Energie Cottbus – Karlsruher SC

Energie Cottbus host a struggling Karlsruher SC in what promises to be a decisive clash in the lower half of the table. Cottbus sit seventh with eight points from two wins, two draws and two defeats, edging their rivals by a single goal in a 14‑13 tally, while the visitors languish in 14th place with just five points after one win, two draws and three losses and a -6 goal difference. The home side’s slightly better defensive record – conceding 13 goals compared with Karlsruhe’s 12 – could prove crucial as both teams vie for the few remaining points that separate them from the relegation zone. With the gap between them reduced to three points, the encounter is likely to be tightly contested, and a win for Cottbus would solidify their push for a top‑six finish, whereas Karlsruhe will need a positive result to keep their survival hopes alive.