SV Sandhausen - 1.FC Nürnberg

Nurnberg to close in on 1. Bundesliga with a win

TEAM NEWS

Sandhausen will be without Tim Kister and Ken Gibson, who are both out due to injury concerns while Manuel Striefler is suspended.

Nurnberg’s key player Sebastian Kerk will continue to miss out while Enis Alushi, Patrick Erras, Alexander Fuchs and Dennis Lippert are all unavailable with injury problems. 

Sandhausen

Suspended: Manuel Striefler

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ken Gibson (calf), Tim Kister (broken foot)

Nurnberg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring); Enis Alushi, Dennis Lippert, Patrick Erras (all knee); Alexander Fuchs (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Sandhausen will live to fight another day in the 2. Bundesliga despite losing 2-0 to Heidenheim last weekend. Their four-point lead over Greuther Furth in 16^thmeans they have pretty much secured their survival. However, Kenan Kocak’s men will have been disappointed with that latest result as they played very well, accumulating more shots on target. However, although ball possession was almost even they could not find the net. They have won only one of their last nine league matches, losing four and drawing four in the process. 

Nurnberg walked all over Braunschweig in a stunning 2-0 home win last Monday. With just two games left, the club remain in the driving seat for automatic promotion with a five-point lead over third-placed Holstein Kiel. Michael Kollner’s boys have been defying the odds all season, and a win at Hardtwald Stadium will take them to the promised land. 

The incentive is huge for Nurnberg and with them boasting the best away record in the league, I expect them to return home with all three points. Put your money on a Nurnberg victory on Sunday.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Both Sandhausen’s and Nurnberg’s last three matches have finished with even total goals. I predict the same outcome in this encounter. 

HEAD TO HEAD

There have been only three league encounters between these teams at Sandhausen, with the hosts winning one and losing two. 

Jahn Regensburg - SV Darmstadt 98

Darmstadt to walk away with all three points

TEAM NEWS

Regensburg’s Jan George is suspended while Achim Beierlorzer has to find suitable replacements for several injured players as Sebastian Freis, Kevin Hoffmann, Sebastian Nachreiner, Oliver Hein, Philipp Pentke and Hamadi Al Ghaddioui are all out.

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer and Baris Atik the only two absentees.

Regensburg

Suspended: Jan George

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Freis (stomach); Kevin Hoffmann, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee); Oliver Hein (patella), Philipp Pentke (rib), Hamadi Al Ghaddioui (calf)

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer (foot), Baris Atik (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Regensburg are clinging on to their promotion aspirations but are trailing Holstein Kiel by five points. Achim Beierlorzer’s side have struggled to cope with the pressure of late and succumbed to a 4-1 defeat away from home against Duisburg last Sunday. Although a third-place finish is mathematically still possible, the team will need a miracle and help from other teams to overtake both Kiel and Bielefeld in the table. Jahn have certainly been in good form though, having picked up six wins and only one defeat in their last seven home league matches at Continental Arena.

Darmstadt have had a season to forget, but last weekend’s 3-1 home win over Union Berlin has ensured that they are still in with a chance of escaping the drop. Sitting in 17^th, they are currently in an automatic relegation spot, but are only two points from safety and two wins in their remaining two games may be enough to keep them in the 2. Bundesliga if results elsewhere go their way too. The club go into this one having picked up three wins and six draws from their last nine league fixtures.

With time running out, this really is a must-win game for Darmstadt. However, the Lilies have not won away from home since a 2-0 victory at Dresden in early March. Nevertheless, I fancy them to win this one and hold their survival hopes alive.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE 

Regensburg’s 32 league games average just over three total goals while Darmstadt’s average over the course of the season stands at 2.75. I predict three total goals in this fixture.

HEAD TO HEAD

When these two squared off in December, Regensburg ran out 1-0 winners over Darmstadt. They also won their last home encounter 3-1 in the cup.

