Eintracht Braunschweig - Dynamo Dresden

Relegation-threatened teams to cancel each other out

TEAM NEWS

Braunschweig have Julius Biada out injured while Joseph Baffo has suffered a knee injury and is unavailable, too. The side are missing two more players in Steve Breitkreuz and Christoffer Nyman.

Dresden are still without the long-term injured Pascal Testroet and Soren Gonther.

Braunschweig

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Joseph Baffo (knee); Julius Biada, Steve Breitkreuz (both unspecified); Christoffer Nyman (adductor)

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Pascal Testroet (knee), Soren Gonther (Achilles)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Braunschweig are hovering just two points above the relegation zone in 12^thplace. After a poor campaign so far, seven points from a possible 12 has given Eintracht hope of survival in the 2. Bundesliga, even though they lost an important game 2-0 to rivals Bochum at Vonovia Stadium last Sunday. However, they still have their fate in their own hands as they face fellow relegation candidates Dresden and Darmstadt in their two upcoming fixtures.

Dresden are level on points with Braunschweig and have had an indifferent season so far, spending most of their campaign in the bottom half of the table. Over their last eight league games, Dynamo have won four, drawn one and lost three. Although they managed to hold second-placed Nurnberg to a 1-1 draw at DDV Arena last Saturday they have now conceded in all of their last five league matches. Away from home, they are one of the better teams with five wins, two draws and seven defeats. 

This is a huge fixture for the pair as both look to avoid relegation. However, I can see two evenly matched teams playing out a tight draw on Sunday afternoon.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – BRAUNSCHWEIG  

Braunschweig have opened the scoring in their last three home games while Dresden have conceded the first goal in their last five on away turf. Expect this trend to continue.

HEAD TO HEAD

Braunschweig have won each of their last two home meetings with Dresden. However, the teams held each other to a 1-1 draw when they met for the earlier fixture at Dresden in October.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Jahn Regensburg

Red Devils to seal important win at Betzenberg

TEAM NEWS

Kaiserslautern have three players on their injury list as Kacper Przybylko, Patrick Salata and Daniel Halfar are all absent while striker Brandon Borello is ruled out with suspension.

Regensburg could be without Sebastian Nachreiner while captain Marco Gruttner is still serving a suspension after his fifth yellow card against Aue in the last home game. However, Coach Achim Beierlorzer can count on a fully fit squad against Kaiserslautern.

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: Brandon Borrello

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot), Patrick Salata (knee), Daniel Halfar (hip)

Regensburg

Suspended: Marco Gruttner

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Nachreiner (navicular bone)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Kaiserslautern’s form has improved in recent weeks, but Michael Frontzeck’s men are still involved in a fierce relegation battle as they continue to be rooted to the bottom of the table. The Red Devils have not been great on the road this season, with 13 points from a possible 42 secured so far, but they did seal a comfortable 4-1 win over Duisburg at the Schauinslandreisen Arena last Saturday. At home, Kaiserslautern have picked up just three wins in the 2. Bundesliga all season, with one of those secured recently in a seven-goal thriller against Union Berlin in early March.

Regensburg still have aspirations of making the playoffs this term. Jahn have picked up form of late, accumulating a respectable seven from the last 15 points on offer to sit just five points behind third-placed Holstein Kiel in fifth, but they lost 3-1 to Aue at home in their last league outing. A victory on Sunday against bottom-of-the-league Kaiserslautern would allow them to put pressure on Kiel and Ingolstadt.

With both teams desperate for points, this should be an entertaining affair. However, I believe that home advantage could be the deciding factor here. Put your money on a Kaiserslautern win.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR 

Both teams have been conceding goals regularly recently and that might result in goals here. In fact, Kaiserslautern’s last two home matches have produced nine total goals combined while there have been seven total goals in Regensburg’s last two on the road. I expect four goals to be scored overall at Betzenberg on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

The last and only fixture between Kaiserslautern and Regensburg at Betzenberg finished in a 1-1 draw in December 2012. The reverse fixture earlier this season was won by hosts Regensburg 3-1.

