- Home form: Hannover 96 have won one of their last three home games (W1, D1, L1).
- Away form: SC Paderborn 07 are unbeaten in their last five 2. Bundesliga games (W3, D2).
Two heavyweights in fine form
SC Paderborn 07 currently sit second in the 2. Bundesliga standings on 57 points from 29 games, four points ahead of third-placed Hannover 96 on 53 from the same 29 fixtures.
Hannover boss Christian Titz has installed an identity on this team in a relatively short space of time, with his side preferring to play a more controlled and possession-based game. They look to stretch the opposition and are a tough team to break down when they have time to build up in possession.
Benjamin Kaellman has been an excellent addition to Hannover 96’s cause in 2025-2026 and is their main goal threat with 13 in 28 appearances. However, Maurice Neubauer has scored two of his team’s last six goals.
Ralf Kettemann’s Paderborn 07 have hit top gear in the last few weeks and are unbeaten in their last five 2. Bundesliga fixtures (W3, D2). Kettemann’s high-tempo, front-foot style has seen Paderborn thriving on pressing teams hard and their rapid transitions after a turnover.
Bilbija has Paderborn firing on all cylinders
Recent results:
Paderborn’s 4-3 win at home to Magdeburg last weekend was a masterclass in counter-pressing and high-tempo football. The visitors followed that up with an efficient 2-0 win at Greuther Fuerth in their midweek fixture to make it three straight wins.
Key player:
Filip Bilbija is their top scorer in the league this term with 14 goals in 24 appearances and has scored five of his side’s last 11 goals in the 2. Bundesliga. His red-hot form should see him make life difficult for the Hannover 96 backline, who have struggled with their own defensive issues of late.
Visitors have momentum in their favour
Paderborn have failed to win on their last two trips to Hannover 96, but the hosts have managed just one win in their last three at home. They beat Eintracht Braunschweig and Darmstadt in their previous two home games, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Elversberg last weekend.
Hannover’s overall form is mixed with two wins, two draws and a defeat in their last five, while Paderborn have a much stronger record over their previous five games. The contrast in styles should make for an open, end-to-end clash, and both teams should find the net on Saturday, but Paderborn’s momentum makes them favourites to secure the win.
- Benjamin Kaellman has been an excellent addition to Hannover 96’s cause in 2025-2026 and is their main goal threat with 13 in 28 appearances.
- Filip Bilbija is their top scorer in the league this term with 14 goals in 24 appearances and has scored five of his side’s last 11 goals in the 2. Bundesliga.
- The odds for an away win are better than evens at 3.0, but the value for me lies in the goal markets with Over 2.5 goals at 1.57 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.45.