Fortuna Düsseldorf - Holstein Kiel

Promoted leaders to grab another win

TEAM NEWS

Tim Wiesner, Oliver Fink and Andre Hofmann will be out for Dusseldorf once again due to injury while Uwe Neuhaus saw his fifth yellow card last time out and is suspended.

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Amara Conde and the suspended Dominic Peitz who was given his tenth yellow card against Ingolstadt last weekend.

Dusseldorf

Suspended: Florian Neuhaus

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Andre Hoffmann (unspecified), Oliver Fink (adductor), Tim Wiesner (pubis)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: Dominic Peitz

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Amara Conde (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Dusseldorf booked their place in the 1. Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over Dresden at the DDV Stadium last Saturday, with striker Rouven Hennings scoring a late winner. Although they have a seven-point lead over third-placed Holstein Kiel, only two points separates them from Nurnberg in second and as a result, Fortuna will still need points from their last two games to seal the 2. Bundesliga title. Friedhelm Funkel’s team have without doubt been the real deal in the second tier and fully deserve promotion to the promised land. 

Last weekend’s incredible 5-1 win away at Ingolstadt has kept Holstein Kiel’s automatic promotion hopes alive. Since losing 3-2 to St. Pauli at Millerntor Stadium in late February, Markus Anfang’s troops have managed to win five, whilst drawing three and losing only one of their last nine 2. Bundesliga matches. With a five-point lead over Bielefeld in fourth, Kiel are in pole position when it comes to the promotion playoff spot and one point from the last two fixtures could be enough to secure that place.

Despite Holstein Kiel’s good run of form, I can only see one winner in this one. Dusseldorf have the best home record in the league, and I fancy them to claim their 11^thand final 2. Bundesliga victory at Esprit Arena this weekend. 

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH 

Dusseldorf have been scoring at least two goals in their last five league wins. Holstein Kiel have been on fire in their last two away games, netting nine in the process, and should be capable of finding the net again here. I predict a high-scoring match.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time at Esprit Arena in the 2. Bundesliga. The reverse fixture was an entertaining 2-2 draw between these two sides in December.

Union Berlin - VfL Bochum

Union Berlin to bounce back on Sunday

TEAM NEWS

Union Berlin are missing the injured Sebastian Polter, Felix Kroos, Jacob Busk Jensen and Fabian Schonheim.

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad. The club’s only absentees are Timo Perthel and Maxim Leitsch, but there should be a suitable replacement for him.

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim (knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Jacob Busk Jensen (unspecified), Felix Kroos (foot)

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Maxim Leitsch (adductor), Timo Perthel (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Union Berlin’s season may have petered out, but Andre Hofschneider will want his side to finish their home league campaign with three points on Sunday. Union, who are sitting in tenth in the second-tier table, have picked up only one win in their last eight games, losing three and drawing four of those along the way. Overall, Union have mustered up just six league victories at Alte Forsterei all season. They are coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss against second-from-bottom Darmstadt away from home.

Sixth-placed Bochum will be hoping to keep their momentum ticking with a win on the road after beating Aue 2-1 at home last Friday. Since losing 2-0 at Dresden in early February, Robin Dutt’s men have hit back with seven wins, three draws and only one defeat. With Bochum so strong and in such fine form, they would certainly be a force to be reckoned with if they make it into the promotion playoffs.

Bochum may be in a higher league position and have been playing well recently, but Union Berlin have been strong at home, with two wins and four draws in their last six games. This is a tough one, but I’m going with a victory for the home side here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Union Berlin have won all of their last three home encounters against Bochum by a one-goal margin. I like the look of odd goals to be scored at Alte Forsterei on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin and Bochum have met at Alte Forsterei on eight occasions, with the hosts winning six and losing two of those games. The reverse fixture earlier this season was a close game, with Bochum eventually winning 2-1.  

Greuther Fürth - MSV Duisburg

Greuther Furth to take the spoils

TEAM NEWS

Mathis Bolly will be the only player not at Greuther Furth’s disposal due to injury.

