Our next opponents: FC Ingolstadt

The Werkself travel to Ingolstadt, currently deep in a relegation battle in their second season in the top flight but still hopeful of escaping the drop. After a poor start, coach Maik Walpurgis has improved matters but a title-winning finish is required the Bavarian club. Here's the lowdown on our next opponents.

Position

Ingolstadt have their backs to the wall. In spite of last weekend's 0-0 draw away to the impressive RB Leipzig they are still four points away from the play-off spot. However, Ingolstadt refused to give up. Indeed they want to use their role as underdogs in the battle to stay up and continue the successful trend under Walpurgis. There are three games to play and, during a busy run of fixtures in March, FCI showed what they are capable of; picking up maximum points in three games. However, the next three outings produced just one point.

Personnel

A key player returns at just the right time for the season run-in: Pascal Groß. The midfield maestro was badly missed in Saxony but it remains to see what role he will perform against the Werkself. It could be further forward or perhaps somewhat more defensive as both Roger (five bookings) and Alfredo Morales (two yellows in one game) are suspended. Matthew Leckie, who went off early against Leipzig with suspected concussion, is expected to return.

Problems

As the next-to-bottom team, FCI have a number of worries but one stands out: Ingolstadt have failed to shine at home this season. They have an average of one point per game at the Audi Sportpark giving them the worst home record in the Bundesliga. That has to change for them to be in with a chance of staying up.

Potential

In spite of all the difficulties: "Our will remains unbroken!" In saying that, Marcus Suttner speaks for the whole team. FCI have clocked up over 500 fouls making them the second most aggressive team in the top flight after Hamburg SV. Ingolstadt are prepared to get stuck in and that is certainly a requirement to come out on top in a relegation battle.

Prediction

Stefan Lex hits the nail on the head: "Every match is a final now." That it is exactly the right approach for Ingolstadt's last three games if they are to have a chance of staying in Germany's top flight for a third year in succession. A look at the remaining fixtures:The clash with the Werkself is followed by an away game at Freiburg before the final match of the campaign against Schalke. Maik Walpurgis is confident: "We're not going down!"