Relegation Battle: Greuther Furth Hosts Braunschweig in Crucial Clash
In a pivotal 2. Bundesliga relegation battle, bottom-placed Greuther Furth will host 15th-placed Braunschweig. With both teams teetering on the edge of the drop zone, the outcome of this match will significantly impact their survival hopes, promising an intense encounter.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
The 2025-26 2. Bundesliga season is at a critical juncture. Greuther Furth (SpVgg Greuther Fürth) currently sits at the bottom of the league table in 18th place with 15 points after 18 matches, firmly in a direct relegation spot. They are in desperate need of points to climb out of the relegation mire. Visiting Eintracht Braunschweig are positioned 15th with 20 points after 18 games. While currently just outside the direct relegation spots, they are only one point clear of the relegation playoff spot (16th place Arminia Bielefeld) and five points from the direct relegation zone. This match is therefore crucial for both sides, with a potential victory offering Greuther Furth a lifeline and Braunschweig aiming to widen their gap from the danger zone.
Recent Form
Greuther Furth's recent form is concerning, having secured only two points from their last five official matches, with three losses and two draws. Their most recent game on January 17, 2026, saw them lose 0-2 away to Dynamo Dresden. This indicates a team in poor form, particularly defensively. Eintracht Braunschweig's performance has also been underwhelming, registering only one win and four losses in their last five official outings, accumulating three points. Their last match on January 16, 2026, resulted in a 0-3 home defeat against 1. FC Magdeburg. Both teams are grappling with significant form challenges and are desperate for a victory to boost morale.
Key Players & Injury News
Greuther Furth's attacking prowess will largely depend on Noel Futkeu, who has scored 9 goals this season, and Branimir Hrgota with 7 goals. However, the team is hampered by several injuries: David Abrangao (muscle injury), Marco John (groin injury), Noah König (meniscus injury), and Sacha Bansé (knee surgery) are all expected to be sidelined until late January 2026. For Eintracht Braunschweig, their primary goal threat comes from top scorer Mehmet Aydin. In terms of injuries, Florian Flick is expected to be out until late January 2026 due to a hip injury. Sidney Raebiger and Mehmet Aydin also had injury reports in late 2025 but may be nearing or have already made their return.