Bruggemeier out through injury, but captain Uwe Hunemeier will miss with suspension.

Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all out through injury while three players are suspended in the form of Almog Cohen, Robin Krausse and Paulo Otavio.

Paderborn
Suspended: Uwe Hunemeier
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier, Leon Fesser (both knee)

Ingolstadt
Suspended: Almog Cohen, Robin Krausse, Paulo Otavio
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Joey Breitfeld (knee), Lucas Galvao (ankle), Tobias Schrock (thigh), Frederic Ananou (shoulder)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Paderborn fell to yet another defeat last weekend, this time losing 2-1 at Aue. They remain in seventh spot on 38 points from 25 league games. The side, who have lost three, drawn one and won five of their past nine in the league, are nine points away from the top three with 9 league matches left to play.

Ingolstadt fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Union Berlin last weekend. Their defeat in northern Germany also saw Almog Cohen and Robin Krausse sent off during the second half, with Jens Keller’s side ending up with only nine men. Last weekend’s loss at Alte Forsterei was their third league defeat in a row and a real setback given that Ingolstadt are sitting rock bottom with only 19 points and three points from safety.

This should be an intriguing league fixture at Benteler Arena, and I fancy Paderborn to hit back with an important home win. Put your money on the hosts to prevail in a close league encounter.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Four of the last five competitive meetings between these teams have been decided by one goal. This should be a tight league encounter, so have a punt on odd total goals to be scored.

HEAD TO HEAD
Paderborn have won three of the last four league meetings between the two, with the other one ending in a draw.

Arminia Bielefeld - VfL Bochum

Bochum to pick up all three points at Schuco Arena

TEAM NEWS
Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy and Christopher Nothe are sidelined.

Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Tom Baack, Maxim Leitsch, Sidney Sam and Baris Ekincier.

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

Bochum
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee), Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Tom Baack (ill), Sidney Sam (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Bielefeld fell to their tenth league defeat of the season last weekend, losing 5-1 to leaders Cologne away from home. However, this was only their second league defeat in 2019, having won four and drawn one in their last seven league matches. Despite this, Bielefeld are one of the weaker teams on home soil, with only four teams collecting fewer points. The side have won only four, drawn two and lost six of their 12 home league matches.

After going five league games without a win (one draw, four losses), last week’s narrow 1-0 victory over strong Heidenheim at Vonovia Stadium was just what the doctor ordered for Robin Dutt and his Bochum side. The side are sitting in the middle of the table on 34 points and are not worried by relegation. They have been average on the road lately, winning just one, drawing one and losing three of their last five road trips in league action.

Bochum have been in patchy form away from home in the league of late, but I can still see them picking up a vital away win here against a home side who are coming off a heavy defeat.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Seven of Bochum’s nine league wins have been secured by a one-goal margin and three of Bielefeld’s last four home league defeats have also been by a solitary goal. Back odd total goals to be scored in the away team’s favour.

HEAD TO HEAD
Bochum won 1-0 at home in the reverse league fixture in October, but they are winless against Bielefeld in their last three league meetings at Schuco Arena, drawing one and losing two.

SV Sandhausen - FC St. Pauli

St. Pauli to pick up three points at Hardtwald Stadium

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

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

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

St. Pauli
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Philipp Ziereis, Henk Veerman (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Last weekend, a Andrew Wooten goal was enough to give Sandhausen a 1-0 league win in a relegation battle against Magdeburg at MDCC Arena. However, Sandhausen still sit in 17th place, two points adrift of safety, whilst winning only one of their last five league fixtures, along with one draw and three losses. Nevertheless, they have only been beaten once at Hardtwald Stadium in their last five in the league, winning one and drawing three.

After being trashed 4-0 by Hamburg in last weekend’s city derby, St. Pauli will be hoping to hit back at the first time of asking. With third-placed Union Berlin winning last time out, St. Pauli have to close a four-point gap to make it into the playoff place. Markus Kauczinki’s men have been far from their best in recent weeks, losing three and winning only two of their last five in the league. However, only Hamburg (26) and Cologne (25) have picked up more points on the road than Kauczinski’s boys up until now.

Sandhausen are in desperate need of all three points as they seek survival, but I can see St. Pauli following up their good away performances with another league win here. Put your money on the visitors to secure a comfortable three points at Hardtwald Stadium

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
St. Pauli’s last three league wins have been secured by a one-goal margin. Back odd total goals to be netted this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Sandhausen, but have won only once during that time, drawing the other three.

