Dynamo Dresden - MSV Duisburg

Strong hosts face newly-promoted team from Duisburg

TEAM NEWS

Dresden have lost three important key players in the form of Marvin Stefaniak, Akaki Gogia and Stefan Kutschke. It will be hard to replace them as only new arrivals Soren Gonther (St. Pauli) and Rico Benatelli (Wurzburg) have the same level of experience and are available immediately. The other arrivals are only squad players like midfielder Patrick Moschl (Ried), midfielder Sascha Horvath (Sturm Graz) and forward Rosner (Grossaspach).

Duisburg are placing their trust in their successful team from last season. They have been quiet on the transfer market and there will only be a small number of new players to strengthen the team, including goalkeeper Daniel Davari (Bielefeld), defender Gerrit Nauber (Lotte), midfielder Lukas Frode (Wurzburg), midfielder Cauly Oliveira Souza (Wurzburg), forward Borys Tashchy (Stuttgart) and midfielder Moritz Stoppelkamp (Paderborn).

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Soren Gonther (unspecified)

Injured/unavailable: Aias Aosman (thigh), Niklas Hauptmann (groin), Florian Ballas (ankle)

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Branimir Bajic (unspecified)

Injured/unavailable: Tim Albutat (ankle), Zlatko Janjic (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Dresden are known for their home fortress and their support is absolutely great. It is not always easy to play there as their fans make a lot of noise and if the team are rolling they are very hard to stop while they can overcome their opponents easily. For newly-promoted Duisburg, this is by no means an ideal start to the new season, but Dresden have a lot of absentees and must find the right mix of players for this game.

Duisburg are back in 2.Bundesliga after just one year in the third tier and they want to do a better job than two years ago. They have been working very hard at all fronts, with coach Iliya Gruev having to find solutions to get more power into the attack as they were far too ineffective up front last season. The coach stands for compactness and discipline and is adamant that he wants to see both from his team. If they can hold this game even and hold their nerves in this noisy stadium they should be able to get something out of this game.

It is always hard to start the campaign with a home game against a newly-promoted team – and especially when you have several injury worries to deal with. I think this puts Duisburg in a very good position and a win over Dresden might be the surprise of the weekend in my eyes. Away win – but only if you dare.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

This is bound to be a tough encounter and the newcomers should be motivated, but Dresden’s home crowd might push their team all the way. I’ll go with over 2.5 goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Dresden’s all-time home record against Duisburg is three wins, two draws and two defeats, with nine goals for and six against.

1.FC Heidenheim - Erzgebirge Aue

Heidenheim eager to overcome Aue and use their home advantage

TEAM NEWS

Heidenheim will have all their key players available for this season again, but they have strengthened the team with several players who will act as replacements if the first XI succumb to injury: Goalkeeper Matthias Kobbing (Hoffenheim), defender Marnon Busch (Werder Bremen), midfielder Kolja Pusch (Jahn Regensburg), midfielder Maximilian Thiel (Union Berlin), forward Nikola Dovedan (Altach) and forward Robert Glatzel (Kaiserslautern) have all joined the club.

Aue were one of the newly-promoted teams last season and their main aim will be to avoid the drop to the third tier once again. Two important players have left the club, but Aue have brought in several replacements, with new signings including defender Nicolai Rapp (Hoffenheim), defender Malcolm Cacutalua (Bielefeld), midfielder Tobias Kempe (Karlsruher SC), defender Moise Ngwisani (Bochum), midfielder Dominik Wydra (Bochum), midfielder John-Patrick Strauss (RB Leipzig), midfielder Arianit Ferati (Hamburg) and Michael Maria (Grossaspach).

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Denis Thomalla (illness)

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicky Adler (groin)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Heidenheim were underestimated by most of their opponents last season and they ended up in an impressive sixth position. However, they are now a lot better known and the other clubs will be aware of how to approach them. This could become a problem – especially if Heidenheim start the season as badly as they ended the last, and this campaign might be a lot harder for them as a result. However, if coach Frank Schmidt excels at his decision-making in the same way as he did last season, then the team have the potential to end up in a safe place in the middle of the table.

Aue’s team spirit and willingness to fight saved the club last season, but more than anything else, they will need to improve up front this time round. The team are in desperate need of more goals if they do not want to get into trouble from the start. However, they have no real goalgetter, but with Pascal Kopke, Dimitrij Nazarov, Adrianit Ferati and Mario Kvesic there are some good and quality strikers in the squad. Nevertheless, the team tend to waste too many of their chances, but if they can solve this problem, then they might be able to play in 2.Bundesliga again next season.

Heidenheim had a quiet and good pre-season and they worked hard to improve their style of play from last season. However, Aue are not in the best situation after losing their head coach and are therefore ill-prepared, having to adjust to a new coach and his playing style. I therefore think that Heidenheim will leave the pitch victorious.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

Both teams have met each other twice so far in 2.Bundesliga, with one game seeing more and one game under 2.5 goals. However, I expect an open game here, with both teams looking for goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim’s overall home record against Aue is one win and two draws, with the team having scored three and conceded two goals.

