SC Paderborn 07
- SC Paderborn 07 have won ten of their 16 home league games in the 2. Bundesliga, losing four and drawing two.
- Paderborn’s dynamic 3-4-2-1 system plays to their attacking strengths, while Karlsruher SC tend to play a more pragmatic shape.
- Paderborn have scored 33 times in 16 home league fixtures, while KSC have shipped 2.06 goals per game on average on the road.
- Paderborn are a promotion favourite and their head coach Ralf Kettemann’s positive, high-tempo philosophy has seen them establish an impressive home record in the 2. Bundesliga.
- Paderborn have had a few wobbles of late, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their last five league fixtures.
- They were defeated 5-1 away to Elversberg last time out and have failed to win their last two at home to Karlsruher SC, but their overall record at the Benteler-Arena makes them the favorites for Friday’s clash.
- Paderborn are 4th in the 2. Bundesliga with 58 points from 32 games, while KSC are 8th with 43 points, but their away record is poor - winning just three of their 16 games and suffering nine road defeats in the league.
Karlsruher SC
- Eichner’s team are often set up in either a 4-3-3 or a diamond midfield, which has helped them remain compact and keep the game in hand during transitions, but KSC are also guilty of conceding too many goals on the road.
- The Karlsruher side will look to keep the ball and cause problems for Paderborn in transition with the pace and creativity of playmaker Marvin Wanitzek, who has 15 goals in 32 games this term.
- Paderborn’s dynamic 3-4-2-1 system plays to their attacking strengths, while Karlsruher SC tend to play a more pragmatic shape.
Head-to-Head
A fixture between two teams that have similar long-term recent records of two wins and one draw apiece in the last five head-to-heads in the 2. Bundesliga looks likely to be a tight game, but the home side have the star power of Filip Bilbija, who is an attacking talisman and top scorer with 14 goals in 27 league games this season.
Key Players
- Filip Bilbija is the home side’s top scorer with 14 goals in 27 league games this season.
- Adriano Grimaldi’s movement and link-up play to Bilbija’s predatory finishing is a key element of Kettemann’s system, while Igor Matanović has provided a solid backup with his own goals and assists.
- Marvin Wanitzek provides pace and creativity for Karlsruher and has 15 goals in 32 games this term.
Betting Insights
- Backing the home team at 1.4 is our best play for this clash, while the goals should flow given the defensive shortcomings of both sides and the high stakes of the game.
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.31 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.5 look good accompaniments to the main selection.