Erzgebirge Aue - FC St. Pauli

Aue to nick this crucial clash at Erzgebirgs Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Aue have no new injury worries. The only two players not at their disposal are Nicolai Rapp and Soren Bertram. 

St. Pauli’s Marc Hornschuh, Waldemar Sobota, Clemens Schoppenhauer, Svend Brodersen, Bernd Nehrig and Luca-Milan Zander are still absent but are all working on their comebacks.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicolai Rapp (foot), Soren Bertram (thigh)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Hornschuh (back), Waldemar Sobota (heel), Clemens Schoppenhauer (shoulder), Svend Brodersen (unspecified), Bernd Nehrig (calf), Luca-Milan Zander (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN 

11 points from the last 15 on offer has given Hannes Drew’s Aue a great chance of survival in the 2. Bundesliga. The team have stepped up their intensity in recent weeks and are certainly one of the in-form sides in the division at present. Last Sunday, the Viola beat fifth-placed Regensburg 3-1 at Continental Arena. This win put them in 15^thplace, two points above of drop zone with six matches remaining.  

St. Pauli have had an up and down season under Markus Kauczinski and have been sitting around mid-table for the majority of their campaign. The side go into Saturday’s game tenth in the table and are trailing the promotion playoff spot by three points, after drawing 1-1 against Sandhausen at home last weekend. The Hamburg side will want to finish as high in the table as possible. On the road this term, St. Pauli have won six, drawn two and lost six – only three teams have in fact secured more points than them on the road.

This is set to be an intriguing game at Erzgebirgs Stadium which could go either way. However, after winning their last two on home soil, I fancy Aue to seal a crucial home win on Saturday.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD 

Six of Aue’s eight league wins have come by just one goal. With that in mind, have a punt on odd goals to be scored at the Erzgebirgs Stadium this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

St. Pauli have not beaten Aue in six attempts. The reverse fixture finished with a 1-1 draw in Hamburg in October.

Holstein Kiel - SV Darmstadt 98

Home strong Holstein Kiel to seal a vital victory 

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Amara Conde and suspended Johannes van den Bergh.

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer, Felix Platte and Joel Mall the only three absentees while Fabian Holland faces a one-match suspension due to his two yellow cards against Dusseldorf last time out.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: Johannes van den Bergh

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Amara Conde (foot)

Darmstadt

Suspended: Fabian Holland

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer (foot), Joel Mall (shoulder), Felix Platte (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Markus Anfang’s Holstein Kiel missed the chance to put pressure on second-placed Nurnberg after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bielefeld at Schuco Arena last Sunday. Having won their last home game against Heidenheim, the promotion-chasing Storks have now taken eight points from an available 12 since losing to St. Pauli 3-2 at the end of February.

Since taking over the managerial reigns at Darmstadt at the end of 2017, Dirk Schuster has managed to pick up three wins in 11 games. After sealing an excellent 1-1 draw away from home against Nurnberg, Darmstadt followed that up with a surprise 1-0 home win over leaders Dusseldorf on Monday. The Lilies have had a woeful run away from home over the past few months though, winning just twice in the 2. Bundesliga since September.

I fancy Holstein Kiel to continue their unbeaten run this weekend. They have been superb at home of late, winning two and drawing three of their last five, and they should be too strong for bottom side Darmstadt in this one. I’ll be backing a Holstein Kiel win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel have netted at least two goals in five of their last six home league games while Darmstadt have scored just one on average in their last six away. I think the hosts will be ahead at half time.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two have never met at Holstein Stadium in the 2. Bundesliga. Back in October, the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at Darmstadt.

Union Berlin - MSV Duisburg

Union Berlin to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin are missing the injured Sebastian Polter, Michael Parensen, Akaki Gogia and Fabian Schonheim.

