2. Bundesliga preview: 1. FC Nürnberg vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf

Despite both sides occupying mid-table positions, neither Nürnberg nor Düsseldorf are completely clear of danger near the bottom of the table. As a result, three points will be hugely valuable when Miroslav Klose’s Nürnberg host Markus Anfang’s Fortuna.

Nürnberg have struggled to find consistent form throughout the season under Miroslav Klose. After recovering from a disastrous start to the campaign, Der Club have largely remained stuck in mid-table, unable to put together the kind of winning run needed to climb higher. They currently sit ninth on 30 points, though only five points separate them from the relegation play-off place.

They suffered a disappointing defeat in the capital last weekend as Hertha BSC ran out 2-1 winners. Tom Baack cancelled out Josip Brekalo’s opener, and with the game seemingly heading for a draw after a cagey second half, Brekalo struck again two minutes from time to break Nürnberg hearts and send them home empty-handed.

However, Nürnberg will take confidence from their impressive home form heading into this weekend’s clash. Klose’s men are unbeaten in their last eight matches at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, scoring 18 goals during that run.

Fortuna Düsseldorf, meanwhile, have finally begun to show signs of improvement under Markus Anfang, losing just one of their last five league fixtures. While still only three points clear of the relegation play-off spot, their recent upturn in form has lifted them to 11th in the standings.

They picked up a crucial three points last weekend with a 2-1 home victory over Bochum. Cedric Itten continued his fine goalscoring form with a first-half strike before Florent Muslija doubled Fortuna’s advantage after the break. Farid Alfa-Ruprecht pulled one back in the 79th minute, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Düsseldorf held on for the win.

Improving their away form will now be a key objective for Anfang’s side if they are to move further away from the relegation battle. Düsseldorf have failed to win any of their last seven league matches on the road.

H-2-H record 

Nürnberg came out on top in a thrilling reverse fixture earlier this season, with Finn Ole Becker’s 85th-minute goal sealing a 3-2 victory in Düsseldorf. Fortuna have not won in Nürnberg since 2023, though they have lost just one of the last five meetings between the two sides.

Team news

1. FC Nürnberg: Adam Markhiev and Rafael Lubach are both set to return after serving their suspensions. 

Fortuna Düsseldorf: Valgeir Lunddal, Christian Rasmussen, Hamza Anhari, Kenneth Schmidt and Jordy De Wijs are all unavailable. 

Predicted lineups 

1. FC Nürnberg (4-4-2 Diamond): Reichert (GK) - Koudossou, Gruber, Lochoshvili, Yilmaz - Markhiev - Becker, Lubach - Justvan - Zoma, Scobel 

Fortuna Düsseldorf (3-4-2-1): Kastenmeier (GK) - Oberdorf, Egouli, Suso - Iyoha, Tanaka, El Azzouzi, Lenz - Appelkamp, Muslija - Itten