2. Bundesliga preview: SV Elversberg vs. SC Paderborn 07

At this late stage of the campaign, a defeat for either side could prove hugely damaging to their promotion ambitions. Elversberg come into this fixture on the outside looking in. After an impressive start to the season that saw them establish themselves as early pace-setters, their form in 2026 has faltered at key moments.

Two wins from their last five matches have seen them slip to fourth, and with the automatic promotion places now under threat, they will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation play-off heartbreak. They were involved in a thrilling contest last time out against fellow promotion hopefuls Darmstadt. After falling 2-0 behind inside 15 minutes, Elversberg responded superbly, turning the game around to lead 3-2 at the break.

However, Fraser Hornby’s early second-half equaliser - despite Darmstadt being reduced to ten men - forced them to settle for a point, a result that saw them drop out of the top three. Head coach Vincent Wagner is under no illusions about the challenge ahead: “Paderborn will come here looking to win, that’s clear. But this is our home game, and we always believe we can win here.

We’ll need our fans behind us again, an exceptional performance, and perhaps a bit of luck - but we have what it takes. ” Paderborn, meanwhile, know that victory would all but secure at least a place in the relegation play-off, while also opening up a five-point gap to Elversberg with just two matches remaining. Ralf Kettemann’s side have been one of the form teams in the division, losing just once in their last 11 outings as they currently occupy second place.