Andreas Wiegel is still on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there have been no fresh injury worries for coach Ilija Gruev.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim (knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Michael Parensen (unspecified), Akaki Gogia (ligaments)

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Andreas Wiegel (meniscus)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

The playoffs look out of Union Berlin’s reach after the team have won just two of their last 15 2. Bundesliga games. In fact, since Andre Hofschneider took over from Jens Keller in December, Union have lost six and drawn four of their last 12. They succumbed to a 2-1 loss on the road against Greuther Furth in their last league outing and now find themselves in 11^th, trailing third-placed Holstein Kiel by nine points, but they are only two points above the drop zone. 

Duisburg’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after a 4-1 home loss to rock-bottom side Kaiserslautern last Saturday, which was their fourth defeat on the spin. The Zebras are still in with a chance of reaching the promotion playoff place, although they have now slipped eight points behind third-placed Holstein Kiel. Nevertheless, Ilja Gruev’s men have collected more points on their travel than at home and that will give them hope to get back on track against Union.

Despite their poor campaign to this point, Union are unbeaten in their last four at Alte Forsterei. Have a punt on the hosts to seal vital victory this Saturday afternoon.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – GREUTHER FURTH

Union Berlin have opened the scoring in five of their last nine home league games this term while Duisburg have conceded first in their last three league road games. Therefore, put some money on Union to score first this Saturday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin have won four of their eight home meetings against Duisburg, with the other matches ending in two draws and two defeats. The reverse fixture ended with a 1-1 draw at Duisburg last October

1.FC Nürnberg - FC Heidenheim

Huge three points for Nurnberg against Heidenheim

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key players Mikael Ishak and Sebastian Kerk will miss out with long-term injuries while Enis Alushi and Dennis Lippert are both unavailable with knee problems. Additional they have to replace sidelined Ewerton with suspension.

Heidenheim have no injury or suspension concerns. Frank Schmidt can count on a fully fit squad for the clash at Max Morlock Stadium.

Nurnberg

Suspended: Ewerton

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring); Enis Alushi, Dennis Lippert, Mikael Ishak (all knee)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Nurnberg’s recent slump in form has allowed third-placed Holstein Kiel to gain ground on them. The Bavarian club still sit in second, a direct promotion place, in the 2. Bundesliga table but their lead has been cut drastically over the last month. Last Saturday, Michael Kollner’s troops recorded their second 1-1 draw in a row against Dresden at DDV Arena. They have been waiting for a win for the past five matches and will consider Heidenheim ideal opponents to return to winning ways.

Heidenheim have struggled to cope with the intensity of the 2. Bundesliga this season, but Frank Schmidt’s men will keep fighting until the very end. They have lost all of their last three games, including a 2-1 defeat to Ingolstadt at Voith Arena last Saturday and are now occupying the relegation playoff place. They are in desperate need of points, but this match will no doubt be another tough task for them.

Nurnberg have not set the world alight in recent matches, but they should have too much for their weak opponents to handle on Saturday. My money is going on a Nurnberg win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – NURNBERG

Nurnberg have been leading at half time in their last two encounters with Heidenheim at Max Morlock Stadium. I’ll back them to be winning at the break this weekend again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Nurnberg and Heidenheim have only met on three occasions at Max Morlock Stadium, with the hosts winning one, drawing one and losing one. However, Heidenheim won 1-0 at the Voith Arena back in October.

Fortuna Düsseldorf - VfL Bochum

Leaders to bounce back on Friday

TEAM NEWS

Injured Gokhan Gul, Lukas Schmitz and Andre Hofmann will be missing the game for Dusseldorf once again.

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad.

Dusseldorf

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Gokhan Gul (head), Andre Hoffmann (unspecified), Lukas Schmitz (toe)

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Friedhelm Funkel’s Dusseldorf have responded well after their three-match unbeaten streak in February. Following that run, they claimed three successive 2. Bundesliga wins, but last Monday they fell to a harsh 1-0 defeat at second-from-bottom Darmstadt, despite the fact that they had a numerical advantage for over 45 minutes. Fortuna are however still leading the division with a six-point lead, with six games left to play. Overall, they have won a staggering 16 of their 28 2. Bundesliga matches.