Holstein Kiel - SV Sandhausen

Newcomers set to start season well

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel’s core squad is almost the same as last season while the club have strengthened their team with some experienced and talented players, including goalkeeper Lukas Kruse (Paderborn), defender David Kinsombi (Karlsruher SC), defender Christopher Lenz (Union Berlin), midfielder Sebastian Heidinger (Paderborn), midfielder Atakan Karazor (Dortmund), midfielder Konde (Wolfsburg II), forward Ilir Azemi (Greuther Furth) and forward Marvin Ducksch (St. Pauli).

Sandhausen will be pleased that they can count on all their key players this season again, although they tried to strengthen the squad by adding goalkeeper Marcel Schuhen (Rostock), defender Marcel Seegert (Mannheim), defender Ken Gipson (RB Leipzig), midfielder Eroll Zejnullahu (Union Berlin), midfielder Nejmeddin Daghfous (Wurzburg), midfielder Mirco Born (Meppen), midfielder Robert Herrmann (Wolfsburg II) and forward Ali Ibrahimaj (Mannheim) to their ranks.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Luca Durholtz (illness), Atakan Karazor (ankle)

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jose Pierre Vunguidica, Mirco Born, Rick Wulle (all knee); Robert Herrmann (broken foot), Maximilian Jansen (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

This is the beginning of a new era for Holstein Kiel. After several years of trying they have managed to return to 2.Bundesliga and will want to do their best in order to be competitive in this league. If their squad remains relatively injury free, then they should find their place in Germany’s second tier despite having the second lowest budget after Jahn Regensburg. One of their strengths is their defence, with only 25 goals conceded in 38 matches last season, but the team will have to have a serious look at their goalscoring.

Sandhausen should be able to get off to a good start to the new campaign as they have the same starting XI available as last season. The players will know each other and be familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses – something that could give the club an advantage over their opponents and could provide a welcome boost. Sandhausen are known for their compact style of play, which doesn’t tend to be popular amongst their opponents. 

Both teams are known for their fighting spirit and this could be an exciting game. However, it will be Kiel’s first 2.Bundesliga match while Sandhausen have more experience in this tier and know how to win this kind of games. Coupled with the fact that they played well in their friendlies and are in form already, I expect Sandhausen to start the season as well as they started last year’s and grab all three points here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

Both teams are not proficient by any means when it comes to goals and Holstein Kiel had one of the best defences last season, which makes me want to opt for a bet on under 2.5 goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in 2.Bundesliga.

1.FC Nürnberg - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Two traditional clubs aiming for a better season

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg icon Raphael Schafer has retired, but in Thorsten Kirschbaum and Fabian Bredlow (Hallescher FC) the club should have two good goalkeepers. The team’s defence has also seen several departures, but there have been replacements in the form of defender Ewerton (Sporting), defender Lukas Jager (Altach) and defender Enrico Valentini (Karlsruher SC) while the midfield has seen an improvement through Enis Alushi’s return from loan and Sebastian Kerk’s return to the club. Lucas Hufnagel (Freiburg) and Alexander Fuchs (1860 Munich) will add pace while Nurnberg will hope for more goals after welcoming Adam Zrelak (Jablonec) to the club.

Unsurprisingly a lot of changes have been made to Kaiserslautern’s squad, with many players leaving and joining the club. New signings include goalkeeper Marius Muller (RB Leipzig), defender Marcel Correia (Braunschweig), defender Giuliano Modica (Dresden), defender Guawara (Werder Bremen), defender Benjamin Kessel (Union Berlin), midfielder Mads Albaek (Goteborg), midfielder Gino Fechner (RB Leipzig), midfielder Baris Atik (Hoffenheim), midfielder Gervane Kastaneer (Den Haag), midfielder Lukas Spalvis (Sporting) and forward Brandon Borello (Brisbane).

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Lukas Muhl, Dennis Lippert (both knee)

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Disappointed with their league position last season – the team ended the campaign in 12^th – Nurnberg will field an almost new line-up here. Pre-season was not bad and there will be the expectation that the club should perform better this time round. A mixture of young, talented and experienced players will be of benefit to the squad, but if they play too offensively it can be a problem for their defensive work and coach Michael Kollner has to find the right balance.

Kaiserslautern too experienced a disappointing season and they will have to start from scratch after seeing a lot of changes in their squad and coaching staff. They will have to build a new strong squad and will hope that their new players will add more quality and strength in order to finish this season more positively and in a higher position than 13^th. However, their biggest problem is their attack which scored a poor 29 goals during the last campaign.

I think this will be a very close game, but Nurnberg have home advantage and great supporters who will cheer them on towards three points. Kaiserslautern are not yet ready, with some new players having arrived late and needing time to gel. Expect a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

Although 18 of Nurnberg’s home matches against Kaiserslautern ended with three goals or more, compared to 13 with fewer than three goals, I don’t think we will see a lot of goals in this opener and I’ll go with under 2.5 here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Nurnberg’s all-time home record against Kaiserslautern is 15 wins, seven draws and nine defeats, with 47 goals for and 48 goals against.

