Erzgebirge Aue
Aue lost with a minimal margin away at Heidenheim upon their return to Bundesliga 2. They didn’t play badly, but in a way they were beaten by their own weapons by a compact and efficient opponent. In this light it will be important to bounce back and grab their first points on Friday against Sandhausen, a team that is expected to be a rival in the battle for survival. Early team news has Skarlatidis still doubtful after the winger dropped out injured during warm-up of the Heidenheim game. It saw Adler shift to the right flank as Soukou started on the right flank, both did ok so this would be an option again. Expect coach Dotchev not to get nervous and stick to the team that holds intact automatisms. Dotchev mostly uses a compact 4-2-3-1 which proved highly successful last season with the team being comfortable in it, although it brought no success last week at Heidenheim. A more attacking 4-4-2 such as used in the pre-season friendly game vs Hannover seems an alternative.
Sandhausen
The 2-2 draw vs Dusseldorf felt like a defeat for Sandhausen, who played an attacking and decent first half, but gave a two goal lead away. The team of new coach Kocak got punished for a too passive second half display and conceded a very late equaliser. It means having to make the travel to promoted Aue with just one point in the bag and it adds pressure of a failed season start in case of a defeat. Early team news is that Derstroff, who impressed during pre-season looks likely to remain out with a muscular injury. His replacement Pledl did ok though and could complete the midfield once more. It wouldn’t surprise to see coach Kocac stick to an unchanged 11 in order to establish automatisms. New coach Kocat has a less defensive approach than his predecessor Schwartz and that was visible in first half vs Dusseldorf, when Sandhausen surprised with an attacking start. Away at Aue the focus could be more defensive.
Verdict & Prediction
After a disappointing defeat against Heidenheim, Aue should be fired up to do better at home now in order not to miss their season start. The mood is still ok, although there is some increased pressure on this game now. Bet on home team to deliver.
Prediction : Aue -0.25
Odds : 1.88 Pinnacle
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