Bochum have been flying recently, winning their last two league games by scoring five and conceding two. Last time out away from home, three goals from Lukas Hinterseer were enough to seal a 3-2 win against Sandhausen at the Hardtwald Stadium. Robin Dutt’s men followed that up with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Braunschweig at Vonovia Stadium last Sunday. Following a five-match unbeaten run, Bochum have climbed into eighth, but they are still only three points above the drop zone.

Despite Bochum’s good form of late, Dusseldorf should have enough quality and resolve to see off the visiting side on Friday. I’m predicting a Fortuna win.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR 

There have been 11 goals scored in the last three fixtures between Dusseldorf and Bochum at the Esprit Arena. With both teams scrapping for the points, I can see goals in this one. Have a punt on four goals to be scored in Dusseldorf.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum have picked up just one win and six draws in their last 11 meetings with Dusseldorf in all competitions.

SV Sandhausen - Greuther Fürth

Sandhausen to take all three points on home turf

TEAM NEWS

Sandhausen will be without Philipp Klingmann, Tim Kister, Andrew Wooten and Ken Gibson, who are all out due to injury concerns, moreover they are without suspended Denis Linsmayer.

Greuther Furth will only not have Mathis Bolly at their disposal.

Sandhausen

Suspended: Denis Linsmayer

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Philipp Klingmann (head), Andrew Wooten (pulled muscle), Ken Gibson (calf), Tim Kister (broken foot)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After losing two in a row, Sandhausen have struck back with a point as they travelled to Hamburg last Sunday. Kenan Kocak’s side earned a solid 1-1 draw at St. Pauli to boost their morale. Their home form has been excellent of late, with the team losing only the most recent of their last six 2. Bundesliga matches at Hardtwald Stadium. If they can continue to pick up points at home, Sandhausen will give themselves a small chance of returning to promotion race.

29 of Greuther Furth’s 36 points have come at Sportpark Ronhof so far, with the Franconian team boasting the second best home record in the league. However, they head to Sandhausen having lost seven of their last 11 league encounters on their travels. The Shamrock have struggled to get any kind of momentum going this term, but a recent run of five wins and only one loss in their last seven games has allowed them to climb out of the drop zone with six matches left to play. The team are coming off a 2-1 home win against Union Berlin. 

Given Furth’s poor away form this term, I can see Kocak’s men picking up a vital three points at Hardtwald Stadium. My money is on a Sandhausen win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN 

Over 75% of the last nine league meetings between Sandhausen and Greuther Furth have ended even, including the last league match at Sandhausen in March 2017. Back even goals to be scored between the pair this Friday.

HEAD TO HEAD

There has only been one win for Sandhausen against Greuther Furth in their last four meetings on home turf while the Shamrock have claimed one away victory too during that time.

FC St. Pauli - SV Sandhausen

Hosts to claim victory on Sunday

TEAM NEWS

St. Pauli’s Ryo Miyaichi, Marc Hornschuh, Waldemar Sobota, Clemens Schoppenhauer, Svend Brodersen, Bernd Nehrig and Christopher Buchtmann are still absent but are all working on their comebacks.

Sandhausen will be without Philipp Klingmann, Tim Kister, Andrew Wooten and Ken Gibson who are all out due to injury concerns.