Tim Albutat is still featuring on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there have been no more injury concerns for coach Ilija Gruev.

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle)

Duisburg

Suspended: None 

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Albutat (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Greuther Furth manager Damir Buric will be looking to get the Shamrocks back on track for the last two games. Since taking 12 from a possible 15 points, the team have managed to secure only two points from their last four league matches after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat against fellow relegation candidates St. Pauli last Saturday afternoon. That loss has put them back into 16^thplace with only two games left. Wins are now essential while Furth will hope that other results will go their way too.

After drawing only one and losing five in a six-match winless streak, Duisburg unsurprisingly found themselves in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle three weeks ago. However, two successive wins have ensured their survival as MSV claimed a well-earned 3-1 win at Aue before putting on a show in a 4-1 home victory over promotion playoff candidates Regensburg last Sunday. The club have nothing left to play for, but will be looking to finish as high in the table as possible.

Greuther Furth need the points more desperately than Duisburg and I expect them to return to winning ways. Put some money on Furth to win at home and keep their survival chances alive.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 2-1

Greuther Furth have won three of their last five home games 2-1. Another 2-1 win for the hosts is on the cards.

HEAD TO HEAD

Duisburg have picked up just one win in their last six meetings with Greuther Furth, losing three and drawing two. However, that victory was sealed in the reverse fixture back in December via a 2-0 scoreline.

Erzgebirge Aue - Dynamo Dresden

Even sides to play out draw at Erzgebirgs Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Aue have no new injury worries, with Cebio Soukou and Nicky Adler the only two players not at their disposal. However, Dennis Kempe is suspended.

Dresden are still without the long-term injured Pascal Testroet and Soren Gonther while Jannik Muller faces a fresh injury and is unavailable, too.

Aue

Suspended: Dennis Kempe

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Cebio Soukou (thigh), Nicky Adler (pulled muscle)

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Having taken just three points from the last 12 on offer, Aue have been dragged back into the mire in the 2. Bundesliga. Hannes Drews’ side were beaten 2-1 at Bochum in their most recent league outing last Friday in what was their third consecutive defeat. As a result, they are hovering just above the relegation zone with a one-point lead over 16^thplaced Greuther Furth, as the pressure to secure their top-flight status is mounting.

Dresden are also looking nervously over their shoulders after winning just one of their last six 2. Bundesliga matches (two draws, three losses). After scoring the equaliser in the second half last Saturday, Uwe Neuhaus’s men will have been disappointed to concede the winning goal at the death against leaders Dusseldorf, with the game ending in a 2-1 loss. They are now only two points above the drop zone.

There is so much at stake in this one for both teams, so there is a strong possibility the pair will cancel each other out at Erzgebirgs Stadium. A point is not a good result for either, but I think it is the most likely outcome here. 

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Aue have been drawing at half time in three of their last four 2. Bundesliga matches. Put your money on the teams to be level at the break on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Dresden have been victorious in their last two meetings, but Aue have the edge on home soil with five wins, four draws and one defeat across all competitions.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - FC Heidenheim

All square at Betzenberg

TEAM NEWS

Kaiserslautern have four players on their injury list as Kacper Przybylko, Patrick Salata, Brandon Borello and Daniel Halfar are all absent. Philipp Mwene saw his fifth yellow card against Bielefeld last weekend and is suspended, as is Benjamin Kessel who was sent off too.

Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt won’t be able to count on captain Marc Schnatterer and Mathias Wittek, who are both out once again.

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: Philipp Mwene, Benjamin Kessel

Doubtful: None

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

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Schnatterer (pulled muscle), Mathias Wittek (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Kaiserslautern’s 3-2 loss against a strong Bielefeld outfit last Friday confirmed their relegation to Germany’s third tier. Despite being 2-0 up until the 62^ndminute, the Red Devils could not hold on to their lead and lost deservedly. It has been a woeful couple of years for Kaiserslautern’s faithful and the team have been nowhere near good enough to compete at this level. Michael Frontzeck’s men go into this one having won just one of their last seven 2. Bundesliga fixtures, with two draws and four losses.