Hamburger SV - SV Darmstadt 98

Fifth home league win in a row for Hamburg

TEAM NEWS
Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Josha Vagnoman, Hwang Hee chan, Aaron Hunt and Stephan Ambrosius are out.

Rouven Sattelmaier, Max Grun, Christoph Moritz, Felix Platte and Selim Gunduz remain on the sidelines at Darmstadt.

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Josha Vagnoman (unspecified), Hwang Hee chan (tendon), Aaron Hunt (thigh)

Darmstadt
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee); Max Grun (elbow), Christoph Moritz (shoulder), Felix Platte (ligaments)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Hamburg secured a stunning 4-0 win in their city derby away at St. Pauli last time out. The club have been in good form since mid-February, winning three, drawing one and losing only one of their last five league fixtures. They still have plenty of work to do to ensure promotion though, with the side currently in second, one point behind leaders Cologne and only three above third-placed Union Berlin.

New coach Dimitrios Grammozis picked up is first Darmstadt win last weekend, guiding the club to an excellent 3-2 success over fifth-placed Holstein Kiel at the Bollenfalltor. That was the Lilies’ third victory in league action on home soil in 2019, along with one home league defeat. On the road, it has been a different story though, with the mid-table side winning only once all season whilst drawing three and losing eight of their other 11 away league matches.

Considering that Darmstadt are the only club with just one league win on the road, Hamburg should easily come out on top in this one. Three points here would take the hosts one step closer to promotion – back the home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Hamburg have won four of their last five home league victories 1-0 and Darmstadt’s last two away league matches have featured two or below total goals, too. I believe we will witness a low-scoring league game between these two sides.

HEAD TO HEAD
Hamburg have won two and lost two of the last four league meetings with Darmstadt. The reverse league fixture was won by Hamburg with a 2-1 scoreline back in October.

Dynamo Dresden - FC Magdeburg

First league win for new Dresden boss against fellow East German side

TEAM NEWS
Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Marco Hartmann and Florian Ballas are sidelined.

Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Aleksandar Ignjovski and Christian Beck who remain out injured.

Dresden
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Marco Hartmann (thigh), Florian Ballas (joint)

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow), Christian Beck (cheekbone)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Dresden’s league match at Sportpark Ronhof against Greuther Furth was called off due to bad weather last weekend. After only managing two draws in their last six league outings, losing the other four, Dresden are sitting in a lowly 14th spot on 27 points, six points above the drop zone. The team have not won since beating Duisburg 3-1 away shortly before Christmas.

Magdeburg have had a mixed bag of results under Michael Oenning. After starting life under their new boss with back-to-back wins at the start of the new year, the side drew 1-1 with Holstein Kiel and then picked up an impressive 3-1 win away from home to Bielefeld before registering another 1-1 draw against Paderborn. Unfortunately for Oenning and his side though, they have now been beaten twice in league action, falling to 1-0 defeats against Duisburg away and Sandhausen at home. Following those latest results, they are in 15th, one point above the bottom three.

This league game between the relegation-threatened east German sides is without doubt one of the standout league fixtures this weekend. It really could go either way, but I think Fiel could guide his men to a win in his second league match in charge. I am siding with the home team here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - DRESDEN
Dresden have scored first in two of their last three league meetings with Magdeburg. Put your money on the home side to open the scoring at DDV Arena.

HEAD TO HEAD
These two sides played out a 2-2 league thriller at the MDCC Arena back in October, which is the only league meeting between the teams in the German second tier.

Holstein Kiel - Erzgebirge Aue

Holstein Kiel to get back on track with home victory

TEAM NEWS
Aaron Seydel, Kingsley Schindler and David Kinsombi continue to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel while Jonas Meffert is suspended after receiving two yellow cards against Darmstadt last time out.

Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz has been ruled out due to injury.

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: Jonas Meffert
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aaron Seydel (heel), David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (ankle)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Fifth-placed Holstein Kiel are winless in their last two league matches after suffering back-to-back defeats against Union Berlin (2-0) at home and Darmstadt (3-2) on the road. However, they have been hard to beat at Holstein Stadium, losing only two of their 12 home league matches, with the other home league fixtures ending in five wins as well as five draws. Eight points are currently separating them from the top three.

