VfL Bochum - Dynamo Dresden

Bochum to return to winning ways on Tuesday

TEAM NEWS

Bochum’s long-term injury absentees Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Thomas Eisfeld and Florian Kraft are all likely to miss out again.

Dresden's coach Maik Walpurgis has to find replacements for the injured Soren Gonther, Jannik Muller and Florian Ballas. 

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Thomas Eisfeld (all knee); Florian Kraft (finger)

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Soren Gonther (knee), Florian Ballas (shoulder), Jannik Muller (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum have made a steady start to their season under Robin Dutt, with his VfL outfit winning three, drawing two and losing just one to sit in great position in the table after six league games. Bochum failed to break down Holstein Kiel in the 2-2 draw at Holstein-Stadium last time out – despite leading twice in this encounter but conceded a very late equalizer. Bochum have picked up an excellent six points from three home games so far.

Things are starting to look up for Dresden after a woeful start to their season. Maik Walpurgis men kicked off their league campaign with only one win and two defeats, but have responeded well in recent weeks by picking up six points from their last three league games to move off the bottom zone. Dynamo lose 1-0 to leaders Hamburg at home, before winning 4-1 to Darmstadt at DDV-Arena in their last league outing and are on nine points now.

With both teams in fine fettle, this has the potential to go either way in the Ruhr. However, I can see home advantage being a key factor in this one, especially give the fact that Bochum have won their last two home league matches, scoring three and conceding none. Back the home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HiLOW - HIGH

Three of the last four home league fixtures against Dresden have seen at least three goals. With both offensive lines in good shape I expect the same this time again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Both teams won their home league fixture last season, with Bochum posting a 3-2 win and Dresden claiming a 2-0 victory.

1.FC Köln - FC Ingolstadt 04

Easy victory for Cologne on home soil

TEAM NEWS

At Cologne, Nikolas Nartey is sidelined with a foot injury but Markus Anfang have a very good squad to choose.

Ingolstadt are without midfielders Christian Trasch and Joey Breitfeld, who could both be out until the end of the year with knee injuries. Almog Cohen is still absent too but is working on his comeback. Additional to the three above is Konstantin Kerschbaumer suspended after his yellow-red card against St. Pauli.

Cologne

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nikolas Nartey (foot)

Ingolstadt

Suspended: Konstantin Kerschbaumer

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Trasch, Joey Breitfeld (both knee); Almog Cohen (ligaments)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After a shock 5-3 home defeat to newly-promoted Paderborn one week ago, Cologne get back to winning ways last Friday with an impressive 2-0 win over Sandhausen at Hardtwald-Stadium. Cologne were a side in excellent form, winning four league games, drawing one and losing just one from those six games and scoring a league high of 16 goals in the process. Nevertheless, Markus Anfang has enjoyed a successful start to his managerial career at Cologne, as his side sit in the hunt of the top places with 13 points.

Having lost two league games in a row without scoring a single goal but conceding seven in those matches – Ingolstadt is getting more and more in trouble and is almost in need of points. They have won only one, drawn two and lost three from their six league matches this term. Stefan Leitl’s team have not been able to make use of their potential on the pitch and was sucked during the last days. Following their defeats to Bochum 6-0 and St. Pauli 1-0 he has to find a solution quickly if they do not want to extend this negative trend.

In-form Cologne will have no problems with a struggling team from Ingolstadt and clinch the three points on home ground.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - COLOGNE

Cologne have opened the scoring in four of their last six league matches with Ingolstadt. Expect them to score the first goal again in midweek.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams have met just four times over the last five years, with Cologne winning three, drawing four and losing only one in all competitions. 

Hamburger SV - Jahn Regensburg

Hamburg to pick up yet another home win this weekend

TEAM NEWS

Christian Titz’s Hamburg are at full strength ahead of this clash at Volkspark Stadium. Only the long-term injured Gideon Jung, Jairo Samperio and Kyriakos Papadopoulos are absent while Lewis Holtby has problems with his foot and is a doubt.

Jahn Regensburg's Oliver Hein and Sebastian Nachreiner are both out with a knee injury. However, Achim Beierlorzer can still choose from a good squad for this league encounter.

Hamburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Lewis Holtby (foot)

Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Gideon Jung, Jairo Samperio (all knee)

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Hamburg, who have been tipped by many for promotion, have made a very strong start to the season, losing only the opener so far. They have 12 points after five rounds and sit at the top of the league table after winning four in a row, with a positive goal difference of +5. After sealing a very close 3-2 home victory over Heidenheim last weekend, the club clinched another 1-0 win away at Dresden on Tuesday in their most recent league outing.

Jahn Regensburg have made a slow start to their campaign. After beating Ingolstadt 2-0 at home in their opening league game, the side are winless in the last four, drawing once and losing three times, including a 2-0 home defeat against Dresden. The most recent loss left the team frustrated, especially as they had been in control for large parts of the league encounter. However, Achim Beierlorzer can’t get away from the fact that Regensburg have now conceded seven in their last two league outings – and they need to work on improving their defence quickly. 

Jahn Regensburg have not enjoyed the best of times this season away from home, losing twice, and I can see Hamburg piling more misery on them this weekend. I’m predicting a clear home win for the leader.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Four of Hamburg's five league matches have produced three or more total goals and Jahn Regensburg have conceded seven goals in their two away league matches. I foresee a high-scoring encounter on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have so far never played each other.

MSV Duisburg - Erzgebirge Aue

Duisburg to seal first win of the season

TEAM NEWS

Duisburg’s John Verhoek has a shoulder issue which will keep him out of this weekend league clash. Meanwhile, Enis Hajri is still recovering from an ankle injury while the long-term injured Christian Gartner is expected to be out for the remainder of the year.

Goalkeeper Robert Jendrusch is the only absentee for Daniel Meyer’s Aue.

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Gartner (knee), Enis Hajri (ankle), John Verhoek (shoulder)

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Robert Jendrusch (meniscus)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Duisburg have failed to win in the league so far, with their uninspiring 1-0 victory over lower division side Dassendorf in the German cup the only competitive success. The side have so far been beaten by Dresden 1-0, Bochum 2-0, Darmstadt 3-0 and Greuther Furth 1-0 in league action and failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead away against Union Berlin last time out, with the league game finishing in a frustrating 2-2 draw at Alte Forsterei as the hosts scored the equaliser in stoppage time. As a result of that poor run of form, Duisburg are sitting at the bottom of the table with only one point from an available 15 and two goals to their name.

Aue survived by the skin of their teeth last season, and it could be another year of struggles for the Viola. Daniel Meyer picked up his first league win of the season last weekend since taking over the managerial reigns at Erzgebirgs Stadium in the summer, winning 3-1 against St. Pauli on home soil. However, the side had drawn one and lost three of the previous four league matches and will have to prove that their only victory hasn't just been a blip. 

Neither team have started the new campaign well, but Duisburg head into this one with the home advantage while their last league match – despite ending in a draw – will have given them the belief that they are capable of winning games. This has the potential of being a scrappy league game, so I’m not expecting a goal fest, but Duisburg can edge it on home turf.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Four of the last six league meetings between the pair have resulted in odd total goals and I can see this happening again in Duisburg this weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

Duisburg have won five and drawn two of their last seven home league meetings with Aue. Meanwhile, Aue have not beaten the Zebras in league action since 2010, losing six and drawing one since.

FC Heidenheim - Greuther Fürth

Draw seems likely between these two

TEAM NEWS

Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim will have to do without defenders Timo Beermann, Arne Feick and Mathias Wittek.

Roberto Hilbert is out with a pulled muscle issue for Damir Buric’s Greuther Furth while Maximilian Wittek is a doubt.

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Timo Beermann (calf), Mathias Wittek (knee), Arne Feick (ankle)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Maximilian Wittek

Injured/unavailable: Roberto Hilbert (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim have made an average start to the new league season. They are sitting on a disappointing 12^thplace on five points after securing just one win from their first five league games, losing two and drawing two in the process. Heidenheim have crashed to two consecutive league losses in their last two outings, with the latest one ending in a 3-2 loss away at Christian Titz’s Hamburg. 

Greuther Furth make the trip to Heidenheim in very good form, winning three and drawing two of their five league games so far. Last time out, Daniel Keita-Ruel netted twice in a 4-1 win over Holstein Kiel at Sportpark Ronhof. Since falling to an unexpected 2-2 home draw to Paderborn where they lead 2-0 until the 89^thminute, the Shamrock have claimed back-to-back wins to put them into second place of the second division. They have also scored the joint second highest amount of goals so far, with 11 netted in those five league games.

