FC Ingolstadt vs Nurnberg Predictions

Germany’s DFB Pokal is marked by an unusually high number of derbies in the 19/20 season, with Ingolstadt against Bavarian neighbours Nurnberg being one. Despite the difference in league tier – Ingolstadt were relegated to the German third division last season, while Nurnberg were relegated to the second – the bookies are expecting a close affair at the Audi Sportpark on Friday. Unsurprising when three of the last five games between them have been drawn!

Although both sides had a rough 18/19 campaign, it was no doubt Nurnberg who fared worse, winning just three matches over the duration of the 34 game Bundesliga season – their relegation marking a record ninth drop-down from German top flight. And while both teams are busy rebuilding themselves in an unfamiliar environment, so far it’s been Ingolstadt who have had the more successful start, unbeaten over their four 3. Liga outings so far (W3 D1).

Strong form in a lower division might translate to more confidence going into a game, especially at home, but that doesn’t always produce results. And with Ingolstadt holding such a poor head-to-head record against Nurnberg, it’s hard to back them for a result against a second tier side. One statistic of note is that of goals at both ends, however. A bet on ‘Both Teams to Score’ would not only have won in each of the last four meetings between Ingolstadt and Nurnberg, but also in five of Nurnberg’s last six DFB Pokal away days too.

Nurnberg’s most recent defensive performance saw them concede four to Hamburger SV, meaning that an in-form Ingolstadt should be able to bag at least one. On the other hand, Nurnberg are a strong enough side to find the back of the net themselves, and their lack of current form is more than likely  down to getting back into the swing of things – they still have the core of their 2017/18 promotion-winning team after all, with Hanno Behrens and Mikael Ishak sharing 26 goals between them that year.