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ryo Miyaichi (knee), Marc Hornschuh (back), Christopher Buchtmann (pubis), Waldemar Sobota (heel), Clemens Schoppenhauer (shoulder), Svend Brodersen (unspecified), Bernd Nehrig (calf)

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Philipp Klingmann (head), Andrew Wooten (pulled muscle), Ken Gibson (calf), Tim Kister (broken foot),

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

St. Pauli failed to get the better of rock-bottom and 10-man Kaiserslautern at the Betzenberg before the international break in an eventual 1-1 draw. The team have now drawn their last two in the 2. Bundesliga after a scoreless encounter with Braunschweig the week beforehand. St. Pauli’s last wins arrived late February when they beat Ingolstadt 1-0 on the road and third-placed Holstein Kiel 3-2 at home. St. Pauli have won nine, drawn nine and lost nine of their 27 fixtures in the 2. Bundesliga.

Sandhausen let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 3-2 at home to Bochum last weekend. That was their first home loss in the 2. Bundesliga since falling to a 2-1 defeat against Heidenheim at Hardtwald Stadium at the end of November. Away from home, they have won only twice and lost seven times in their last 11 games. As a result, Kenan Kocak’s men have lost contact to the top and they go into this one level on points with St. Pauli.

After picking up tow solitary points from their last three, St. Pauli will be eager to get back to winning ways on Sunday. The Hamburg team have won two of their past five at home, and I think they will come out on top in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW 

St. Pauli have drawn two of their last three at home, with both being goalless at half time. Have a punt on this one to be all square at the break, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

St. Pauli have won only one of their last six league meetings with Sandhausen. However, they have won two, drawn two and lost one at home against these opponents.

Arminia Bielefeld - Holstein Kiel

Arminia to claim victory on Sunday 

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld’s Nils Quaschner is set to miss this game with a knee injury.

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Arne Sicker, Amara Conde and Manuel Janzer.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner (knee)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Manuel Janzer (Achilles), Arne Sicker (unspecified), Amara Conde (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Before losing 4-2 at Dusseldorf two weeks ago, Bielefeld had been unbeaten in two games, drawing 2-2 away to Heidenheim and beating promotion hopefuls Nurnberg 1-0 at home. Although their defeat at Esprit Arena before the international break was a setback, Arminia are still in with a shout of the promotion playoff place. Their home form of five wins, four draws and four defeats will need to improve if they want to close the gap of six points to third place.

A win for Holstein Kiel would not only keep the pressure on Nurnberg, but it would also be their chance to leapfrog the second-placed team and climb into a direct promotion place. Holstein have been dropping points regularly since mid-November, recording nine draws and three defeats in their last 14 outings, but they have hit back with two important home victories against Duisburg 5-0 and Heidenheim 2-1. Markus Anfang’s men still sit third, two points behind the second-placed Nurnberg. 

Bielefeld could put a lot of pressure on Kiel with a win here. The visitors have not won on the road since mid-October across all competitions. With that in mind, I’m backing a narrow Bielefeld win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE 

There have been seven goals scored in the last two fixtures between Bielefeld and Holstein Kiel. Both teams’ matches have also featured over three total goals on average this season. With both teams scrapping for the points at Schuco Arena, I can see goals in this one. Have a punt on three goals to be scored in Bielefeld.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bielefeld have never met Holstein Kiel in 2. Bundesliga in front of their fans. However, back in October the reverse fixture ended with a 2-1 home win for Kiel. 

VfL Bochum - Eintracht Braunschweig

Duo to cancel each other out

TEAM NEWS

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad.

Braunschweig have Julius Biada out injured while Joseph Baffo has suffered a knee injury and is unavailable, too. The side are missing two more players in Steve Breitkreuz and Gerorg Teigl.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Braunschweig

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Joseph Baffo (knee); Julius Biada, Steve Breitkreuz (both unspecified); Georg Teigl (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Bochum picked up a precious win two weeks ago as they beat Sandhausen 3-2 in an absolute thriller at Hardtwald Stadium. Those massive three points have lifted the team into 13^thplace, one point above the relegation zone. Under Robin Dutt, Bochum have now given themselves a great chance of survival as they have won two, drawn two and lost only one of their last five in the 2. Bundesliga.