After losing 1-0 at home against promotion contenders Cologne three weeks ago, Aue have pulled off two league wins in a row, thumping relegation candidates Sandhausen 3-0 on the road and beating seventh-placed Paderborn 2-1 at Erzgebirgs Stadium last time out. They have now won three, drawn one and lost only one of their last five league matches. Overall, though, Aue have had a mediocre season, spending the majority of their campaign in the bottom half of the league table. Aue go into this weekend league match in tenth place with 32 points.

Holstein Kiel’s last home league fixture ended in a loss, but Urs Fischer will fancy his side’s chances against visitors Aue, who have been only average on their travels (four wins, one draw, seven losses). Back the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Holstein Kiel’s 25 league matches average 3.3 total goals while three of their last four league outings have featured three total goals or more. Aue’s last two league contest have seen three total goals, which makes me think we will be in for another high-scoring league encounter.

HEAD TO HEAD
Holstein Kiel have won two, drawn two and lost only one of their last five league meetings with Aue.

FC Heidenheim - Union Berlin

Heidenheim to secure narrow win on home soil

TEAM NEWS
Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from. Robert Leipertz is the only absentee with a tendon injury while Robert Andrich is suspended.

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

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

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim have struggled for consistency of late, winning just one, drawing two and losing two of their last five league fixtures. Last weekend, the team were beaten 1-0 by mid-table side Bochum away from home. They have failed to win their last two home league fixtures since beating Dresden 1-0 early in February, drawing 2-2 with promotion candidates Hamburg and losing 2-1 to eighth-placed Jahn Regensburg. The club are seventh in the table on 39 points.

Union Berlin have made a terrific start to 2019, losing only one, drawing one and winning five out of seven in the German second tier, including a 2-0 home victory over rock-bottom Ingolstadt last time out. Prior to that, Union had taken just four points from their last three league games of 2018. Back-to-back wins over Holstein Kiel and Ingolstadt in their last two league outings have taken Urs Fischer’s men up to third spot in the table, only four points off leaders Cologne. Union have lost only twice and won 12 times this term, but they are the league’s draw specialists with 11 such results so far.

By their high standards, Heidenheim have been in poor form of late, but they have suffered only three defeats on their own turf all season. I think they may return to winning ways here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - HEIDENHEIM
Heidenheim have opened the scoring in the last five league meetings against Union Berlin. I expect the hosts to score first once again.

HEAD TO HEAD
Heidenheim have won three and drawn two of their last five league meetings with Union Berlin.

FC St. Pauli - Hamburger SV

St. Pauli to win city derby

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 and Jeremy Dudziak are working on his comeback.

Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Josha Vagnoman, Jann-Fiete Arp
and Stephan Ambrosius are absent while goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck is a doubt with thigh problems.

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

Hamburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Julian Pollersbeck (thigh)
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Josha Vagnoman (unspecified), Jann-Fiete Arp (head)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Markus Kauczinski’s St. Pauli are showing no signs of giving up in their pursuit of reaching the German top flight. The team are currently just one point behind third-placed Union Berlin after 24 league games and have enjoyed an excellent two weeks with back-to-back wins over strugglers Ingolstadt at home and Paderborn away (both 1-0).

Hamburg bounced back after two winless away league games (one draw, one loss), beating mid-table side Greuther Furth 1-0 at home last week. They had previously been held to a 2-2 draw away at strong hosts Heidenheim, which was followed by a disappointing 2-1 loss away at Jahn Regensburg. Overall, Hamburg have been in patchy form in recent weeks, winning only two of their past five league matches along with one draw and two losses. As a result, they have dropped down to second place, but are still only one point behind current leaders Cologne.

St. Pauli have been excellent at Millerntor since mid-November, losing only once,  winning four and drawing two of their last seven home league matches. Hamburg may still be above them in the league table, but they have been all over the place recently and have not won any of their last four away league matches (one draw, three losses). Back St. Pauli to claim a home win in this Hamburg derby.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW
St. Pauli have been drawing at half time in their last two league outings, with both of their winning goals arriving in the second half. I fancy the first half to finish level at Millerntor this weekend, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Hamburg and St. Pauli have met only once in league action since plying their trade in the German top flight in 2011, drawing 0-0 back in September.

FC Magdeburg - SV Sandhausen

Magdeburg to make home advantage count

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

Alexander Rossipal, Tim Kister, Ken Gipson and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen.

Magdeburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow), Christian Beck (cheekbone)

Sandhausen
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee), Tim Kister (ligaments), Ken Gipson (ill)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Overall, Magdeburg have been improving lately, having won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six league fixtures. The club are in 15th, but are still dangerously close to the relegation zone, with only two points separating them from the bottom three. After losing 4-1 to St. Pauli at the end of 2018, Michael Oenning’s boys went five league matches unbeaten, winning three and drawing two, but they lost 1-0 against fellow relegation candidates Duisburg in a hard-fought relegation six-pointer last week.

Sandhausen have been on a poor run recently, having accumulated just one point from a possible 12 in league action. After losing 2-0 to Union Berlin away from home and drawing 1-1 against struggling Darmstadt on home soil, the team were beaten 3-1 by leaders Cologne and 3-0 by mid-table outfit Aue at Hardtwald Stadium. The club are now rock bottom in the table and five points from safety.

Neither side go into this league fixture in particularly good shape, but Magdeburg have shown signs of life of late. With that in mind, back a narrow home win in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Two of Magdeburg’s last three wins in the league have been won by exactly one goal. I am backing odd total goals to be scored at MDCC Arena this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD
There has only been one league meeting between the pair. In the reverse fixture back in September, Magdeburg beat Sandhausen 1-0 at Hardtwald Stadium.

Greuther Fürth - Dynamo Dresden

Three points for Dresden at Sportpark Ronhof

TEAM NEWS
Greuther Furth's Yosuke Ideguchi and Tobias Mohr won't feature because of injury.

Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Marco Hartmann and Florian Ballas are sidelined while Aias Aosman is suspended.

Greuther Furth
Suspended: Julian Green
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi, Tobias Mohr (both knee)

Dresden
Suspended: Aias Aosman
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Marco Hartmann (thigh), Florian Ballas (joint)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN 
Greuther Furth went into last week’s league game against promotion contenders Hamburg on the back of a three-game unbeaten run in league action, having won one and drawn two under new boss Stefan Leitl. However, the team fell to a very unlucky 1-0 defeat against their opponents from northern Germany at Volkspark Arena, with the winning goal arriving five minutes from time. The Shamrock’s recent run of results has seen them move away from the drop zone, but they have still won only once in their last ten league matches (three draws, six losses).

New Dresden boss Christian Fiel takes charge of his first league game at DDV Arena this weekend. The team are still winless in league action in 2019, having lost four and drawn two of their last six league outings. However, they showed determination last time out after finding themselves 2-0 down early at home against Bochum and staging an excellent comeback, eventually earning a point in a 2-2 draw. Dresden are currently in a lowly 13th spot, only seven points above the drop zone.

Dresden are the only side who are still winless in the league in 2019, but they were showing a great sense of morale and determination last weekend under their new manager. I have a feeling they will edge this league contest.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Four of the last five league meetings between these teams have been decided by one goal. This should be a tight encounter, so have a punt on odd total goals to be scored.

HEAD TO HEAD
Greuther Furth beat Dresden 1-0 away from home when they last met in the league in September. The team are in fact unbeaten in their last four league encounters, having won three and drawn one.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Holstein Kiel

All square at Bollenfalltor

TEAM NEWS

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

Aaron Seydel, Kingsley Schindler and David Kinsombi continue to be sidelined at Holstein Kiel.

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Aaron Seydel (heel), David Kinsombi (shin bone), Kingsley Schindler (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Darmstadt have been looking nervously over their shoulders as they are hovering just six points above the relegation zone. Last weekend, the Lilies were disappointedly beaten 1-0 by Bielefeld away at Schuco Arena, which was their third defeat in their last five league matches (one win, one draw). Since seeing off Magdeburg by a 3-1 scoreline at Bollenfalltor in early November, the side have won just two of their 12 league fixtures, drawing three and losing seven.

Holstein Kiel had kicked off 2019 in fine style, winning two and drawing three in the league. However, the Storks were the victims of a 2-0 defeat at home against Union Berlin last weekend, losing for the first time in league action this year. The side still reside in fifth place but are now trailing third-placed Union Berlin by five points.

This will no doubt be a tough league game for both sides, with Darmstadt desperate for points in their bid to put their relegation worries behind them while Holstein Kiel are keen to stay in touch with the top three. I expect them to cancel each other out.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD - DRAW

Two of the last three league meetings between the two have been level at half time, so back the first half to end all square this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Holstein Kiel beat Darmstadt 4-2 at Holstein Stadium in the most recent league meeting back in September. Prior to that, there had been two league draws.