After finishing last season in an incredible sixth place, Heidenheim have been disappointing this term and are currently sitting in 11^th, three points above Greuther Furth in the relegation playoff spot. They made a horrible start to the campaign under Frank Schmidt, winning only two, drawing two and losing seven of their 11 opening fixtures, but managed to turn their season around with a 1-0 win over Nurnberg in October and have lost only six times since then. They are now on a three-match unbeaten streak following their 2-0 win over Sandhausen last Sunday.

With Heidenheim hoping to secure their survival as soon as possible, I can see them picking up a draw at Betzenberg on Sunday. 

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH 

Three of Kaiserslautern’s last five games have seen five total goals while Heidenheim’s last four away matches average 3.75 total goals. I predict a high-scoring draw here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Kaiserslautern are unbeaten in their three home encounters against Heidenheim but they have won only one of those matches, drawing the other two. Heidenheim won the reverse fixture 3-2 at home in December.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - Holstein Kiel

Narrow victory for the hosts in a top clash

TEAM NEWS

Ingolstadt have a fully fit squad available against Holstein Kiel.

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Amara Conde.

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Amara Conde (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Ingolstadt’s top three ambitions were dealt a huge blow last weekend as they lost to leaders Dusseldorf 3-0. After an average first half to their season, the Schanzer have further gone off the boil in recent weeks, winning only two, drawing four and losing four of their last ten league games. As a consequence, Stefan Leitl’s men have dropped down to seventh in the table.

After an unbeaten run of six matches and 15 points from a possible 21, Holstein Kiel were brought down to earth with a 3-1 home loss against fellow promotion rivals Nurnberg last Monday. However, that was only Kiel’s third defeat in 13 league games, with three wins and seven draws during that time. Nevertheless, gaining automatic promotion to the top flight has now become unlikely for the team from north Germany with five points separating them from Nurnberg. With Dusseldorf amongst their opponents in the final three matches this season, Kiel will be eager to register a good result here – especially as they are only two points ahead of Regensburg in fourth – but their confidence will have received a knock after last weekend’s defeat

Ingolstadt have not convinced recently, but this will be an important match for them. I’ll back the Schanzer to win this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD 

Both Ingolstadt’s home victories against Holstein Kiel have come by one goal. Back odd total goals to be scored in Ingolstadt’s favour at the Audi Sportpark this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time at Audi Sportpark in the 2. Bundesliga. The reverse fixture in Kiel finished goalless.

MSV Duisburg - Jahn Regensburg

In-form Regensburg to return home with all three points

TEAM NEWS

Tim Albutat is still featuring on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there have been no more injury concerns for coach Ilija Gruev.

Regensburg’s Sebastian Freis and Asgar Sorensen will not travel to Duisburg due to injury. Meanwhile, Marvin Knoll will be sitting this game out after collecting his fifth yellow card against St. Pauli in their last league outing.

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Albutat (knee)

Regensburg

Suspended: Marvin Knoll

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Freis (stomach), Asgar Sorensen (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Duisburg have been struggling in recent weeks, but Sunday’s 3-1 win at Aue arrived without a doubt at the right time to get back on track. That win has lifted them above Aue in the table and they are now in tenth position with 41 points – four points above the drop zone. Of course, they are not safe yet but are very close of achieving that goal.

Regensburg have kept their promotion hopes alive with back-to-back wins. Since losing 3-1 to Aue at Continental Arena earlier this month, Achim Beierlorzer’s men have sealed two victories and one draw, and they are now occupying fourth place. Even though Jahn are outsiders to finish in third, they are only two points behind Holstein Kiel with three matches left. 

