Darmstadt vs Hertha: A Tale of Two Teams on Different Trajectories

Darmstadt: A Resurgence in Form

After a shaky start to the season, Darmstadt have found their footing in the 2. Bundesliga. Under the guidance of new coach Torsten Lieberknecht, the team has strung together a series of impressive performances, including a 4-0 win over Hannover and a 2-0 victory against Heidenheim. Darmstadt's resurgence has been built on a solid defense, which has conceded just 12 goals in 12 matches.

One of the key factors behind Darmstadt's improved form has been the emergence of Emir Karic. The Bosnian striker has been in scintillating form, scoring 7 goals in his last 8 appearances. Karic's goalscoring exploits have helped to take the pressure off captain Fabian Holland, who has also been in impressive form this season.

Darmstadt's resurgence has seen them climb to 5th place in the 2. Bundesliga standings. The team is now just 3 points adrift of the automatic promotion places and will be confident of maintaining their good form in the coming weeks.

Hertha: Struggles Continue

In contrast to Darmstadt, Hertha have endured a difficult start to the season. The Berlin club has won just 2 of their opening 12 matches and currently languish in 17th place in the Bundesliga standings. Hertha's poor form has been attributed to a number of factors, including injuries to key players and a lack of consistency in their performances.

One of the main problems for Hertha has been their lack of goals. The team has scored just 9 goals in their 12 matches, which is the second-worst record in the Bundesliga. Hertha's struggles in front of goal have been compounded by their defensive frailties, which have seen them concede 20 goals this season.

Hertha's poor form has put pressure on coach Sandro Schwarz. The German coach has been criticized for his team's lack of attacking threat and defensive solidity. Schwarz will need to find a way to turn things around quickly if he wants to avoid being sacked.

Head-to-Head Record

Darmstadt and Hertha have met 14 times in competitive matches, with Hertha holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record. Hertha have won 6 matches, Darmstadt have won 4, and 4 matches have ended in draws.

The most recent meeting between the two teams was in the 2. Bundesliga in 2020. Darmstadt won the match 2-1, with goals from Victor Palsson and Fabian Holland.

Prediction

Darmstadt will go into the match as the favorites, given their good form and home advantage. However, Hertha will be desperate to turn things around and will be buoyed by their recent victory over Augsburg. This is a match that could go either way, but Darmstadt are the more likely team to come out on top.

Predicted score: Darmstadt 2-1 Hertha