Meeting of 3rd and 1st on table. Nurnberg has home ice advantage, but Eisbaren so far showed a bit more, especially in their away game in which they won almost half of their points, which is by far the best in league. Still, Nurnberg should be one of the hardest opponents for them. They had six wins in a row before holiday schedule in which they've lost all three away games. Then in new year they've won poor Straubing 6:2. I think that their mini-crisis is now over and that they are ready for new wining streak, at home they always played good, and especially in recent weeks, having won last five home games (and streak is bigger, but you have to stop somewhere) with goal difference of 28:7.

Eisbaren is almost sure 1st, and they can now play more relaxed and they did it. Second time this season they had streak of two loses, and if they lose today it could be first time that they've lost three times in a row. In last round Krefeld, team in best form in league, made a big surprise coming after 2:5 in the middle of the second period to 7:5 win in the Berlin! Huge shock for Eisbaren, and now, two days after they have another though match. Another point in favor of home win is tradition which is on Nurnberg side, Eisbaren doesn't like to play against them, especially on the road as they've won only twice in last seven years in Nurnberg, compared to Nurnberg eight wins. On their last trip to Nurnberg they've suffered 1:7 loss, i don't expect that high numbers today, but i belive that handicap win could also be possibility here. Another thing is that Eisbaren is troubled with injuries, Pederson (13g+18a), Busch (6g+19a), Gawlik (4g+6a), Rankel (2g+3a) and Ostwald (1g+2a) are injured while A. Weiss (11a+11a) is suspended. Everyone of them can be substituted, but only as a one player, this many missings should affect team behaviour especially as the game goes by and players will need rest.

As a conclusion, both teams have quality, but Nurnberg has home ice advantage, while Eisbaren is coming after shocking defeat and their current form is in downtrend. Odds are really high at numerous bookies, if i was oddsmaker i wouldn't offer odds above evens. Very valueable bet if you ask me

Pick : Ice Tigers
Odds : 2.35
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Bwin
Date : 2008-01-06
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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