This is not an easy fixture to call, and I fancy the pair to cancel each other out at Voith Arena. I am tipping a score draw on Sunday.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

Five of the last eight league encounters between these teams have seen even total goals, with three of the five most recent ones ending in 2-0 wins for Greuther Furth. Take even goals to be scored at Voith Arena on Sunday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim have won just one of their past four home league fixtures with Greuther Furth, losing two of those and drawing one.

SC Paderborn - FC Magdeburg

Visitors to remain without win

TEAM NEWS

Steffen Baumgart has a fully fit Paderborn team to choose from. The only unavailable player is Massih Wassey with a back injury.

Magdeburg coach Jens Hartel can choose from a fully fit squad for this league encounter with Paderborn.

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Massih Wassey (back)

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Paderborn have been very competitive on their return to the second division, sealing eight points from their first five league games. Since falling to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Darmstadt in their opening match, Paderborn have hit back with two wins and two draws in their most recent four league matches. Moreover, they produced one of the surprise results of the week away from home against Cologne in round five. They set up with a 4-4-2 formation and did well to frustrate Cologne to gain an excellent 5-3 win against one of the top favourites for promotion.

Jens Hartel has endured a tough start as Magdeburg boss so far, with the team yet to win a league game under the 49-year-old. Magdeburg clinched a goalless draw on Monday against Bielefeld at MDCC Arena. So far, the side have mustered just three points from a possible 15 after drawing three and losing two of their five league matches. The upcoming league match against Paderborn, who were – like them – plying their trade in the third division last season, will be seen as a good opportunity to pick up their first victory of the season – but if they will succeed is another question.

Magdeburg were unbeaten against Paderborn in the third division last season, snatching four from a possible six points. However, given their latest performances, Paderborn should be too strong for Magdeburg at the moment. I'm going with a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Magdeburg have been level at the break in each of their five league games. This could be tight between these two newly-promoted teams, so don’t be surprised to see the teams drawing at half time here too.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams will meet for the first time in the second division. Back in 2017-18, Magdeburg beat Paderborn 1-0 on home turf in the third tier and claimed a 1-1 draw at Benteler Arena.

Dynamo Dresden - SV Darmstadt 98

Dresden to claim second home win

TEAM NEWS

Dresden's coach Maik Walpurgis has to find replacements for the injured Soren Gonther, Jannik Muller and Florian Ballas. 

Darmstadt’s Rouven Sattelmaier and Selim Gunduz are out with knee injuries.

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Soren Gonther (knee), Florian Ballas (shoulder), Jannik Muller (foot)

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Rouven Sattelmaier, Selim Gunduz (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After one win and two defeats from three league matches, Maik Walpurgis took over as head coach at Dresden and picked up his first win last Friday. Goals from Aias Aosman and Dario Dumic gave the side a deserved 2-0 win away at Jahn Regensburg in their second victory of the season. However, the team were unable to follow that up with another positive result as they succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat against leaders Hamburg on Tuesday.

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt go into this league game in good form. After starting the season with a win and a defeat, Darmstadt claimed back-to-back wins over Duisburg (3-0) and Heidenheim (1-0) before clinching a point against Sandhausen in a 1-1 draw at Bollenfalltor in a hard-fought league game last weekend. Darmstadt are now level on points with third placed Bochum and only two points off leaders Hamburg.

Given their three-match unbeaten run, Darmstadt may be the obvious choice here, but Dresden's slender midweek defeat to the current league leaders was nothing to be ashamed of and I expect Walpurgis to guide his men back to winning ways. Expect Dresden to make the most of their home advantage with a second win in front of their own fans.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW

Neither Dresden nor Darmstadt have been prolific so far in front of goal, with Dresden scoring five and Darmstadt six goals so far. I therefore fancy this to be a low-scoring league encounter on Saturday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Darmstadt beat Dresden 2-0 on the road last season. The reverse league encounter at Bollenfalltor finished in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Arminia Bielefeld - Union Berlin

Bielefeld to secure narrow win over Union Berlin

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld are expected to be without midfielder Nils Quaschner, who is still recovering from a knee injury but working on his comeback.