With Regensburg still hoping to gate-crash the promotion playoff spot, Achim Beierlorzer will want his side to take all three points here. I fancy Regensburg to sneak a win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN 

Eight of the 11 competitive encounters between the pair have finished with even total goals. Therefore, have a punt on even goals to be scored in this one once again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Regensburg have not beaten Duisburg in two attempts at SchauinslandreisenArena, losing one and drawing one during that spell. The reverse fixture finished in a 4-0 home win for Regensburg back in November.

FC Heidenheim - SV Sandhausen

Heidenheim to roar to victory

TEAM NEWS

Heidenheim’s Maurice Multhaup remains on the sidelines with a long-term injury. Furthermoe, Frank Schmidt cannot count on captain Marc Schnatterer and Timo Beermann, who are both out with fresh injuries.

Sandhausen will be without Tim Kister and Ken Gibson, who are both out due to injury concerns.

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marc Schnatterer (pulled muscle), Maurice Multhaup (unspecified), Timo Beermann (stomach)

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ken Gibson (calf), Tim Kister (broken foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Heidenheim’s form has improved drastically at just the right time of their campaign. After losing four in a row, FCH have now won one and drawn one to lift themselves out of the relegation zone. After beating leaders Dusseldorf 3-1 on their own turf two weeks ago, they followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Union Berline at Alte Forsterei. However, the team are still in need of points because they sit only one point above the drop zone with three rounds left to play.

Sandhausen look to have blown their chances of finishing in the top three after only one win, three draws and one defeat in their last five league fixtures. Despite taking the lead early in their last league outing, Sandhausen could not contain bottom side Darmstadt in a hard-fought 1-1 home draw last Saturday. Kenan Kocak’s men are now seven points behind third-placed Holstein Kiel. 

With Heidenheim needing one more win to be sure of survival, they will be aiming to take the game to the visitors from the very first whistle. These two have played out some very close matches and I expect the same again but fancy Heidenheim to edge it at Voith Arena – back the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD 

Five of Heidenheim’s last eight home victories have come by a one-goal margin. With that in mind, have a punt on odd total goals to be scored in Heidenheim this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

There have been eight encounters between these teams at Heidenheim, with the hosts winning four, drawing three and losing one.

FC St. Pauli - Greuther Fürth

All square at Hamburg

TEAM NEWS

St. Pauli’s Marc Hornschuh, Waldemar Sobota, Clemens Schoppenhauer, Svend Brodersen, Bernd Nehrig and Luca-Milan Zander are still absent but are working on their comebacks. Furthermore, the team have to find replacements for both Sami Allagui and Cenk Sahin over the upcoming weeks after they were sent off last weekend.

Mathis Bolly will be the only player not at Greuther Furth’s disposal due to injury.

St. Pauli

Suspended: Sami Allagui, Cenk Sahin

Doubtful: None

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

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None 

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Mathis Bolly (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

St. Pauli’s awful run continues but a win over Greuther Furth on Saturday would lift them above the Shamrocks in the table. St. Pauli have had a poor season overall and Markus Kauczinski still has a mountain to climb as he attempts to keep the club in the second tier. Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Regensburg was no doubt their next big setback, having lost three in a row, but it is now all in their own hands with the final three matches taking place Furth, Bielefeld and Duisburg. The next two home games could prove to be pivotal in the race for survival. 

Greuther Furth are looking nervously over their shoulders after winning just one, drawing two and losing two of their last five 2. Bundesliga matches. After taking the lead against in-form Bochum early in their last league outing, Damir Buric’s men will have been gutted to concede an equaliser in the 80^thminute to drop two points against Bochum last Friday. The Shamrocsk remain only one point above the drop zone as a result.

With both sides desperate for points, this is set to be a gigantic tussle in Hamburg. However, I can see the pair cancelling each other out at Millerntor Stadium. My money is on a hard-fought draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW 

Just three of St Pauli’s ten draws and none of Greuther Furth’s eight have seen more than two total goals. This looks to be a low-scoring draw.

