2. Bundesliga preview: SC Paderborn vs. Eintracht Braunschweig

Saturday’s clash between Ralf Kettemann’s Paderborn and Heiner Backhaus’ Braunschweig could have significant implications at both ends of the table, with the hosts pushing for promotion while the visitors are battling to avoid the drop.

Paderborn have rediscovered their form at the perfect time in the congested 2. Bundesliga promotion race. Kettemann’s side have lost just one of their last five league fixtures - winning three of those - and currently sit second in the table, just one point behind leaders Schalke.

They secured a crucial victory away to Kaiserslautern last time out. Goals from Calvin Brackelmann and a dramatic 95th-minute strike from Filip Bilbija sealed a 2-1 win in a frantic stoppage-time finish. The result also ended a run of three winless away matches for Paderborn.

The hosts will now be looking to continue their impressive form at the Home Deluxe Arena, where they have won their last three matches while scoring nine goals in the process.

Braunschweig’s situation, meanwhile, is becoming increasingly precarious. Die Löwen are winless in their last four league games - including three defeats - and currently occupy the relegation play-off spot on 25 points.

They suffered a painful 2-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Preußen Münster last weekend. Defender Lukas Frenkert had put Braunschweig on course for a vital victory early in the second half, but Münster mounted a comeback, with Oliver Batista Meier scoring the winner 15 minutes from time to leapfrog Braunschweig in the standings.

Backhaus’ side will be hoping to improve their away form in this difficult trip to Paderborn, having managed just one win in their last six matches away from the Eintracht-Stadion. Defensive solidity will also be key, with Braunschweig conceding 10 goals in their last five fixtures.

H-2-H record 

Paderborn edged the reverse fixture back in October, with Stefano Marino scoring an 88th-minute winner to secure all three points. Braunschweig have also struggled in this fixture away from home, winning just once in their last five visits to Paderborn.

Team news 

SC Paderborn: Marcel Hoffmeier remains unavailable. 

Eintracht Braunschweig: Faride Alidou, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, Fredrik Jäkel and Lino Tempelmann are unavailable. 

Predicted lineups

SC Paderborn (3-4-2-1): Seimen (GK) - Scheller, Götze, Brackelmann - Curda, Baur, Castaneda, Obermair - Müller, Marino - Bätzner 

Eintracht Braunschweig (3-4-2-1): Kastrati (GK) - Ehlers, Nkoa, Frenkert - Aydin, Flick, Marie, Bell Bell - Opoku, Mijatović - Yardimci