Union Berlin will once again be without the long-term injured Suleiman Abdullahi, Marc Torrejon, Fabian Schonheim, Joshua Mees and Sebastian Polter.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner (knee)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Polter (Achilles), Suleiman Abdullahi (ankle), Marc Torrejon (calf), Joshua Mees (thigh), Fabian Schonheim (not fit)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Coach Jeff Saibene has made a solid start at Bielefeld, with his team picking up two wins, two draws and only one defeat from their first five league games. However, after beating Jahn Regensburg 5-3 in a great showdown three weeks ago, the team only managed to draw 0-0 at newly-promoted Magdeburg last time out. Nevertheless, the team are still unbeaten on home soil with back-to-back wins over Dresden and Regensburg.

Union Berlin have made a very strong start to their season, winning two, drawing three and losing none of their five league encounters up until now. As a result, Union are sitting in sixth position with nine points and a positive goal difference of +4. In their last league matchup, they came from 2-1 behind to claim an important point against rock-bottom Duisburg, thanks to a Florian Hubner header in injury time. 

These two sides are expected to be there or thereabouts in the promotion hunt come the end of the season, and this should be a cracking league game at Schuco Arena. I feel this match will end in an entertaining home win for Bielefeld.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN

All of the last nine league meetings between the pair have finished with even total goals. I believe that this one will be finishing in the same style. Have a punt on even total goals to be scored at Schuco Arena in this one.

HEAD TO HEAD

Last season, both league fixtures ended in 1-1 draws. However, Bielefeld have the edge on home soil overall, winning three, drawing four and losing only one of the last eight league fixtures on their own turf.

Holstein Kiel - VfL Bochum

Bochum to continue fine form with another victory

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel's Arne Sicker and Philipp Sander will not be available for the league encounter against Bochum while Aaron Seydel is a doubt with a heel injury.

Bochum’s long-term injury absentees Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Thomas Eisfeld and Florian Kraft are all likely to miss out again.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Aaron Seydel (heel)

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker, Philipp Sander (both unspecified)

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Thomas Eisfeld (all knee); Florian Kraft (finger)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Holstein Kiel’s unbeaten run of two wins and two draws in their first four league matches came to an unexpected end as they were beaten convincingly 4-1 by a very strong and motivated Greuther Furth team last weekend – and they will be aware that with a repeat of such a dreadful performance they will not be able to get more points. However, having great support from their fans at their own stadium, where they are unbeaten in their two home league matches with one draw and one win, they will be looking to bounce back this weekend.

Bochum, who have been tipped by many as secret promotion candidates, have made a very strong start to the season despite failing in their opener to Cologne, losing 2-0. Bochum have only two points fewer than Hamburg who are top of the league table on 12 points, having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five league encounters, and they have the joint best goal difference across the division with +7. After clinching a good 2-2 draw with Paderborn before the international break, Bochum crashed Ingolstadt 6-0 on home soil last time out. Bochum have also beaten Duisburg 2-0 and Sandhausen 1-0 in round two and three.

Bochum make the trip to Kiel in tremendous form, and they will fancy their chances of picking up another three points on their travels this weekend. Holstein Kiel will do their best to contain them, but I fancy this league match to end in a narrow victory for the away side.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – BOCHUM

Bochum have scored the first goal in four of their five league matches so far. With that in mind, I fancy the visitors to open the scoring on their travel on Saturday.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have met only twice last season in league action, with Holstein Kiel winning at home 3-0 and drawing 1-1 away from home.

SV Sandhausen - 1.FC Köln

Cologne to get back on track on Friday

TEAM NEWS

Sandhausen’s Tim Knipping, Nejmeddin Daghfous and Ken Gipson are all out with different injuries. 

At Cologne, Nikolas Nartey is sidelined with a foot injury while Jonas Hector will miss this league game suspended after receiving two yellow cards against Paderborn last time out.

Sandhausen

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Knipping (broken foot), Nejmeddin Daghfous (calf), Ken Gipson (shoulder)

Cologne

Suspended: Jonas Hector

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nikolas Nartey (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Kenan Kocak’s Sandhausen have made a slow start to the season. After five league matches, the side have drawn two and lost three to sit on a disappointing two points from a possible 15. However, Sandhausen are at least unbeaten in their last two league games in a row, with the latest league outing ending in a 1-1 draw against Darmstadt at Bollenfalltor. Nevertheless, they are the joint lowest scorers with two goals, sharing that unwelcome record with rock-bottom Duisburg.