HEAD TO HEAD

Eight of St. Pauli’s last 13 league home meetings against Greuther Furth have ended level, with the most recent one finishing 1-1 last May. St. Pauli have won two while Greuther Furth have managed three victories at Hamburg.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Union Berlin

Important three points for Darmstadt on home soil

TEAM NEWS

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer, Yannick Stark, Baris Atik and Joel Mall the only four absentees.

Union Berlin are missing the injured Sebastian Polter, Jacob Busk Jensen, Grischa Promel, Felix Kroos and Fabian Schonheim.

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer, Yannick Stark (both foot); Joel Mall (shoulder), Baris Atik (unspecified), 

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Fabian Schonheim, Grischa Promel (both knee), Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Jacob Busk Jensen (unspecified), Felix Kroos (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Darmstadt are living life dangerously as they still sit on 17^thplace in the table following their 1-1 draw away from home to Union Berlin last weekend. Despite an eight-match unbeaten run they are still three points from safety while their recent form hardly backs them up as they have clinched just two wins during that spell, with the other six games ending level. Furthermore, the team have not scored more than one goal in 15 of their last 16 matches.

Union Berlin have had a campaign to forget and Saturday’s 1-1 draw with lowly Heidenheim was another disappointing result at Alte Forsterei. Since beating Sandhausen 2-1 at home back in late February, Union have taken just seven points from the last 21 on offer.

The team remain ninth in the table but are only four points above the drop zone with three matches left.

Darmstadt have never really got going this term, winning just four, drawing five and losing six of their 15 league games at Bollenfalltor. Only one team have secured fewer points on their own turf, but Darmstadt are desperately in need of points and this is almost their last chance in a bid to avoid relegation. I will back them here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Two of the three meetings between these two sides have finished with even total goals. Back the same outcome in Darmstadt this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Union Berlin and Heidenheim have met at Bollenfalltor on only one occasion, with the hosts winning 1-0. The reverse fixture earlier this season was an entertaining 3-3 draw.  

Dynamo Dresden - Fortuna Düsseldorf

Fortuna to close in on top spot finish with a win

TEAM NEWS

Dresden are still without the long-term injured Pascal Testroet and Soren Gonther while Jannik Muller faces a fresh injury and is unavailable too. Marco Hartmann saw two yellow cards against Kaiserlautern last weekend and is suspended.

Gokhan Gul, Lukas Schmitz, Oliver Fink and Andre Hofmann will be missing this game for Dusseldorf once again due to injury.

Dresden

Suspended: Marco Hartmann

Doubtful: None

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

Dusseldorf

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Dresden all but guaranteed safety with last weekend’s hard-fought 1-0 win over bottom side Kaiserslautern at Betzenberg. Dynamo’s form has been awful over the past two months, with onlt two wins, two draws and two defeats. However, sitting in 11^thplace on 40 points, their survival in the 2. Bundesliga is now in their own hands as they are three points above the drop zone.

Dusseldorf nearly booked their place in Germany’s 1. Bundesliga last Sunday as they eased to a 3-0 home win over rivals Ingolstadt at Esprit Arena. Fortuna need just one win from their last three games to seal promotion as direct rivals Holstein Kiel and Nurnberg, who are occupying third and second spot, play against each other on Monday evening. Friedhelm Funkel’s men have without doubt been the real deal in the second tier, fully deserving their promotion to the promised land. With 17 wins, five draws and nine defeats, they sit at the top of the standings with 56 point.

Securing promotion to the 1. Bundesliga will taste even sweeter for Fortuna fans if they can achieve this with another two games to go. This should be a stroll in the park for the visitors, so back a Fortuna win.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 1-2 

Dusseldorf have been scoring at least two goals in their last four league wins and that looks set to continue here on their visit to Dresden. However, having drawn a blank in only one of their last six league games, the hosts are clearly capable in attack and should be able to find the net too. I predict a 2-1 away win.

HEAD TO HEAD

Dresden have the edge at home in this head-to-head, with two wins, four draws and one defeat. However, they have not lost in their last six meetings across all competitions against Dusseldorf, winning and drawing three. The last two meetings have seen both teams score.