Arminia Bielefeld - Jahn Regensburg

Important first encounter for both

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld‘s squad has undergone several changes with several players not receiving a new contract. New arrivals include goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (1860 Munich), defender Nils Teixeira (Dresden), midfielder Konstantin Kerschbaumer (Brentford), midfielder Patrick Weihrauch (Wurzburg), forward Andraz Sporar (Basel) and forward Nils Quaschner (RB Leipzig).

Newly-promoted Jahn Regensburg have lost two key players from their successful team last season as midfielder Erik Thommy returned to Augsburg while midfielder Kolja Pusch is back with Heidenheim. They have signed several new players, but none of them have experience at playing in 2.Bundesliga. With midfielder Sebastian Stolze (Wolfsburg), forward Jonas Nietfeld (Zwickau), defender Benedikt Gimber (Hoffenheim), defender Asger Sorensen (RB Salzburg), midfielder Albion Vrenezi (Augsburg), forward Patrick Dzalto (Leverkusen) and forward Joshua Mees (1899 Hoffenheim) they have a squad full of young and talented players.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Soren Brandy (thigh)

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Nothe (knee)

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: OIiver Hein (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Bielefeld will be hoping for a much better start than last season and therefore for a campaign without any trouble. Overall they should not change much with regard to their starting XI and it means they will have a team available that need no time to gel. Coach Jeff Saibene knows his men very well and might include new arrival Konstantin Kerschbaumer in the line-up.

Newly-promoted Jahn Regensburg have the lowest budget of the 18 clubs and they must work hard if they do not want to be relegated after just one season – something that happened to them not too long ago. However, their new and beautiful stadium should push them additionally this time round while there is also a new coach in charge in Achim Beierlorzer after Heiko Herrlich left for Leverkusen before the beginning of the season. Beierlorzer was U-23 coach at RB Leipzig and knowing how to work with young players, he will put a lot of emphasis on forming a well-balanced and operating team. However, the club’s main aim will be to avoid relegation this season.

I don’t expect to see a great game here, with both teams looking to defend, and this could mean a goalless draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

These teams have not met in Germany’s second tier since March 2004 when they played each other in Bielefeld. It was an uneventful and scoreless draw. Both teams will be focussing on safety first in their first match and I predict under 2.5 goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bielefeld have hosted Jahn Regensburg just three time, with all matches ending in draws.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Greuther Fürth

Relegated Darmstadt host a traditional 2.Bundesliga club

TEAM NEWS

Darmstadt have lost several important players in the form of Michael Esser, Marcel Heller, Mario Vrancic, Felix Platte, Jerome Gondorf and Hamit Altintop, but they were able to get some quality back into their squad with goalkeeper Joel Mall (Grasshoppers), midfielder Kevin Großkreutz (Stuttgart), midfielder Tobia Kempe (Nurnberg), midfielder Yannick Stark (FSV Frankfurt), forward Artur Sobiech (Hannover), midfielder Romuald Lacazette (1860 Munchen), midfielder Marvin Mehlem (Karlsruher SC) and forward McKinze Gaines (U-19 Wolfsburg).

Greuther Furth have seen Robert Zulj and Marcel Franke depart and have tried to compensate for the loss of their two important players by signing midfielder Nik Omladic (Braunschweig), defender Maximilian Wittek (1860 Munchen), forward Philipp Hofmann (Brentford), midfielder Manuel Torres (Karlsruher SC) and goalkeeper Timo Konigsmann (Hannover).

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Patrick Banggaard (illness), Jan Rosenthal (knee)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Maximilian Wittek (thigh)

Injured/unavailable: Richard Magyar (ankle), Sercan Sararer (groin), Philipp Hofmann (ligaments), Mathis Bolly (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After one of the worst seasons in the club’s history Darmstadt are looking forward to better times and they are working hard to get a good squad together. However, it looks like that they have done their homework and they are more competitive this season. Coach Torsten Frings has done a good job and has the trust of all his players. He has a lot of options in all positions and this makes Darmstadt very unpredictable this season.

Greuther Furth on the other hand have added pace to their squad, which was evident in their pre-season friendlies. They are much more variable than last season and can use different systems, if needed. The only problem at the moment is their defence and they are a bit short of options as Richard Magyar is out, with midfielder Adam Pinter a candidate for the open position in central back, but it is far from ideal.

Furth suffer from too many problems defensively and that will make it difficult for them to beat Darmstadt. The hosts are better prepared than in previous seasons and should get the campaign off to a good start by clinching three points.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

The statistics have been very even in Darmstadt’s last eight home matches, with four of the games ending with more than and four fewer than 2.5 goals. However, I expect both teams to push from the beginning and expect at least three goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Darmstadt’s all-time home record against Greuther Furth is five wins, one draw and two defeats, with 12 goals for and seven goals against.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - Union Berlin

Relegated Ingolstadt host one of the top teams

TEAM NEWS

After their relegation from Germany’s top flight last season, Ingolstadt will aim for promotion and have set themselves the target of a return to the Bundesliga within the next two years. They have lost important players in the form of Pascal Gross, Markus Suttner, Roger and Matthew Leckie, but despite receiving around €11 million in total for these players, they haven’t invested much. Only €1.2 million have been spent on forward Stefan Kutschke (Dresden) while all the other new recruits arrived on free transfers, including midfielder Marcel Gaus (Kaiserslautern), midfielder Tobias Schrock (Wurzburg), midfielder Thomas Pledl (Sandhausen), defender Hauke Wahl (Heidenheim), defender Phil Neumann (Schalke 04), forward Gianluca Rizzo (Monchengladbach) and forward Antonio Colak (Darmstadt).