Jahn Regensburg - MSV Duisburg

Jahn Regensburg to claim fifth home league win

TEAM NEWS

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

Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Joseph Baffo and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined while Lukas Thomas Frode will be suspended after his red card against Aue last month.

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Adrian Fein (knee)

Duisburg

Suspended: Lukas Thomas Frode

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Following back-to-back defeats at the beginning of February, things are finally starting to look up for Jahn Regensburg. The side are unbeaten in their three league matches as Achim Beierlorzer’s men managed to hold Dresden to a 0-0 draw before beating promotion contenders Hamburg at home and sixth-placed Heidenheim away, both by a 2-1 scoreline. Having registered nine wins, nine draws and six losses in the league so far, Regensburg are in eighth with 36 points.

Since arriving at Schauinslandreisen Arena back in October, Torsten Lieberknecht has picked up five wins, three draws and eight losses in the league as Duisburg boss. Two of those victories have arrived in their last five league outings (one draw, two losses), including in the form of a 1-0 success at home over Magdeburg last time out, but the team are still in a precarious position, sitting in 16th place with two points from safety.

Jahn Regensburg have been in decent form of late and will be targeting all three points against their lowly opponents. I’m predicting a win for the home team.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH

The last three league fixtures between these two sides have produced 13 goals in total, or 4.33 on average. With that in mind, take a punt on a high-scoring outcome.

HEAD TO HEAD

Jahn Regensburg have won two and lost one of their three league meetings against Duisburg.

1.FC Köln - Arminia Bielefeld

Cologne set to take three points at Rhein Energie Stadium

TEAM NEWS

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

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Soren Brandy, Tom Schutz and Christopher Nothe are sidelined.

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Tom Schutz (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Cologne have put their poor run of three losses and one win firmly behind them. After seeing off relegation candidates Ingolstadt in a 2-1 away win last weekend, they have now recorded three straight victories in league action and are leading the table on 48 points and with a one-point lead over Hamburg. Markus Anfang’s men were excellent against Ingolstadt from the very first whistle and were 2-0 ahead until conceding the hosts’ only goal in stoppage time.

Bielefeld picked up a priceless 1-0 win over Darmstadt at home in their last league outing, which ended a two-match winless run of one draw and one loss. The side have now won four, drawn one and lost only one of their last six league matches while they are unbeaten in their last six away league contests with three wins and three draws, picking up 12 points from an available 18 in the process. However, Bielefeld still remain in a mid-table position, trailing the top three by 13 points.

Leaders Cologne have found their form again in recent weeks and they will be targeting all three points here to cement their position at the top of the league standings. Take a punt on the hosts to seal a home victory over Bielefeld.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - COLOGNE

Cologne have scored the opening goal in eight of their last nine league wins. Back Cologne to score first in this one, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Cologne are unbeaten in their last four league meetings with Bielefeld (three wins, one draw). The sides have played each other only once in the league in the last five years, with Cologne registering a 3-1 away win back in September.

Erzgebirge Aue - SC Paderborn

Paderborn to get back to winning ways

TEAM NEWS

Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz and Florian Kruger have been ruled out due to injury.

Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Philipp Klement and Leon Bruggemeier out through injury.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Steve Breitkreuz (knee), Florian Kruger (thigh)

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Leon Bruggemeier (knee), Philipp Klement (adductor)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Daniel Meyer’s Aue have had an up-and-down season so far, winning eight, drawing five and losing 11 of their 24 league matches. Since beating then-undefeated Union Berlin 3-0 at home at the end of 2018, Aue have lost three, drawn one and won two of their last six matches in the German second division, with their latest league outing ending with a convincing 3-0 thrashing of rock-bottom Sandhausen 3-0 away from home. The Viola are currently in eleventh with 29 points, nine points above the drop zone.

Paderborn fell to a disappointing 1-0 home loss to St. Pauli last weekend, which saw them remain in seventh. Since beating Cologne 3-2 three weeks ago, the team are without a win in two league matches, having registered one draw and one loss. However, they have secured four points from a possible six in their last two away league matches.