Overall, Cologne have started off the new campaign well, winning 60% of their five league matches so far whilst drawing one and losing just one. However, after back-to-back wins over Aue and St. Pauli, Cologne crashed to an unexpected 5-3 home defeat against newly-promoted Paderborn in their last league outing, which saw them concede the final two goals in the 89^thand 94^thminute. The fact that Markus Anfang’s side have conceded eight of their ten goals in their last two league matches will without a doubt be a worry.

Cologne will be hoping to hit back following their defeat to Paderborn. Sandhausen may have improved slightly over the past two rounds but they remain winless after five league matches. Cologne should be a class above Sandhausen and I expect them to edge this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – COLOGNE

Sandhausen haven’t managed to open the scoring in their two home league games while Cologne have been first team on the scoresheet in four of their five league matches, including last weekend's defeat. Expect the visitors to net the first goal again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Sandhausen and Cologne last met in league action more than four years ago. Back then, during the 2013-14 season, the Billy Goats won both home and away without conceding.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - FC St. Pauli

Ingolstadt to seal precious three points on Friday

TEAM NEWS

Ingolstadt are without midfielders Christian Trasch and Joey Breitfeld, who could both be out until the end of the year with knee injuries. Almog Cohen is still absent too but is working on his comeback.

St. Pauli's Sami Allagui, Marc Hornschuh and Luca-Milan Zander are all injured and will not make the trip to Ingolstadt on Friday while Christopher Avevor is still doubtful but could be ready for a comeback at the weekend.

Ingolstadt

Suspended: Lucas Galvao

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Christian Trasch, Joey Breitfeld (both knee); Almog Cohen (ligaments)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Christopher Avevor (shin)

Injured/unavailable: Sami Allagui (broken rib), Marc Hornschuh (spinal disc), Luca Zander (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Ingolstadt have had a mixed bag of results thus far, winning just one of their five league matches, whilst drawing two and losing two. They were completely outplayed by Bochum in their most recent road trip last Sunday, losing 6-0, and were dealt a shock when Lucas Galvao was sent off after a second yellow card in the 57^thminute; he will be absent here. Ingolstadt’s one and only league win so far came against fellow strugglers Aue at home before the international break.

After kicking the campaign off with six points from two league games, St. Pauli have suffered three consecutive league defeats, conceding a worrying 12 goals in the process. Their poor form was highlighted in their most recent 3-1 loss away at Aue, who had not won in league action until then. Sitting in 11^thin the table, Markus Kauczinski’s men have a disappointing goal difference of -4 – the worst in the top 12.

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

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Both teams are in poor form and this may result in goals, especially as they are boasting the league's two worst defences, with St. Pauli having conceded 13 goals and Ingolstadt 12. Furthermore, both sides have conceded eight goals in the last two league matches. I can see this continuing here given that both defensive lines are not at their best, and will predict a high-scoring league encounter with three or more total goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Both teams won their away league fixture last season, with St. Pauli posting a 1-0 win and Ingolstadt claiming a 4-0 victory.

Dynamo Dresden - Hamburger SV

Hamburg to pick up three points at Dresden

TEAM NEWS

New Dresden coach Maik Walpurgis has to find replacements for the injured Tim Boss, Soren Gonther, Jannik Muller and Florian Ballas. 

Christian Titz’s Hamburg are at full strength ahead of this clash at DDV Arena, with only long-term absentees Gideon Jung, Jairo Samperio and Kyriakos Papadopoulos on their injury list.

Dresden

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Tim Boss (pulled muscle), Soren Gonther (knee), Florian Ballas (shoulder), Jannik Muller (foot)

Hamburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Gideon Jung, Jairo Samperio (all knee);

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

New coach Maik Walpurgis started life at Dresden in style as his men secured their second league win of the season, beating Jahn Regensburg 2-0 away at Continental Arena. The team had lost their two previous league matches, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat away at Bielefeld and a 3-1 home loss against Heidenheim. However. despite claiming a much-needed win, Dresden still experienced problems against Regensburg last Friday and allowed their opponents to create a lot attempts on goal. It was pure luck that they returned home with a clean sheet. Walpurgis has his work cut out and will look to improve their form and stability. 

Hamburg have responded well after a poor season opener. Following their 3-0 home loss against Holstein Kiel in round one, Christian Titz’s side have hit back with three victories in a row, scoring three goals in each of those league matches as they have claimed 3-0 victories against Sandhausen and Bielefeld as well as a 3-2 win over Heidenheim. The clinical manner in which Pierre-Michel Lasogga scored all three goals in their most recent league outing against Heidenheim on Saturday after coming on as a 46^th minute substitute did perhaps indicate that he has developed into a player who is ready to grab his chance this time around. He also played an essential role in their win against Bielefeld where he scored a brace. 

