2. Bundesliga Topspiel preview: Magdeburg host Dresden in East German derby | OneFootball

With points at a premium towards the lower reaches of the Zweite Liga table, both sides head into this clash keenly aware of its significance. Pride, momentum and precious league points are all on the line in Magdeburg.

Magdeburg’s transformation under Petrik Sander has been nothing short of remarkable. After spending large spells of the campaign rooted to the foot of the table and seemingly destined for relegation trouble, they now boast a five-game unbeaten run, winning four in the process. That surge has lifted the hosts up to 12th place and provided genuine breathing room.

The calendar year began in emphatic fashion for Sander’s side last weekend, as they swept aside relegation rivals Eintracht Braunschweig 3-0 away from home. In-form duo Baris Atik and Mateusz Żukowski were once again central to the victory, each finding the net as Magdeburg continued to look upwards rather than over their shoulder.

Atik, the standout figure in Magdeburg’s revival, spoke this week about his recent run of form:

"The expectations are high, but I know my strengths. The coach simply lets me do my thing – and when you let me do my thing, I repay that with my performance."

Dynamo Dresden arrive in Saxony-Anhalt without the same momentum, but with renewed optimism after a convincing 2-0 home victory over Greuther Fürth last time out. Goals from new signing Thomas Keller and Jakob Lemmer sealed a dominant display and allowed Dresden to leapfrog Fürth into 17th place, albeit still firmly entrenched in the relegation battle.

Dresden’s intent to turn their season around has been underlined by their January activity, with five new arrivals already through the door. The latest addition is Ben Bobzien, who joins on loan from Bundesliga side Mainz. The versatile attacker adds further depth to Thomas Stamm’s forward options and could play a key role in the weeks ahead.

Stamm has also not forgotten the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, calling for a response from his side:

“The first leg hasn't been forgotten. A derby defeat still plays a role several months later. Similar to last week, we now have to live up to the pressure and expectations. It's about finding the right balance between emotions and thorough preparation.”

Magdeburg claimed a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture on matchday two at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion - a result that would stand as their only league win until late October. Dresden, meanwhile, have not tasted victory in Magdeburg since 2021, while Stamm is still searching for his first win in three attempts against Saturday’s hosts.

Team news

1. FC Magdeburg: Samuel Loric, Luka Hyryläinen, Connor Krempicki, Tarek Chahed and Eldin Dzogovic are all sidelined. Alexander Ahl-Holmström continues his rehabilitation work.

Dynamo Dresden: Lennart Grill and Dominik Kother are unavailable, while Konrad Faber remains a doubt.

Predicted lineups

1. FC Magdeburg (4-3-3): Reimann (GK) - Hercher, Mathisen, Müller, Nollenberger - Michel, Gnaka, Ulrich - Atik, Żukowski, Pesch 

Dynamo Dresden (4-2-3-1): Schreiber (GK) - Faber, Pauli, Keller, Rossipal - Amoako, Wagner - Ceka, Hauptmann, Lemmer - Vermeij