The upcoming Friday fixtures in the 2. Bundesliga promise thrilling encounters as promotion hopefuls and battling sides face off. This preview delves into the recent form, historical matchups, and potential starting elevens for the clashes between SV Darmstadt 98 and 1. FC Nürnberg, as well as Arminia Bielefeld and Holstein Kiel, providing a comprehensive look at what to expect from these crucial matches.
SV Darmstadt 98 and 1. FC Nürnberg are set for a compelling showdown. Both teams have initiated the new year with high-scoring games, indicating a strong offensive presence. Darmstadt, despite a 3-3 draw in Bochum where they twice surrendered their lead, showed resilience. This result prevented them from ascending to second place in the league standings. Nürnberg, on the other hand, secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against second-placed Elversberg, largely thanks to Piet Scobel's impressive two-goal performance. Historically, their recent four encounters have been tight, producing only five goals in total. Darmstadt emerged victorious in their last face-off, snatching a 1-0 win in the 94th minute through a substitute goal from Killian Corredor.
In terms of team news for the Darmstadt vs. Nürnberg game, Fabian Nürnberger is expected to return to Darmstadt’s starting lineup, facing his former club. Nürnberg will be without Miroslav Klose on the sidelines, who received a red card in their recent win over Elversberg. Additionally, Berkay Yilmaz is suspended after accumulating his fifth yellow card of the season. The predicted lineups for Darmstadt include Schuhen (c) in goal, a defense of Lopez, Pfeiffer, Maglica, and Nürnberger; a midfield composed of Klefisch and Akiyama; and an attacking quartet of Richter, Marseiler, Lidberg, and Hornby. Nürnberg's probable lineup features Reichert in goal, a backline of Janisch, Gruber (c), Lochoshvili, and Porstner; Markhiev in midfield, supported by Becker and Lubach; and a forward line consisting of Justvan, Zoma, and Scobel.
The other exciting fixture pits Arminia Bielefeld against Holstein Kiel. Bielefeld will be aiming to extend their dominant record against Holstein Kiel, seeking their eighth consecutive victory over them. However, Kiel, under coach Marcel Rapp, commenced the new year positively with a home win against promotion contenders Paderborn. In contrast, Bielefeld experienced a late defeat in Düsseldorf, which saw them slide to 16th position in the league. Despite a gap of five teams separating them, Kiel holds a mere four-point advantage over Bielefeld after 18 rounds. The reverse fixture earlier in the season saw Bielefeld clinch a victory at Holstein-Stadion with two first-half goals, even though they finished the match with ten players.
For the Arminia Bielefeld vs. Holstein Kiel match, Bielefeld reports no new injury concerns. Holstein Kiel is also expected to field an unchanged starting lineup, reflecting their successful start to 2026. Bielefeld’s anticipated starting eleven includes Kersken in goal, a defensive trio of Großer, Bauer, and Felix; a midfield of Momuluh, Russo, Sicker, and Corboz (c); and an attacking front of Grodowski, Telalovic, and Wörl. Kiel's predicted lineup features Krumrey between the posts, a defense of Nekic, Zec, Ivezic, and Tolkin; Meffert in the holding midfield role, with Niehoff, Skrzybski (c), Tohumcu, and Therkelsen providing offensive support, and Harres leading the attack.
As these teams prepare for their respective battles, the outcomes will undoubtedly have significant implications for their league campaigns. With promotion aspirations on one side and the fight for survival on the other, each game promises intense football and memorable moments for fans of the 2. Bundesliga.