This league fixture at Erzgebirgs Stadium could go either way. However, Paderborn will be desperate to hit back after their defeat against St. Pauli last weekend and I am backing them to return to winning ways here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW

Aue have scored just 13 goals at home in league action this season while Paderborn have netted 18 goals in their 11 away league matches. This is likely to be a low-scoring affair.

HEAD TO HEAD

Paderborn won 1-0 at Benteler Arena in the reverse league fixture in September. They are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with six wins and one draw.

Union Berlin - FC Ingolstadt 04

Union Berlin to snatch another three points

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

Ingolstadt's Joey Breitfeld, Tobias Schrock, Frederic Ananou and Lucas Galvao are all sidelined.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (foot)

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Urs Fischer has certainly had a positive impact at Union Berlin since arriving last summer, guiding his team to 11 wins in 24 league matches thus far, along with 11 draws and two defeats. In fact, no other side has lost as few league fixtures as the team from the German capital while they also boast the best home record with eight wins and four draws. Trailing leaders Cologne by four points, they proved their promotion credentials once again last weekend as they beat fifth-placed Holstein Kiel 2-0 on the road.

Ingolstadt were poor in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to leaders Cologne at home. Prior to that, the Schanzer were beaten 1-0 by St. Pauli away from Audi Sportpark. Jens Keller’s side have won just three of their previous 20 fixtures in the league, drawing five and losing 12. Nevertheless, they have recently managed to leave the bottom of the table and are currently sitting in 17th with 19 points, three points from safety.

Union Berlin have been in remarkable form all season and should have no trouble when it comes to seeing off a struggling side such as Ingolstadt. This should be an easy win for the home side.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Union Berlin have won three of their last four league victories by a two-goal margin. This looks like it could be a comfortable win for them, so have a punt on even total goals to be scored in the hosts' favour.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin have lost just one of their last eight league meetings against Ingolstadt, winning three and drawing four.

VfL Bochum - FC Heidenheim

Bochum to get back on track with home win

TEAM NEWS

Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch and Baris Ekincier.

Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Having drawn 2-2 with Dresden last weekend, Bochum have now gone five league games without a win (one draw, four losses). In fact, since beating Duisburg 2-1 at Vonovia Stadium at the end of January, the team have picked up just one point from a possible 15 in the league. As a result, they have dropped down to ninth place with 31 points from 24 league games. However, they are comfortable when it comes to relegation as they are 11 points above the drop zone.

Heidenheim have been hard to beat in Germany’s second tier of late, having lost only one of their last ten league matches, along with five wins and four draws, while they also unexpectedly beat top-flight outfit Leverkusen 2-1 at home in the German cup's round of 16 earlier this month. However, their single defeat during that time took place last weekend as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Voith Arena against Jahn Regensburg. Sitting in sixth, they are trailing the top three by five points.

Bochum will be desperate to get back to winning ways, but given Heidenheim's recent form, clinching all three points will not be an easy feat for the hosts here. Still, I have a feeling that the visitors' impressive run has come to an end and I believe they will lose for the second time in a row in league action.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - BOCHUM

Bochum have scored the opening goal in three of their four home league meetings with Heidenheim. Back Robin Dutt’s men to strike first here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum's last league win in this head-to-head dates back to October 2016. Since then Heidenheim are unbeaten in four league meetings, winning three and drawing one.

Hamburger SV - Greuther Fürth

Hamburg to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS
Hamburg's Jairo Samperio, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Josha Vagnoman and Stephan Ambrosius are absent while Orel Mangala and Vasilije Janjicic are both suspended.

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

Hamburg
Suspended: Orel Mangala, Vasilije Janjicic
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Jairo Samperio, Stephan Ambrosius (all knee); Josha Vagnoman (unspecified)

Greuther Furth
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Yosuke Ideguchi, Tobias Mohr (both knee); Maximilian Bauer (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Hamburg will be hoping to bounce back after crashing to two league defeats already in 2019. The team have won two, drawn one and lost two of their five league fixtures this year. They were beaten 2-1 by Jahn Regensburg at Continental Arena last time out, despite taking the lead early, but they had two men sent off in the final 20 minutes of play. However, despite taking only four points from the last 12 on offer, Hamburg are in second, three points clear of third placed Union Berlin.

Having taken a solitary point from six league league matches, Greuther Furth are now unbeaten in three league outings. After beating Duisburg 1-0 at Sportpark Ronhof at the beginning of February, the Shamrock have drawn 2-2 with Holstein Kiel away and 0-0 Heidenheim at home. However, overall Greuther Furth will be glad to see the back of the last three months after losing five, drawing three and winning just two of the ten league matches during that time.

