FC Ingolstadt vs Darmstadt 98 Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

FC Ingolstadt have given themselves a lease of life over the last seven days, following up last weekend’s 2-1 win at home to Mainz 05 with a much needed 3-2 win away to fellow strugglers Augsburg on Wednesday. Coach Maik Walpurgis’ record of 23 points from 17 games is miles better than predecessor Markus Kauczinski (2 points in 10 matches), and he’s helped bring the South Germans as few as four points from safety, thanks to a bit of luck during the week – all five teams above them were defeated. Three points against bottom of the table Darmstadt on Sunday, something that seems a probability given their recent impressive performances, could see them as few as one point behind the rest of the pack if results go their way once again.

Though Darmstadt can still mathematically survive the drop, just seven matches remain for the Lillies to make up the 14-point gap between themselves and safety from the relegation zone. With just 15 points to their name and a goal difference of -36, Darmstadt have the worst record of any Bundesliga side since the introduction of the three-point rule in 1995, so needless to say that things look ominous for Torsten Frings’ side.

Ingolstadt are strong favourites here at 11/20 with bet365, but we feel that there’s some decent value to be had backing “both teams to score” at 11/10 for the following reasons: first and foremost, though Darmstadt have failed to score in 77% of their matches on the road, including all of their last seven away outings, Ingolstadt hold one of the worst defensive records in the Bundesliga (45 goals conceded). Ingolstadt have also failed to keep a clean sheet in 92% of their matches at the Audi SportPark, which has resulted in “both teams to score” landing in 54% of their home matches – a number alone high enough to make this a profitable endeavor.

Darmstadt’s goal-less streak on the road has also been somewhat “undeserved”. Followers of the Lillies have seen plenty of shots off the woodwork, decent saves and incorrectly denied penalty appeals against them over recent weeks. Even though the results don’t show it, Darmstadt’s performances are on the rise statistically, so expect plenty of men being pushed forward as Darmstadt gain “nothing” out of sitting back quietly.

Regarding a correct score bet, Ingolstadt’s recent performances have been a lot more energetic and promising than those of Darmstadt. While we expect the visitors to clinch a consolation goal, Ingolstadt should ultimately be the better side and three points will be on the agenda. As such, we find decent value in Ingolstadt to win 2-1 at 15/2 with bet365.