Action from matchday 15 in the German second-tier kicks off today in Darmstadt (18:30 CET). A top-of-the-table clash sees third-placed Darmstadt 98 take on sixth-placed Karlsruhe. For both teams, this game is vital for setting the tone for the rest of the season. A win for Darmstadt could take them to the top of the table (if they win by three goals or more), while victory for Karlsruhe could see them move up to second place.
Looking at the performances over recent weeks, this match is definitely the pick of today’s action. Darmstadt have taken nine points from their last five outings with Karlsruhe collecting eleven. Only Eintracht Braunschweig have managed to collect more points over the same period. So today, the team with the second-best home record come up against the second-best away side.
Darmstadt will have to manage without Marcel Heller who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. Long-term absentee Sascha Traut (ACL) is still missing for Karlsruhe, with Philipp Klingmann (hamstring), Gaetan Krebs (thigh), Boubacar Barry (knee) and Martin Stoll (strain) all unlikely to feature.
Union Berlin travel to Aue for the ‘Old-East’ Derby
Union Berlin and Erzgebirge Aue are facing a real relegation battle tonight at 18:30 CET. Just two points separate the two teams. Aue find themselves in 16th with twelve points, while Berlin are just above them in 15th with a total of 14 points. A win would see Aue leapfrog the team from the capital, taking them out of the relegation zone forcing Berlin down in their place.
Union Berlin will be without Mario Eggimann (bone bruising) and Sören Brandy who picked up a red card last time out. Baris Ozbek and Adam Nemec are also missing through suspension. Aue are missing Nils Miatke (groin) and Solomon Okoronkwo (tendinitis).
Fürth looking to improve against Heidenheim
After two recent disappointing performances in front of their own fans, the 3-0 defeat to Karlsruhe and the 5-2 loss to Frankfurt, Greuther Fürth will be looking to rediscover their home form today against 1. FC Heidenheim (18:30 CET). There is reason for hope though, after a 3-3 draw with second-placed Düsseldorf last Monday.
The surprise package from Baden-Württemberg find themselves fourth with 23 points after 14 games. Heidenheim comfortably beat Sandhausen 3-0 at home in their last game. FCH will be without their goalkeeper Jan Zimmermann who is scheduled to undergo an operation on his head this week. Also missing is Sebastian Griesbeck (foot). Captain Wolfgang Hesl is back between the sticks for Fürth after returning in the previous game against Düsseldorf. Stephan Schröck is also back after serving his suspension.
Action from matchday 15 in the German second-tier kicks off today in Darmstadt (18:30 CET). A top-of-the-table clash sees third-placed Darmstadt 98 take on sixth-placed Karlsruhe. For both teams, this game is vital for setting the tone for the rest of the season. A win for Darmstadt could take them to the top of the table (if they win by three goals or more), while victory for Karlsruhe could see them move up to second place.
Looking at the performances over recent weeks, this match is definitely the pick of today’s action. Darmstadt have taken nine points from their last five outings with Karlsruhe collecting eleven. Only Eintracht Braunschweig have managed to collect more points over the same period. So today, the team with the second-best home record come up against the second-best away side.
Darmstadt will have to manage without Marcel Heller who is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card. Long-term absentee Sascha Traut (ACL) is still missing for Karlsruhe, with Philipp Klingmann (hamstring), Gaetan Krebs (thigh), Boubacar Barry (knee) and Martin Stoll (strain) all unlikely to feature.
Union Berlin travel to Aue for the ‘Old-East’ Derby
Union Berlin and Erzgebirge Aue are facing a real relegation battle tonight at 18:30 CET. Just two points separate the two teams. Aue find themselves in 16th with twelve points, while Berlin are just above them in 15th with a total of 14 points. A win would see Aue leapfrog the team from the capital, taking them out of the relegation zone forcing Berlin down in their place.
Union Berlin will be without Mario Eggimann (bone bruising) and Sören Brandy who picked up a red card last time out. Baris Ozbek and Adam Nemec are also missing through suspension. Aue are missing Nils Miatke (groin) and Solomon Okoronkwo (tendinitis).
Fürth looking to improve against Heidenheim
After two recent disappointing performances in front of their own fans, the 3-0 defeat to Karlsruhe and the 5-2 loss to Frankfurt, Greuther Fürth will be looking to rediscover their home form today against 1. FC Heidenheim (18:30 CET). There is reason for hope though, after a 3-3 draw with second-placed Düsseldorf last Monday.
The surprise package from Baden-Württemberg find themselves fourth with 23 points after 14 games. Heidenheim comfortably beat Sandhausen 3-0 at home in their last game. FCH will be without their goalkeeper Jan Zimmermann who is scheduled to undergo an operation on his head this week. Also missing is Sebastian Griesbeck (foot). Captain Wolfgang Hesl is back between the sticks for Fürth after returning in the previous game against Düsseldorf. Stephan Schröck is also back after serving his suspension.
