Promotion Push: Darmstadt Host Nurnberg in Crucial 2. Bundesliga Clash
In a crucial 2. Bundesliga Matchday 19 encounter, promotion-chasing Darmstadt will host mid-table Nurnberg. Darmstadt currently sits in the third position, level on points with second place, while Nurnberg aims to build on their recent form and solidify their league standing. This match is vital for both teams' trajectories in the second half of the season, with Darmstadt particularly keen to leverage their formidable home record to secure a promotion spot.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This 2. Bundesliga clash is a Matchday 19 fixture with significant implications, especially for the home side. Darmstadt currently occupies the third position in the league table, level on points with second-placed Elversberg, and is strongly pushing for a return to the top flight. Their objective is to solidify their promotion play-off spot or even secure direct promotion. Nurnberg, meanwhile, sits comfortably in eighth place in the mid-table. They will be looking to stabilize their position and potentially mount a late challenge for the promotion spots with a strong performance.
Recent Form
Darmstadt enters this match in scintillating form, having suffered just one defeat in their last ten outings across all competitions. They kicked off 2026 with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Bochum, showcasing their potent attacking capabilities. Crucially, Darmstadt boasts a formidable home record at the Merck-Stadion am Böllenfalltor, remaining unbeaten with six wins and three draws. Nurnberg also started 2026 positively, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over second-placed Elversberg, boosting their confidence. However, they have lost two of their last five official matches. Overall, Nurnberg's form is considered average, with 7 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses from 18 matches, placing them 8th in the league, and their away form is notably poor, with only 2 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses.
Key Players & Injury News
Darmstadt's attack relies heavily on the lethal partnership of Fraser Hornby and Isac Lidberg. New recruits Bartosz Bialek and Serhat-Semih Guler are also expected to make an impact. On the injury front, Darmstadt faces several setbacks: Killian Corredor is sidelined with hip problems, expected back in mid-February, and Bartosz Bialek has an ankle injury with a similar return timeframe. Right-back Matthias Bader underwent surgery for a torn medial meniscus in his right knee and will be out for several weeks, with an estimated return in mid-April. However, Fabian Nürnberger has returned to full team training after a knee injury. Key players for Nurnberg include Julian Justvan, who has been a top assist provider this season, along with goal scorers Rafael Lubach and Mohamed Zoma. Their injury list includes A. Grimaldi (gastrointestinal discomfort), Eryk Grzywacz (sprained knee injury, expected back early February), and H. Koudossou (ligament injury, expected back late January).