Although Union Berlin have seen 11 players depart during the transfer window, their squad hasn’t been better for years. Overall they have lost only one regular in Roberto Puncec while the squad’s quality and strength have improved considerably after the club signed midfielder Akaki Gogia (Dresden), midfielder Marcel Hartel (1.FC Cologne), defender Marc Torrejon (Freiburg), midfielder Grischa Promel (Karlsruhuer SC), defender Christoph Schosswendter (Rapid Vienna) and defender Peter Kurzweg (Wurzburg).

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Max Christiansen (thigh), Moritz Hartmann (muscle)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Stephan Furstner (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Despite losing their top-flight status last season, Ingolstadt have only three new players in their starting line-up and that should help them to get off to a good start. Tobias Schrock, Thomas Pledl and Stefan Kutschke should provide quality after the club have lost key players, but in my opinion, this is one of the best squads if the quality of the names is anything to go by. Ingolstadt’s defensc should be very strong and up front they must try to score more goals than last season when they only netted 36. I predict a top 4 finish for the team.

Union Berlin are coming off the best season in their history after finishing fourth – but they want more, with everyone in and around the club dreaming of promotion after nearly achieving their target last season. They may have the best squad in their history, but this does not make it any easier as the pressure is high. If coach Jens Keller proves that he can continue where he left off last season, then they are top candidates for promotion.

I expect a tight game between these two promotion candidates and they would both be happy with a draw to begin the season.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

Three of the last five meetings between these clubs at Ingolstadt saw more than three goals, but the teams are very even in my eyes and should cancel each other out. I predict under 2.5 goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Ingolstadt’s all-time record against Union Berlin consists of two wins, two draws and one defeat at home, with the team scoring nine goals and conceding eight.

VfL Bochum - FC St. Pauli

Season opener between two traditional clubs

TEAM NEWS

17 days before the start of the season, Bochum fired Gertjan Verbeek and decided to place their trust in a coach with no 2.Bundesliga experience instead. With Ismail Atalan from 3.Bundesliga outfit Sportfreunde Lotte on the sidelines, they are aiming big this season. The squad was given fresh blood, above all in attack with striker Lukas Hinterseer (Ingolstadt), striker Dimitrios Diamantakos (Karlsruher SC) and midfielder Robbie Kruse (former Leverkusen player). Defender Danilo Soares (Hoffenheim) is likely to play an important role this season too.

St. Pauli will rely on almost the same squad as last season. They have only lost defender Soren Gonther to Dresden while signing forward Sami Allagui (Hertha Berlin), midfielder Mats Moller Daehli (Freiburg), defender Clemens Schoppenhauer (Wurzburg) and defender Luca-Milan Zander (Werder Bremen).

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Lukas Hinterseer (knee)

Injured/unavailable: Timo Perthel, Nico Rieble, Vitaly Janelt (all knee)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ryo Miyaichi (knee), Philipp Ziereis (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum will count on their strong defensive line from last season and they are very hard to beat, especially at home, having suffered just two defeats in 17 games in front of their own fans last season. The club will hope that their new signings in attack will push them to new heights and that their new and young coach Ismail Atalan has what it takes to push this team to the maximum.

St. Pauli are a well-balanced team and with not too many new players in the starting line-up they have maybe some advantage at the beginning of the season. Sami Allagui is the only new player, who is expected to feature here, but he will bring a lot of class to St. Pauli’s style of play and this could act as a boost for the team.

I think Bochum will have what it takes right from the start. There is a great atmosphere in and around the club and their good home record speaks for itself while they will aim to extend this run. St. Pauli are nothing special away from home and I expect the hosts to edge it.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

Most of the last 13 competitive meetings at Bochum have seen a lot of goals, with eight of them producing three or more. Although it is the opener, I think this trend will continue and I predict over 2.5 goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum’s all-time home record against St. Pauli consists of five wins, six draws and two defeats, with the team scoring 30 and conceding 15 goals.

1.Bundesliga - Round 33 !!!

Here I want to give some infos about all 9 matches today. I think this is the best choice and you can have a better inside about the games and teams and for what they are playing now.

VfL Wolfsburg - Bor. M'Gladbach

Typical match for this Round - relegation candidate against european hopes. The home side need Points according to their situation at the bottom of the table - with 2 Points above Place 16. they can fall down if they are not able to get Points, although they play Hamburg in the last match and this can maybe the real decider for Place 16. To be honest Wolfsburg can not be relegated directly because Ingolstadt must win both for this and it is almost impossible. 

Gladbach has still the chance for an European Spot but have to win both last encounters and need some help from other teams as well to climb up in the last 2 Rounds. Gladbach never won in Wolfsburg for the last 13 years !!!

Both miss some players: VfL with Bruma and Gebhardt two important once while Goldbach has Jantschke and Wendt as important out and have Raffael, Johnson, Christensen and Hazard doubtful.

