Paderborn – Darmstadt

The Darmstadt visitors will at least not lose in a tie game

There are two fixtures in the Bundesliga Second Division on Friday that are equally in contention for top-flight status in the tenth round. Paderborn and Darmstadt 98 are, according to bookmakers, the next best side after Hamburg for the final top spot. A triumph for each of their opponents can now be bet on at odds of 6.0. In the upcoming match, bookmakers have identified Paderborn as the favourite, apparently taking into account the factor of their field. You can bet on the home team's victory at the Home Deluxe Arena at odds of 2.30. Paderborn were visitors in Germany's elite division in the 2019/2020 season, but were immediately relegated back to the Second Bundesliga. For the next two seasons, the team were a solid mid-table side, with little ambition of promotion. Lukas Kvasniok prepared his charges well for the upcoming season. Without any major transfer struggles, Paderborn won six of their nine Bundesliga games, posting their best start to the season. The team's overall output now averages three goals per game, four at home. Platte and Piringer reign supreme in the club's attack, scoring a combined total of 11 goals. Last weekend, however, Paderborn suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to last year's Bundesliga title holders Fürth. Darmstadt 98 have not been ranked among the favourites in Bundesliga II by bookmakers and specialists in either of the last few seasons. At the same time, the team have been ranked well in the league year after year: fifth, seventh and, finally, fourth last season. The footballing public has now come to believe in the Ninety-Eight, based on the team's consistent results. Darmstadt started the season with a defeat in Regensburg, but lost only six points from a possible 24 in the next eight rounds. Paderborn will be facing an evenly matched opponent. The local club have picked up five wins in five games at home, but Darmstadt 98 are now also on a four-game unbeaten away winning streak. It's a safe bet that the visitors will not lose.