FC Energie Cottbus
- FC Energie Cottbus sit top of the 3.Liga 2025-2026 table with 44 points from 23 games.
- Energie Cottbus are unbeaten in their last 5 games (W2, D3).
- Claus-Dieter Wollitz has been a breath of fresh air at Energie Cottbus since he took over the role in July 2021, instilling a high tempo and direct style of play that uses the wings to stretch and overload opponents and episodic, aggressive pressing to force transitions and quick counters.
SV Waldhof 07 Mannheim
- SV Waldhof 07 Mannheim are 8th with 35 points from 23, keeping them in the hunt for the playoffs.
- Luc Holtz has done something very similar at SV Waldhof 07 Mannheim since taking over in August 2025, but instead of the chaotic transition play and directness of Cottbus, he has implemented a possession-based style of football with disciplined, positional pressing.
Head-to-Head
- Cottbus have dominated the last 3 head-to-heads with 2 wins to Waldhof’s 1, but have not beaten them at home recently.
- Cottbus are much stronger at home and will be able to get out of the gates quicker than their visitors.
Key Players
- Tolcay Cigerci is the creative force behind the Cottbus attack and he has been on form recently, providing 3 assists in their 5-match unbeaten run.
- Erik Engelhardt is the main goal threat with 15 goals in 23 league games and has scored 4 of their last 8 goals.
- Felix Lohkemper leads the line for Mannheim with 9 in 21 and he has scored 3 in their last 5.
- Cottbus have scored 31 goals in 12 home games.
- Mannheim have averaged 1.64 goals per game on their travels in the 3.Liga 2025-2026 so they should find the net at least once.
Betting Insights
- The hosts are rightfully the favorite for this game at 1.91, with Mannheim coming in at 3.5 and the tie at 3.8.
- Over 2.5 goals looks a strong play here and the odds on the game are attractive for both markets, with both teams to score 2.38 and over 2.5 goals 1.57.
- Given the home field advantage and Cottbus’ firepower, Cottbus will be looking to take the 3 points once again.
Prediction
- This is a game where the winner will be the team that controls the midfield and can dictate the tempo.
- Mannheim are very capable of grinding down opponents with their possession-based structure but Cottbus will look to exploit the space and attack the flanks to stretch the defense.
- Expect an open, end-to-end contest with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals.
- Edge to Energie Cottbus to take the win.