FSV Mainz 05 - Eintracht Frankfurt

This is the next match with the same sign as mentioned above. And this is a big derby as well. FSV in trouble need every Point to stay away from relegation trouble but this opponent is very hard to play, of course. The good thing is that Frankfurt has never won in Mainz in 8 attempts (4-4-0) so far. 

I do not think that Frankfurt is huge motivated here although the fans should be not very pleased according to the big derby as they do not like each other. The main focus for Frankfurt is the Cup Final in 2 weeks against Dortmund and they have less chances for a European Spot therefore they save energy for the big match they have ahead.

Bayer Leverkusen - 1.FC Köln

Same as above. Also a big derby who is called "Rhein-Derby" Leverkusen in trouble and in a situation that no player from their squad had in the last years, therefore they do not know how to handle this. Also the Coach Korkut is nothing special and he is only talking but the player on the pitch did not understand his tactical advices and system as well. If they manage a win or at least a Point it could be enough that they are safe.

For Cologne it is a must win game if they want to stay in the race for an European Spot because all their rivals are on fire and they must be there if some of them fail. They have the best position form all contenders with only 1 Point behind Hertha BSC who stands on Place 6. They are in form right now and this is the first time since 21 years that they let Leverkusen behind them in table. What a boost for them additional for this important game.

FC Augsburg - Borussia Dortmund

Same scenario as mentioned in all the games above already. Augsburg in trouble, they may could have been safe already if they got not the late equalizer in Gladbach. Nevertheless they have to take the focus on the last two matches against Dortmund and Hoffenheim which both fight for the important place 3. If they lose both it can be that they fall down to Place 16 because with only 2 Points advantage now it can be hard above all with this opponents. 

Dortmund only must win 2 matches for a 3rd Place who is very important for them because they have to play no qualification matches for CL then. Also they have the Cup Final in hand to manage a title this Season as well. From the last 12 matches, Dortmund lost only 1 to FCA .....

FC Schalke 04 - Hamburger SV

Schalke disappointed a lot this Season and failed in all competitions. This makes it not much easier for Coach Weinzierl and his Coaching team. This is the last match in their Arena this Season and they want to celebrate with the fans, therefore they have to invest all they have in tank to get a well atmosphere in the last home game. Must win otherwise Weinzierl is fired after the Season.

Oh Hamburg, oh Hamburg .... every Season the same ... they are horrible and they are coming to end up on Place 16 as in 3 times of the last 4 Seasons. Sooner or later they have not the luck in the 2 relegation battles and they must go down .... nothing has changed their, every Season they talking and investing a lot but fail and fail again. They are absolutely out of form right now and no know put a cent on them according to their weakness. If HSV lose they have the pressure for the last home game to Wolfsburg and this battle decides all then.

RB Leipzig - Bayern Munich

Both giants play each other but both are already safe on their Positions. RB as newcomer played the best Season ever and they coming in on Place 2 this Season what is an incredible success for them. Bayern won the title the 5th time what is a new record for Bundesliga. Both playing for nothing - but the match is hot.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Hertha BSC Berlin

SVD already relegated after the unlucky lose in Munich last weekend playing only for their fans. They are trying to build up a new team for next Season in 2.Bundesliga while Hertha BSC has a lot to lose again. They are in the race for an European Spot, has still a good Position but if they lose the 9. time on the road again they will be overcome from some teams behind. This is a must win game for them, nothing more, nothing less. A lot of missing players on Hertha side makes it not much easier for Coach Dardai but he has to handle this situation and push his team. Now or never !!!

Werder Bremen - 1899 Hoffenheim

After a disappointing start, Bremen has a good run and they are still in the race for an European Spot but they have to win this encounter otherwise it could be done for this Season. With losing only 1 form 18 matches against Hoffenheim they have a good argument on their side and they can believe in their strength above all at home they are running from win to win recently. 

1899 coming to Bremen with a unlucky lose against Dortmund who was decided by the referee. Nevertheless they have to look forward and hope that Dortmund fail in one of the last 2 matches but in this case they have to win both. Therefore full focus on the last matches to get the important 3rd Place back. If not, they played an incredible Season anyway and the young team is working and playing excellent. 

Both teams producing a lot of goals, this may can be a high goal scoring game.

SC Freiburg - FC Ingolstadt 04

European vs. Relegation. Newcomer Freiburg is playing one of their best Seasons in 1.Bundesliga and Coach Stretch can be very proud of his young team and how they handle this Season. They are in the best Position according to European Places and with a win they can do the job almost ..... it is a must because the last game in Munich is a tricky one and it can be that they lose there. So all power in this game against a candidate who is in a must win situation as well. In this case Ingolstadt can not sit back an wait, they have to push from beginning on and hope to get the win. If they do not win, it is almost the end for them and they are relegated 1 Round before the Season ends. 

This match can be very open because both teams must push !!!

