SC Paderborn 07 vs Fortuna Dusseldorf » Prediction, Watch Live + Odds & Stats 03.02.2023

On Friday evening, Paderborn and Fortuna Dusseldorf clash at the Benteler-Arena in what could be a vital clash in the fight for the promotion play-off spot in the German second tier.

A poor recent run of form has massively hindered Paderborn’s chances of finishing in the league’s top three. A 1-0 win against Karlsruhe in their last Bundesliga.2 game ended a four-game losing streak for Lukas Kwasniok’s team in the league.

However, they suffered a DFB Pokal exit last time out, as they went down to a 2-1 defeat against Bundesliga strugglers Stuttgart in midweek.

The poor recent results have seen Paderborn slip seven points adrift of third-place Heidenheim, who occupy the promotion play-off berth.

If Paderborn is to challenge for promotion, then they much improve their home record, as the home team have now lost three of their last four Bundesliga.2 games on home soil. They have also conceded at least two goals in each recent home defeat.

The visitors kick off this game only behind their hosts courtesy of an inferior goal difference. Fortuna’s recent form in the German top flight has been highly inconsistent, as they have won four and lost four of their last eight matches in the Bundesliga. A 3-2 home win over Magdeburg last time out ended a short two-game losing run for the visitors in the German second tier.

Fortuna Dusseldorf has struggled for wins away from home of late in the Bundesliga.2, winning just two of their previous eight away games while suffering five defeats in the poor run. Their recent away matches in the league have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five games.

Paderborn has no suspensions or reported injuries, so they should have a fully fit squad going into this clash. Fortuna Dusseldorf are expected to be without Nicolas Gavory and Kwadwo Baah due to injuries, while Christoph Klarer and Dawid Kownacki will miss out through suspension.

Neither team has been pulling up any trees form-wise of late. However, I fancy Paderborn to record a narrow win in this potentially pivotal clash.