Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2. Bundesliga match.
Not long ago, both Nürnberg and Darmstadt were competing in the Bundesliga. However, neither managed to mount a serious promotion challenge last season. Over the summer, both squads underwent significant changes, the impact of which is likely to become more evident with each passing round.
1. Nürnberg
In their season opener, Nürnberg travelled to face SSV Elversberg and suffered a narrow 1:0 defeat. Elversberg narrowly missed out on Bundesliga promotion in the summer. Statistically, the match was well balanced (0.84-1.06 in xG), but the hosts capitalised on a late opportunity in the 90th minute. At the moment, the main issue for Nürnberg lies in their attacking cohesion. New signings Artem Stepanov and Mickaël Biron, who joined the squad this summer, have yet to develop a solid understanding on the pitch.
SV Darmstadt 98
SV Darmstadt 98, by contrast, began their campaign in emphatic fashion with a 4:1 win over VfL Bochum, who dropped down from the Bundesliga over the summer. The team fired off 20 shots in that game, generating 2.95 xG. Swedish forward Isac Lidberg led the line with a hat-trick, while new arrival Marco Richter made an instant impact, seamlessly integrating into the starting eleven.
1. Nürnberg vs SV Darmstadt 98 Prediction
Nürnberg remain in a transitional phase and do not appear ready to push for a place at the top of the standings. Darmstadt, on the other hand, have made smart additions and are playing with real confidence. They look well positioned to start the season with back-to-back victories.