1.Bundesliga - Round 32 - Saturday

Borussia Dortmund - 1899 Hoffenheim

- 1899 could not win one of the last 8 matches against BvB.
- The last win was at Matchday 34, Season 2012/13 if they avoid relegation with a 2-1 win.
- In second half of the Season both teams collected 27 Points and scored 28 goals, conceded 15.
- If this match has pass for both, they have the same opponents in the last 2 Rounds with FCA / WB.
- Dortmund did not lose one of the last 36 BL home games so far (29-7-0).
- This is a new club record and the longest run from all 5 top leagues in Europe.
- The last defeat was in April 2015 against Bayern Munich 0-1 where Götze scored the winner.
- 1899 lost only one of the last 11 BL games (7-3-1) with 1-2 to Hamburg at Round 28.
- On the road 1899 was only able to win 2 of their 11 matches.

Dortmund miss again Bartra, Götze, Rode, Sahin and Schürrle but should have a great squad available for this important big clash. This is a must win game for them if they want to jump on important Place 3 who bring them directly to CL Group stage while Place 4 they have to play 2 matches for qualifying.

1899 with no important missing, Coach Nagelsmann has all players ready and can choose from a lot. The only have to defend their Position today .... therefore a draw would be enough for them anyway.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - Bayer Leverkusen

- This is the 4th game between these two teams in BL and Leverkusen won both last Season.
- In this Season Ingolstadt won in Leverkusen 2-1 and should win this one at home too.
- After winning 3 games in a row Ingolstadt was only able to get 1 Point form the last 3 matches.
- But they won 2 matches more as in first half of the Season already.
- With 29 Points has Ingolstadt not the best situation because they must close the gap with 4 Points.
- A team with 29 to this time was always relegated to the end of the Season.
- Tyfun Korkut got 6 Points from 8 matches with Leverkusen since he is head coach there.
- Only one Coach was weaker in this period as Korkut ..... they are out of form anyway.
- Only 12 Points in 14 matches so far for Leverkusen, this is the lowest number form all teams.

Some problems for Ingolstast because with Morales and Roger they must replace two important guys today. Not so easy because they must win this game if they do not want to lose all the last hopes to avoid relegation. If they lose it is almost impossible to get the job done, but with a win they maybe can close the gap to 1 Point with 2 matches remaining.

Leverkusen miss with Bender and Brandt also two guys who should be in starting lineup but should be able to replace them. Although almost the whole team looks out of form under Korkut and they are in a difficult situation. If they lose today, this can be hard two last weeks this Season and red zone is coming closer and closer, also pressure.


Borussia M'Gladbach - FC Augsburg

- Gladbach won only 2 from 11 duels with Augsburg (2-4-5).
- Only against Leipzig they have a more bad average (0,5 Points / matches ) as against FCA (0,9).
- Augsburg won 2 of the last 3 matches and got some hope back for relegation battle.
- Since March FCA was only able to get 2 wins from 9 matches (2-2-5).
- FCA lost all their last 4 road games. Such a run happened in spring 2015 with 5 defeats.
- Since 15 matches FCA could kept a clean sheet against Hamburg 4-0 last sunday.
- The last time they managed a clean sheet was against Gladbach !!!
- In 2017 Gladbach kept a clean sheet in 6 matches, only Bayern (8) had more in this period.

A lot of missing player for Gladbach with Jantschke, Wendt, Drmic, Hazard and Raffael ..... some of them are key players what makes it not so easy for Coach Hecking to field a strong starting eleven. Nevertheless this is a must win game for them if they want to have a chance for an European Spot for next Season.

Augsburg coming to Gladbach without Koo and Moravek but should replace both. The win against Hamburg should boost them additional and let them work harder to get the job done. This is an important match for them and they need all Points they can get according to their situation in relegation battle.

1.Bundesliga on Saturday

Bayern München - FSV Mainz 05

- Bayern won 8 of the last 9 matches against Mainz 05.
- But they conceded the last BL home defeat against them in March 2016.
- Overall Bayern was losing 1 time from the last 32 BL home games (27-4-1).
- Mainz lost already 10 times on the road, what is a negative high for them.
- If they lost this one in Munich, it would be a new negative club record for them with 11.
- FSV lost 9 of the last 10 road trips, only in Leverkusen they won 2-0 in this period.
- Included in this run are also the Cup knock out and the EL match in Anderlecht 1-6.
- Bayern won all their last 14 BL home games, if the team was placed 14. downwards.
- In these games they scored incredible 37 goals and conceded only 4.
- Also they did not lose a single game in 21 attempts after a CL match (16-5-0).

It is open if Coach Ancelotti field his strongest possible lineup according to the important Cup Semi Final next wednesday against Dortmund. They can rest some guys like Boateng, Lewandowski and so on. In goal injured Neuer will be replaced by Ullreich again.
Mainz will count on a strong defensive line today. Coach Schmitt was thinking about 5 mens on a line to defend Bayern Munich well.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - Werder Bremen

- Last Season Ingolstadt could win both matches against Bremen, this Season Bremen won 2-1 at H.
- Loser of the 29. Round was Ingolstadt with a 0-3 in Wolfsburg.
- They opened the gap to place 16 to 4 Points again and they are in a must win situation today.
- Bremen is coming to Ingolstadt with a great run from 9 unbeaten matches in a row (7-2-0).
- The last time the had such a good run was 7 years ago. 14 matches in August to December 2009.
- The most weak home team is Ingolstadt with only 15 Points out of 14 home matches.
- But lately they could win twice at home and got some believe in them back.
- Bremen collected 17 Points on the road what is even with Dortmund, only 3 teams more.
- Actually Bremen is unbeaten in 5 of their last road matches (3-2-0).
- They scored in all their last 13 away matches at least 1 goals (overall 23 goals / 1,8 goals average).