Hamburg will be desperate to hit back after their unlucky defeat against Jahn Regensburg last time out - and Greuther Furth, who have lost two, drawn two and won only one of the last five in the league, are there for the taking. The hosts should be able to make it four home league wins in a row.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 1-0
Hamburg have kept clean sheets in three of their last four home wins in league action, with all of those three ending 1-0 in their favour. I predict a repeat of that scoreline.

HEAD TO HEAD
The teams held each other to a scoreless draw in the league back in September, which was their only league meeting in the past six years.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to make it back-to-back away wins

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

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

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

Cologne
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Matthias Lehmann (Achilles), Niklas Hauptmann (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Ingolstadt were expected to challenge for promotion before a ball was kicked this season, but the Schanzer occupy a lowly 16th spot after 23 league matches. In their last league outing, they were beaten 1-0 by promotion contenders St. Pauli at Millerntor. Jens Keller’s men have now lost two and won two of their previous four matches in the league, whilst winning just twice at Audi Sportpark all season (four draws, six losses).

Leaders Cologne were involved in an incredible league fixture against Paderborn at Benteler Arena two weeks ago. They were leading 2-0 with only ten minutes to go, but still managed to lose 3-2. They followed that up with a hard-fought 3-1 victory on home ground against relegation candidates Sandhausen last weekend before travelling to Aue in midweek, where they won 1-0.

This is a huge league fixture for both sides. Despite losing last time out, Ingolstadt have shown signs of life under Keller while Cologne are desperate to be promoted this season. I expect the visitors to be too strong for the hosts here and will back a Cologne win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - ODD
Odd total goals have been scored in both of Cologne’s last two league wins against Ingolstadt. Back odd total goals again.

HEAD TO HEAD
Cologne are unbeaten in their last six league meetings, but four have been draws, along with two wins.

Dynamo Dresden - VfL Bochum

Teams to cancel each other out

TEAM NEWS
Dresden's Brian Hamalainen, Marco Hartmann and Florian Ballas are sidelined while Aias Aosman is suspended.

Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch, Milos Pantovic, Patrick Fabian and Baris Ekincier.

Dresden
Suspended: Aias Aosman
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Brian Hamalainen (back), Marco Hartmann (thigh), Florian Ballas (joint)

Bochum
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified), Patrick Fabian (rib), Milos Pantovic (not fit)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Since beating Ingolstadt 2-0 at DDV Arena three months ago, Dresden have picked up just five points from their last nine league games. Their poor form has seen them drop down to 14th in the table. After drawing 0-0 on home soil against Jahn Regensburg two weeks ago, Dresden were beaten 2-0 by Darmstadt at Bollenfalltor last weekend.

Bochum have also been slipping down the table lately, having lost their last four league matches. Last weekend, the team fell to a 3-1 defeat against Holstein Kiel on their own ground, leaving them without a win in league action once again while scoring only three in those last four league matches. In fact, Robin Dutt’s boys have picked up only two victories in their past nine league encounters along with one draw and six losses. Bochum are now ninth with 30 points from 23 league games.

Both sides have been in poor form of late and I’m finding it hard to separate them. Put your money on this league match to end all square.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - DRESDEN
Dresden have scored first in each of their last four league meetings with Bochum. Have a punt on the home team to open the scoring in this one again.

HEAD TO HEAD
Dresden beat Bochum 1-0 away from home when they last met in the league in September. Last season, both sides registered one league victory each.

Arminia Bielefeld - SV Darmstadt 98

Bielefeld to secure rare home win

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

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

Bielefeld
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Christopher Nothe, Soren Brandy (all knee); Cedric Brunner (ill)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Uwe Neuhaus’ Bielefeld have fired themselves up into 11th place after winning three, drawing one and losing only one of their last five league fixtures. The team held top three side Union Berlin to a 1-1 draw away from home in their last league outing and they are now enjoying a nine-point lead over the bottom three. A home win over Darmstadt could solidify their mid-table position even more. However, at Schuco-Arena they have won only three, drawn two and lost six of their 11 home league meetings.

