Nuremberg — Paderborn 07 : Match Preview and Prediction for August 29,2025

Nuremberg’s Dire Situation

The club finds itself at rock bottom. This isn’t merely an assessment; it’s a stark reality. Four official matches this season have resulted in four crushing defeats. With zero points accumulated after three league fixtures, they rightfully occupy the 18th position in the 2. Bundesliga standings.

Defensive Catastrophe Unfolding

The situation in their defense is nothing short of catastrophic. Conceding three goals to “Illertissen,” a club from the Regional League, in the DFB-Pokal, serves as a damning indictment of their backline. In the league, matters haven’t improved: Nuremberg has let in goals in every single round, including their most recent game against Preußen Münster, which concluded with a 2-1 loss.

Crucial Player Departure and Tactical Chaos

Directly preceding this crucial match, the club has opted to sell its standout player. Caspar Jander, the midfield’s creative force and a truly indispensable figure, is moving to Southampton. The team had already faced immense difficulties in the opening rounds when he was sidelined with an injury. Losing such a pivotal leader at this critical moment creates a significant void in the center of the pitch, one they are frantically attempting to fill with new recruits like Finn Ole Becker, who joined just a few days ago. Coach Miroslav Klose is under tremendous pressure and is exploring various tactical options, even considering a complete change in formation. All these factors contribute to significant disarray in their tactical setups, particularly defensively, which will inevitably lead to errors and conceded goals.

Paderborn’s Offensive Approach

Paderborn is a team known for their expansive playing style, both executing their own game plan and encouraging opponents to engage. Their recent match against Fortuna Düsseldorf, concluding in a 1-2 scoreline, clearly demonstrates this approach: they are offensively focused but not invulnerable at the back.

Consistent Goal-Scoring, But Defensive Lapses

In the DFB-Pokal, Paderborn also delivered a high-scoring performance, overcoming Viktoria Köln with a 3-1 victory. The team regularly finds the back of the net, yet frequently concedes goals too. However, heading into their away fixture in Nuremberg, they’ve encountered a significant challenge in their defensive unit.

Key Defensive Blow Ahead of Match

Starting defender Tjark Scheller received a direct red card in the game against Fortuna and will consequently miss this match due to suspension. Losing a regular starter in central defense creates a substantial weakness in their defensive setup. Coach Ralf Kettemann’s warning against underestimating Nuremberg, despite their lowly league position, is certainly a sensible one.