Ingolstadt with a lot of problems in defensive today. They have to replace Bregerie and Matip both suspended, also Suttner suspended. This makes it not much easier for them but they put all in of course and look forward for a good match.
Bremen suffer only the injured from key midfield player Delaney and Junuzovic suspended but welcome back Gnabry in offensive.

Arminia Bielefeld - VfB Stuttgart

This became a very important match for both teams. If we take a look on the table both are in almost a must win situation, Arminia to close the gap from 2 Points and stay in the relegation battle while Stuttgart wants to climb back on top and make the next step for promotion.
With the new Coach Bielefeld is doing well and they had a good run lately. With 10 Points out of the last 4 matches they are doing well in relegation battle but all the rivals collected Points and they are in a must win situation as well. VfB coming of a excellent derby win to KSC with 2-0 what should give them some boost as they could only win 1 of the last 6.

Arminia celebrated the first away win this Season in Sandhausen 3-1 where they won exactly one year ago the last time. This was a very important one and also the good home streak should help them in the next week to hold all in their hand in relegation battle.
Coach Saibene needs not much time to find a good working starting eleven. But he has to changes it this time because with Prietl he has one guy suspended for this encounter. Also the long term injured Nöthe, Görlitz, Lang and Hornig are not available. Some options are there to replace Prietl - 1. one can be that Junglas plays beside Schütz in central midfield - 2. one is to move Yabo back from offensive midfield to central midfield (of course, only if he is ready because he faces a shoulder injury from Sandhausen match) then central striker Vogelsammer can play in offensive midfield while top striker Klos gives his comeback in starting eleven up front. Some more changes can be on the left wing where Staude or Putaro could not convince much. With Brandy they have a good player back from injury and he can maybe jump into the starting eleven.

After stopping the negative run from 5 matches Stuttgart coming to Bielefeld with a lot of self confidence and believe in their strength to win the 6. time there. As I said already, the derby win should give them some boost and give them the additional needed percent of power back which is needed in a close promotion race.
It is not far away that Coach Wolf counts again on the winning lineup from last weekend. With Grgic they have one guy back from injury while Mane, Grahl and Sarpei are alle sidelined. If Wolf plays again with two youngsters in central midfield is more as open, because with Zimmermann he has a very talented and powerful player ready again. Also in offensive he has a lot options as well. Last time he field with Gentner, Asano, Maxim and striker Terodde a strong and powerful offense who did the job, above all Asano convinced. Nevertheless he has with Ginczek, Brekalo and Green some in the back hand and can change every time he needs.

The record is pro Bielefeld in their home games against Stuttgart. They hare up with 8 wins 3 draws and 5 defeats. According to both teams situation and form, it can be a very tough and close game.

Some facts:
- Stuttgart scored in 10 from 11 matches in second part of the Season while Bielefeld conceded in 17 of their last 19 matches at least a goal.
- In matches where Stuttgart was involved the last 10 times, there was always a goal in first half 9 times.
- In matches where Arminia was involved the last 8 times, there was always a goal in fist half 7 times.

1.Bundesliga on Sunday 09.04.17

Hertha BSC Berlin - FC Augsburg

- In 11 matches between these two sides there were only 15 goals, an average from 1,4 / match.
- In the last 7 matches there were only 3 goals, an average from 0,4 goals / match.
- We had it 4 times that this encounter finished goalless.
- At home Hertha BSC is unbeaten against FCA (2-3-0).
- Augsburg is waiting since 4 matches or 423 minutes for a goal against Hertha BSC.
- Against no other club is Augsburg waiting so long for a goal.
- Only against FCA could Hertha kept a clean sheet in the last 4 matches.
- From all encounter which takes place at least 6 times, this is the one with the fewest goals.
- Hertha won all the latest BL games on Sunday.
- Away from home, Hertha lost all the last 6 Sunday matches.
- Without shape, Hertha collected only 3 Points out of the last 5 matches.
- But FCA has less with only 2 Points collected in this period.

Some changes are possible on both sides, with Mittelstädt and Ibisevic Coach Dardai has some options in hand, also Brooks can be a candidate to start again if he is fit, of course. Augsburg's Coach Baum is under pressure and he has to deliver today otherwise it could be hard for him to be on the sideline next week. Some changes can be done as well from him.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - SV Darmstadt 98

- Ingolstadt lost only 1 form 7 games against D98 (2-4-1).
- This happened in April 2016 in Darmstadt with 0-2.
- The reserve match was won by Ingolstadt with 1-0, what was the first match from Walpurgis.
- Under Coach Kauczinski they could won win a single game in 10 attempts, only 2 Points collected.
- This is the first time that Placed 17. team plays placed 18. team, last time February 2014.
- Continues the same way? 2015 both were promoted to 1.BL, 2016 both saved, 2017 both relegated?
- FCI could celebrate they 4 win in second part of the Season against Augsburg 3-2 under the week.
- More as 2 wins in a row managed Ingolstadt not since they are in 1.BL.
- If they want to close the gap from 4 Points to Mainz or maybe Augsburg, they must win today.
- Only a win keep Ingolstadt in the race of the relegation battle.

