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.

FC Heidenheim - Jahn Regensburg

Heidenheim to claim seventh home league win

TEAM NEWS
Heidenheim will be without the injured midfielder Robert Leipertz.

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

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

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Heidenheim have been in excellent form recently. Frank Schmidt’s troops have taken 19 points from the last 27 in league action, firing themselves up to sixth place in the process. Heidenheim won two league games in a row before drawing 2-2 with Hamburg at Voith Arena and 0-0 with Greuther Furth at Sportpark Ronhof last weekend. However, they have picked up just two victories from their last five home league fixtures, drawing two and losing one during that time.

After losing two, drawing three and winning only one of their last six league matches at Continental Arena, Jahn Regensburg managed to stop the rot with an encouraging 2-1 home win over leaders Hamburg last time out. They conceded the opener early in the league game but fought back with two goals in the final 16 minutes, whilst enjoying a numerical advantage for the last 20 minutes of play. The result was exactly what the doctor had ordered after the team drew a blank in their last three league matches, registering only a single point in the process. However, there are still eight points between them and the top three.

Heidenheim have been strong at home as of late, taking eight points from their past four home league matches. Jahn Regensburg also appear to be back on track, but I fancy the home side to come out on top in this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO - HIGH
Both teams are efficient in front of goal, with Heidenheim netting 37 and Jahn Regensburg 35 goals so far. Two of their last three league meetings have featured at least three total goals and with that in mind I expect another high-scoring league encounter here.

HEAD TO HEAD
Jahn Regensburg have won their last three league meetings against Heidenheim.

Holstein Kiel - Union Berlin

All square at Holstein Stadium

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

Union Berlin will be without the injured Sebastian Polter.

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

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW
Holstein Kiel are one of the in-form teams in the German second tier at present. The Storks shocked Bochum away at Vonovia Stadium last time out, cruising to a 3-1 victory. Since losing 2-1 at home to Bielefeld in the middle of December, Holstein Kiel have been proving that they have what it takes to be considered promotion contenders this season, winning three and drawing three of their last six league fixtures. Sitting in fifth, they are trailing third-placed Union Berlin by only two points.

Union Berlin followed up their 3-2 away win over rock-bottom Duisburg with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home against Bielefeld last weekend. Occupying the promotion/relegation playoff spot, the team are definitely on the right path and have lost just one of their past five league fixtures (three wins, one draw).

Only two places separate these two evenly-matched sides in the table, so I’m expecting a close matchup in the north of Germany. Back this to end in a draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH
Holstein Kiel have scored five goals in their last two league outings while Union Berlin have netted six goals in their last three league matches. I fancy this to be a high-scoring league encounter.

HEAD TO HEAD
Union Berlin are unbeaten in their last three league meetings against Holstein Kiel, winning two and drawing one.

MSV Duisburg - FC Magdeburg

Important three points for the hosts

TEAM NEWS
Duisburg’s Christian Gartner, Borys Tashchy, Joseph Baffo and Sebastian Neumann remain sidelined while Lukas Thomas Frode will be suspended for the upcoming weeks after his red card against Aue in their last league game.

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

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

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

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN
Despite having a player sent off in the second half, Duisburg battled to a 0-0 draw with mid-table side Aue at Erzgebirgs Stadium in their last league outing. Rooted to the bottom of the table with 17 points and five points from safety, the draw did little to increase their chances of avoiding the drop. However, they did at least avoid defeat – for only the second time in their last nine league fixtures (one win, one draw, seven losses).

Magdeburg have done well so far in 2019, winning three and drawing two of their five league outings this year. After beating Bielefeld 3-1 away from home two weeks ago, they held in-form Paderborn to a 1-1 home draw last weekend. Their incredible run has allowed the team to climb out of the drop zone and they are now sitting three points above the bottom three.

Duisburg have the worst home record in the German second division, winning two and losing nine of their 11 home league games. However, this league fixture will be key for the home team, given that they will have the chance to reduce the gap to safety to only two points. I think they will come out on top here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD
Duisburg’s last two league wins have been secured by one-goal margins. Take a punt on odd total goals to be netted here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have only been three recent league meeting between these sides. In September, they played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at Benteler Arena, while in the third division back in 2016-17, Duisburg won away and drew at home.

Erzgebirge Aue - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to come out on top

TEAM NEWS

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

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

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

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

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

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

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

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

HEAD TO HEAD

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

Erzgebirge Aue - MSV Duisburg

Aue to make home advantage count

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FC Magdeburg - SC Paderborn

Draw seems likely between the pair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jahn Regensburg - Hamburger SV

Hamburg to take revenge with away win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FC St. Pauli - FC Ingolstadt 04

All square at Millerntor this weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SV Darmstadt 98 - Dynamo Dresden

Darmstadt to secure a vital home victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1.FC Köln - SV Sandhausen

Important three points for Cologne on home soil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VfL Bochum - Holstein Kiel

Bochum to claim seventh home league win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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