Braunschweig have endured a tough time in recent months, but three wins and one draw from their last five in 2. Bundesliga has certainly lifted the spirits. In fact, a 3-2 win over Duisburg before the international break has put them up in ninth place with 36 points. However, they are not the best travellers with only two wins on the road in 13 matches. Their last away win dates back to late January. 

Bochum are still dangerously close to the drop zone, so three points here will be precious for them. However, after drawing two of the last four, I can see Braunschweig holding Bochum to another draw here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – AWAY WIN

Braunschweig have netted at least one goal in four of their last five league games while Bochum have scored just one during that time. I think the visitors will be ahead at half time.

HEAD TO HEAD

When these two last met at Eintracht Stadium in the reverse fixture in October, the game ended with a narrow 1-0 home win for Braunschweig. Overall, Bochum have the edge in this head-to-head though, with 11 wins, four draws and three defeats in 18 meetings at home.

Greuther Fürth - Union Berlin

Greuther Furth to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS

Greuther Furth won’t have Mathis Bolly and Nik Omladic at their disposal.

Union Berlin are missing the injured Sebastian Polter, Michael Parensen and Fabian Schonheim.

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle), Nik Omladic (foot)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim (knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Michael Parensen (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Damir Buric has certainly got Greuther Furth heading in the right direction again. The team were in real danger after losing almost all games on the road, but the Shamrock have now climbed out of the relegation zone after four wins in six. Furth lost 2-1 at fellow relegation candidates Aue two weeks ago but have won their past three league matches at Ronhof Sportpark.

Despite a couple of bright moments here and there, Union Berlin have struggled to get going under Andre Hofschneider. Since Hofschneider took over at Alte Forsterei in December, Union have picked up only two 2. Bundesliga wins in 11 games. Last time out, they were unable to beat fourth-placed Regensburg despite leading twice, with the game ending 2-2 – this has left them in eighth in the table. Furthermore, only six teams have a poorer away record in the second tier.

I fancy Greuther Furth to get back to winning ways this weekend. The Shamrock have been superb at home of late, where they are unbeaten in their last nine, and they should be too motivated for struggling Union Berlin in this one. I’ll be backing a Greuther Furth win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – GREUTHER FURTH

Greuther Furth have opened the scoring in eight of their last nine home league games this term. Therefore, put some money on Furth to score first this Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Greuther Furth have won three of their ten home meetings against Union Berlin, with the other matches ending in six draws and one defeat. The reverse fixture was won by Union Berlin 3-1 last October.

Jahn Regensburg - Erzgebirge Aue

Regensburg to march on to another home win

TEAM NEWS

Regensburg have no injury or suspension concerns. Coach Achim Beierlorzer can count on a fully fit squad against Aue.

Aue have no new injury worries. The only two players not at their disposal are Nicolai Rapp and Soren Bertram. 

Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicolai Rapp (foot), Soren Bertram (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Regensburg have kept their slim playoff dreams alive after taking seven points from their last four games. After back-to-back defeats on the road, the Jahn boys were held to a 2-2 draw at Alte Forsterei by Union Berlin at the weekend. However, they have won their last five straight at home. Regensburg are currently fourth in the 2. Bundesliga table, four points behind third-placed Holstein Kiel.

Aue have had a pretty average season in the second tier up until now. The Viola are in 16^th  place having picked up 33 points from 27 games. Hannes Drews’ side sealed an important 2-1 win over fellow relegation candidates Greuther Furth before the international break, which was their second victory in four. However, Aue have won just two of 13 league matches away from home this season.

Aue will not be an easy nut to crack for Regensburg on Sunday, but the promotion chasers are good enough to claim all three points at Continental Arena. I fancy Regensburg to edge this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW 

In two of Regensburg’s last three home games against Aue, the teams have gone into the break level. Things could be tight in the first period on Sunday and I’ll back another draw after 45 minutes here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Regensburg have won just one of the past eight meetings between the two. Back in October, the reverse fixture ended in Aue’s favour, who claimed a 1-0 home victory.