Having taken over from the sacked Dirk Schuster on a temporary basis, Darmstadt caretaker boss Kai-Peter Schmitz did a cracking job in his first league match in charge. The Lilies cruised to an easy 2-0 win over Dresden last weekend after being winless since late January, losing two and drawing one of their previous three league outings. Those three points have moved Darmstadt seven points above the drop zone.

Bielefeld have one of the worst home records in the German second division, but Darmstadt have the joint worst points-tally on the road, with only one win, three draws and seven losses in their 11 away league matches. A draw would look plausible, but I think Bielefeld’s recent decent form could see them win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN - EVEN
Three of Bielefeld’s last four league and playoff wins against Darmstadt have all seen even total goals. Back even total goals to be scored at Schuco Arena, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
Bielefeld won 2-1 at Bollenfalltor in the reverse league fixture in September. Both teams claimed a home league win last season.

SV Sandhausen - Erzgebirge Aue

Sandhausen to nick the points on home soil

TEAM NEWS
Alexander Rossipal, Maximilian Jansen and Nejmeddin Daghfous are the only injury absentees for Sandhausen while Tim Kister received his fifth yellow card against Cologne and is suspended.

Aue’s Steve Breitkreuz and Dennis Kempe have been ruled out due to injury.

Sandhausen
Suspended: Tim Kister
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Alexander Rossipal (ankle), Nejmeddin Daghfous (knee), Maximilian Jansen (adductor)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
If things don’t turn around drastically in the second half of the season, Sandhausen are on their way to Germany’s third division. Since arriving at Hardtwald Stadium back in October, coach Uwe Koschinat has won just two of his 14 league matches in charge, drawing six and losing six. The side were beaten again in their last league outing, falling to a 3-1 defeat away at promotion candidates Cologne. Sitting second-from-bottom, Sandhausen are currently five points from safety.

Aue have been on a mini revival recently. Since a three-match losing streak back in November, the Viola have won three, drawn three and lost three of their last nine league outings. However, the side will have been disappointed with their goalless stalemate at home against rock-bottom Duisburg last weekend. They followed that result up with a 1-0 loss at home against Cologne in midweek.

This is a vital league fixture for the home team. A Sandhausen defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb in their bid to remain in the German second division, but three points would keep their slim survival hopes alive. I will take a risk and back a win for the hosts here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - LOW
Sandhausen have scored only 11 league goals at Hardtwald Stadium so far while Aue have netted just 14 league goals on the road this season. I fancy this to be a low-scoring (under 2.5 total goals) league encounter - similarly to the teams’ last ten league meetings.

HEAD TO HEAD
Sandhausen have lost only once in their last four league meetings against Aue, drawing once and winning twice, including earlier this season when they beat Aue 2-0 away.

SC Paderborn - FC St. Pauli

St. Pauli to return home with all three points

TEAM NEWS
Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser, Khiry Shelton, Philipp Klement and Leon Bruggemeier out due to injury. Klaus Gjasula and Sebastian Schonlau will both be suspended.

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. Christopher Buchtmann is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card last time out.

Paderborn
Suspended: Klaus Gjasula, Sebastian Schonlau
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Leon Fesser (thigh); Khiry Shelton, Leon Bruggemeier (both knee); Philipp Klement (adductor)

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN
Paderborn are one of the in-form teams in the German second tier at present, drawing one and winning three of their last four league fixtures. The team shocked promotion candidates Cologne at Benteler Arena two weeks ago as they fought back despite being 2-0 goals down, scoring three goals in the final ten minutes of play and winning 3-2. However, they followed that up with only a lucky 1-1 draw at Magdeburg last weekend, with Uwe Hunemeier providing the equaliser. Paderborn have dropped just five points in their last seven league matches and sit in seventh with 38 points.

Fourth placed St. Pauli have been in patchy form of late, winning five, drawing three and losing three of their last 11 league matches. Furthermore, the team have won only two of their last five league matches, losing the other three, including their two most recent away league fixtures. However, last term out, Markus Kauczinski’s men earned a solid 1-0 home win over Ingolstadt.

There is not much to split these two after 23 league games. However, I’m not sure Paderborn can keep up their good performances whilst they didn’t convince me against Magdeburg in the last round. I’m going with the away win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – ST. PAULI
St. Pauli have scored the opening goal in each of their last two league games. Back the visitors to score first here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
St. Pauli won 2-1 at home in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Prior to that, the teams’ most recent league encounters took place in 2015-16, with Paderborn winning away and drawing at home.