Karlsruher SC vs Energie Cottbus — Tips & Analysis

Over 3.25: Two leaky defenses meet at the Wildpark, and neither looks close to fixing itself. Cottbus have let in 14 goals in their last five games, a run that includes a 4-4 at Wolfsburg and a home loss to Fürth. Karlsruhe are no tighter. Their home games average over 4 goals, and 12 of their last 14 games had 3 or more. They were beaten 5-2 at the Wildpark by Wolfsburg two weeks ago, and they let in almost 2 goals a game. Cottbus bring goals of their own. The promoted side score just over 2 goals a game, and 9 of their last 13 games had 3 or more. Karlsruhe are also a far better team at home than on the road, 4W-0D-3L at the Wildpark, so they will come forward rather than sit in. That points to an open, messy game with mistakes at both ends. A 2-2 is the most likely finish, and four goals clears what we need. Two things could spoil it. Karlsruhe are without forward Broschinski, who has an ankle problem, and the old meetings between these clubs were tight, though none of them has come since 2019. Cottbus are also newly promoted, so their scoring may not hold up at this level. We still want the goals here.