Hamburg are one of the prime candidates for promotion this season and I think they will keep rolling. I'm going with an away win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Hamburg have scored nine goals in their last three league matches while Dresden have so far always hit the back of the net in their four league games. A high-scoring affair with a minimum of three total goals in on the cards.

HEAD TO HEAD

Dresden and Hamburg have not met competitively for over 20 years. Their last league encounter dates back to 1994-95 when both teams were still in the top flight. Hamburg won their home league fixture 2-1 that season and drew 1-1 away.

FC Magdeburg - Arminia Bielefeld

Too close to call at the MDCC Arena on Monday

TEAM NEWS

Magdeburg coach Jens Hartel can choose from a fully fit squad for the league encounter with Bielefeld.

Bielefeld are expected to be without midfielder Nils Quaschner, who is still recovering from a knee injury, and Cedric Brunner, who succumbed to injury recently. Tom Schutz is a big doubt with a broken nose.

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Bielefeld

Suspended: 

Doubtful: Tom Schutz (nose)

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner (knee), Cedric Brunner (meniscus)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

With no wins and just two points to their name, Magdeburg go into this encounter with Bielefeld in a disappointing 15^thplace, with only one point separating them from the bottom three. It has been a very difficult start to life in the second division for Jens Hartel's newly-promoted team, with the coach seeing his side lose at home to St. Pauli and away to Holstein Kiel, both via 2-1 scorelines. It is clear that a win and more points on their tally are desperately needed if they do not want to be involved in a battle for survival this season.

Bielefeld clinched a very entertaining 5-3 home win against Jahn Regensburg in their most recent league match, with Julian Borner, Andreas Voglsammer, Fabian Klos and Patrick Weihrauch registering one goal each, while Regensburg also scored an own goal. The encouraging result allowed Jeff Saibene’s men to climb into seventh position on seven points with an even goal difference (eight goals scored, eight goals against). However, the side are still winless on the road with one draw and one defeat, and they have scored only one goal in those two league matches whilst conceding four. 

The hosts are yet to adapt to life in the second division and it is unlikely they will start winning against a team who are coming off a convincing 5-3 win. However, Magdeburg are known for having a strong home fortress, having lost just once in the third division at home last season (15 wins, three draws), and they should be able to claim a point here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Magdeburg have been level at the break in each of their four league games and we could see a repeat of this here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams are yet to meet in league action.

Erzgebirge Aue - FC St. Pauli

Draw seems likely between these two

TEAM NEWS

Goalkeeper Robert Jendrusch is the only absentee for Daniel Meyer’s Aue.

Markus Kauczinski’s St. Pauli make the trip to Aue with no injury or suspension worries.

Aue

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Robert Jendrusch (meniscus)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Aue have endured a tough start to their campaign, losing three of their four league matches so far, with one draw. After losing 1-0 to St. Pauli and holding newly-promoted Magdeburg to a scoreless stalemate at Erzgebirgs Stadium in round two, the Viola crashed to two away defeats in a row in the following two matchdays, losing 3-1 to early leaders Cologne and 3-2 to Ingolstadt. Having secured only one point so far, it is no surprise they are already sitting in the bottom three, and they will need to pick up points quickly if they don't want to be sucked into the relegation fight.

After sealing six points from their opening two league matches against Magdeburg and Darmstadt, St. Pauli fell to two unexpected defeats against Union Berlin 4-1 at Alte Forsterei in round three and 5-3 to leaders Cologne on home soil before the international break last time out. Despite those two heavy losses, the team are still sitting in ninth in the table, only two points behind third placed Holstein Kiel, but their performances in defence have been shocking, with no other side having scored more than their ten goals.

Both teams will be eager for a positive result after suffering defeats last time out and a draw seems a likely outcome.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – ST. PAULI

Aue have not managed to score the opening goal in any of their first four league matches this season, and I can't imagine this being any different. Expect St. Pauli to appear first on the scoresheet.

HEAD TO HEAD

Aue beat St. Pauli 2-1 on home soil last season and held them to a 1-1 away draw. Aue have in fact won three of their last four league encounters, drawing once.