Franconian Derby Showdown: Nürnberg Hosts Greuther Fürth in Crucial 2. Bundesliga Clash

Match Background & Qualification Scenarios

This Sunday, Matchday 15 of the 2. Bundesliga features the highly anticipated Franconian Derby, as 1. FC Nürnberg host SpVgg Greuther Fürth at the Max-Morlock-Stadion. This fixture is not just a clash between two local rivals but a pivotal encounter for both teams' seasonal aspirations. Nürnberg currently sits in 10th position in the league table with 18 points, occupying a relatively safe mid-table spot. A derby victory for the home side would help solidify their standing and potentially push them towards the upper half of the league. In contrast, visitors Greuther Fürth are in a more precarious situation, ranked 17th with just 13 points, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. For Fürth, every point from this match is vital and could significantly impact their fight for survival. The Franconian Derby is one of Germany's most frequently contested football derbies, with over 270 previous meetings. Its deep historical roots and geographical proximity (the two cities are only about 13 km apart) lend exceptional significance and intensity to this rivalry.

Recent Form

Nürnberg's recent form has been mixed, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five official matches. Their most recent outing saw them suffer a 0-3 away defeat against Magdeburg, highlighting some inconsistencies. However, prior to that, they secured a 2-0 home win against Arminia Bielefeld, a 2-1 away victory over Dynamo Dresden, and a 2-1 home win against Eintracht Braunschweig, demonstrating their scoring ability and home advantage. Greuther Fürth's form is a cause for concern, having won only one of their last five matches, losing the other four. Their last game was a 0-3 home defeat to VfL Bochum, preceded by a 2-4 loss to SV Darmstadt 98 and a 0-3 thrashing by 1899 Hoffenheim, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. Their sole victory in this period was a 1-0 home win against Preußen Münster.

Key Players & Injury News

For Nürnberg, several key players are facing time on the sidelines, potentially affecting squad depth. Henri Koudossou is expected to be out until early December 2025 due to a ligament injury, while Eryk Grzywacz is sidelined until late December with a sprained knee. A. Marhiev also has a ligament injury and is projected to be out until late January 2026. Despite these absences, key players like forward Artem Stepanov, midfielder Julian Justvan, and defender Luka Lochoshvili are expected to play crucial roles. For Greuther Fürth, there are no reported new or significant injuries to key players. Striker Noel Futkeu is their top scorer, and the performances of players like Felix Klaus, Branimir Hrgota, and Julian Green will be vital for their attacking efforts.