2. Bundesliga preview: Arminia Bielefeld vs. SV Darmstadt 98
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Arminia Bielefeld head into the weekend still hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, following a difficult run of form that has dragged them firmly into the 2. Bundesliga survival battle. A return of just one point from five matches between mid-February and the international break has left Mitch Kniat’s side in 15th place, only one point clear of the bottom two.
Their most recent outing did little to ease concerns. A 3-1 defeat away to promotion-chasing Elversberg saw Bielefeld second best for long periods, and their task was made even harder early in the second half when Marvin Mehlem was shown a red card. Already trailing at the break, Arminia struggled to contain their hosts, who added two more goals before Christopher Lannert grabbed a late consolation. The challenge does not get any easier here, with another promotion contender arriving in East Westphalia.
Darmstadt, under Florian Kohfeldt, have been one of the division’s most consistent sides in recent months. They have lost just once in their last 17 league matches, though consecutive draws have seen them slip from the top three into fourth, underlining just how tight the promotion race currently is.
Their most recent draw, however, was a credible one. League leaders Schalke were the visitors to the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, and it was the Royal Blues who struck first through Moussa Sylla just before half-time. Darmstadt responded immediately, with league top scorer Isac Lidberg levelling the score two minutes later. A competitive second half failed to produce a winner, but the result further highlighted Darmstadt’s promotion credentials.
The reverse fixture in November ended in a 2-2 draw, with Bielefeld twice coming from behind to secure a point. Darmstadt, notably, have not beaten Arminia since 2017, while their last victory in Bielefeld dates back to 2014. The hosts will look to take confidence from their recent home form, having lost just one of their last five matches at the Schüco Arena.
Team news
Arminia Bielefeld: Marvin Mehlem is suspended following his red card, while Joel Felix and Isaiah Young remain sidelined through injury.
SV Darmstadt 98: Bartosz Bialek and Luca Marseiler are unavailable due to injury.
Predicted lineups
Arminia Bielefeld (4-3-3): Kersken (GK) - Lannert, Knoche, Bauer, Handwerker - Russo, Großer, Corboz - Momuluh, Grodowski, Sarenren Bazee
SV Darmstadt 98 (4-2-3-1): Schuhen (GK) - López, Maglica, Pfeiffer, Nürnberger - Akiyama, Klefisch - Richter, Hornby, Corredor - Lidberg