Coach Walpurgis must do some changes, because Hadergjonaj is suspended and Levels is not in the squad since weeks. Therefore he need a new right wing. He has to improve there now. Striker Leckie should be in starting lineup after he missed last match. - On the other side has Coach Frings some players doubtful and if they can not start there are some changes as well.

1.Bundesliga on Saturday (Match Infos)

RB Leipzig - Bayer Leverkusen

- This is the 2nd match between these two sides, first one was won by RB with 3-2.
- With 55 Points after 27 Rounds is RB the third best newcomer in BL history.
- Only Bayern (58) and Kaiserslautern (57) had a better outcome in the first 27 Rounds.
- With the 3-2 win in Mainz RB expand the lead to Place 5. to 15 Points.
- No Team has lost this until the end of the Season, therefore they are for sure in CL next Season.
- After 5 BL games without a win, Leverkusen was able to win against bottom side D98 2-0.
- The win was important because they have now 6 Points between them and the red zone.

Coach Hasenhüttl can count on almost all of his squad, also on striker Werner. This means some hard decisions. On the other side Leverkusen has Tah and Chicarito doubtful.


Hamburger SV - 1899 Hoffenheim

- 1899 lost only one of the last 7 games with HSV (4-2-1).
- This was the last game for former Coach Gisdol (1899) what was lost 0-1.
- Against no other actual BL club they had such a good run and so many wins as against HSV.
- Only against Hannover (10 wins and 32 goals) they had a better outcome as HSV (7 and 31).
- With 17 Points out of the last 7 matches 1899 is in good shape and with an excellent run as well.
- With 51 Points after 27 Rounds they are playing the best BL Season in their history so far.
- HSV is unbeaten since 8 BL home games (6-2-0).
- The last time with such a run was from May 2008 to February 2009 with 10 wins and 1 draw.
- Hoffenheim is unbeaten since 3 road games (1-2-0), and collected 19 Points on the road so far.
- The club record is at 23 Points in one Season on the road - from 2008/09.

HSV has keeper Adler doubtful, he may face a late fitness test if he can play. Also some others are not available like Müller, Ekdal ..... not much left for Coach Gisdol. 1899 has also some problems above all if Rudy can not play (he is doubtful) because he was key in their play in the last matches and with Schwegler or Polanski they lack on pace there.


1.FC Köln - Bor. M'Gladbach

- This is a big derby and they face each other the 86. time.
- From 85 duels in BL won Gladbach 46 and Cologne only 23 by 16 draws.
- The last 3 duels - could Cologne win 2 and Gladbach only 1.
- In the last 12 derbies Cologne won only 2 (2-3-7).
- The first match was won by Cologne with 2-1 this Season.
- Against no other team has Gladbach celebrated so many wins 46 and scored incredible 169 goals.
- On the other side, against no other BL club has Cologne such a bad record as against rival BMG.
- In 13 home games, Cologne suffered only 1 defeat (7-5-1).
- More Points in 13 home games got Cologne only in Season 1988/99 with 30.

Cologne must replace Hartel suspended, Risse long term injured and Osako (knee). Gladbach has some good news with Raffael back in squad.

2.Bundesliga on Sunday

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Eintracht Braunschweig

The situation is getting harder for FCK and they are very close to red zone therefore they should invest a bit more as in the last games. With Moritz they have an important midfield player back who starts, of course. In defensive there can be some rotations according to Moritz return.

In the break Braunschweig got some injured players back what makes it not so easy to Coach Lieberknecht to choose. He has more options now and this can be an advantage what all saw in training sessions. There was a big fight for the positions in the starting eleven.

On the "Betzenberg" were the lowest goal scored with an average from 1,50 pro match. Kaiserslautern conceded only 6 goals in their home games so far what is the best home defense in 2.Bundesliga while Braunschweig allowed only 12 goals on the road also one of the best number.

Braunschweig is unbeaten since 6 games and Kaiserslautern is winless since 4. Moreover Braunschweig lost none of the last 5 road games (this should be continued according to promotion battle).



VfB Stuttgart - Dynamo Dresden

After the 0-1 defeat in Fürth there can be some changes in the starting eleven. Also the system can be changed from 4-1-4-1 to 3-4-2-1 what they love more. In offense Coach Wolf has a lot of options and it is not out yet whom he field there.

Coach Neuhaus plans not much changes because he has no reason after the 2-0 win against Sandhausen before the break. Only Müller is suspended and must be replaced by Modica in central back.

Dresden is coming to Stuttgart as second best away team but Stuttgart has won 9 of their 12 home games. At home they are hard to play and beat as only 2 defeats show. The last matches were not as expected and they must be much more focused what can be a big advantage for them today because they know that they can overcome Union to take the lead again.

Dresden has scored 14 goals in 2017 so far, what is the best number in 2.Bundesliga now. Stuttgart has scored 25 goals in 12 home games - this may speak for goals today.