Hertha BSC's Home Fortress
Hertha BSC, currently positioned 11th in the 2. Bundesliga, has been a team of contrasts this season. With 25 points from 18 matches, their form has been inconsistent, oscillating between promising victories and disappointing defeats. Their recent 2-3 loss to Hamburger SV at the Olympiastadion Berlin was a testament to their struggles in capitalizing on opportunities, despite dominating possession. However, their home ground remains a bastion of strength, having not lost to Arminia Bielefeld in their last 13 encounters there. This historical dominance at home, coupled with their average of 1.33 goals per home game, positions them favorably against an Arminia side struggling on the road.
Arminia Bielefeld's Away Woes
Arminia Bielefeld, sitting 8th in the league, has shown resilience but faces challenges, particularly away from home. With no wins in their last seven away matches and a recent streak of three consecutive losses, their form is concerning. Despite a positive goal difference of +5, their inability to secure victories on the road is a significant hindrance. Injuries to key players like J. Hilterman and T. Handwerker further compound their difficulties, testing the depth of their squad. Their recent form, marked by a lack of goals in two of their last seven away matches, suggests a struggle to break down defenses, especially against a team like Hertha BSC.
Key Players and Tactical Insights
Hertha BSC's attacking prowess is spearheaded by Derry Scherhant and Florian Niederlechner, both netting 10 goals this season. Their ability to score, particularly in the latter stages of matches, is crucial, as 29% of their goals come between the 76th and 90th minutes. This late-game scoring threat could prove decisive against an Arminia defense that has shown vulnerabilities. On the other hand, Arminia's midfield, led by M. Corboz, will need to exert control to counter Hertha's attacking threats. However, with Arminia's recent struggles and Hertha's historical home advantage, the scales tip in favor of the Berlin side.
Prediction and Conclusion
Given the historical context and current form, Hertha BSC is poised to leverage their home advantage and secure a victory. While Arminia Bielefeld may find the net, given their average of 1.58 goals per away game, Hertha's attacking depth and home record suggest they will outscore their opponents. Therefore, the prediction leans towards a home victory with both teams likely to score.