13 May 2026 | Sportsbetting
Matchday Predictions 2025/26 - Final Matchday: Partner Clubs
For some of MERKUR's partner clubs, everything is on the line on the final matchday! Whether it's promotion to the Bundesliga or relegation to the 3. Liga, our partner clubs are in the spotlight on the final matchday!
approx. 3 min.
Matchday Predictions 2025/26 - Final Matchday: Partner Clubs
The MERKUR partner clubs are taking center stage as the season draws to a close: While VfL Osnabrück and Schalke 04 have already clinched the championship and promotion ahead of schedule, SC Paderborn continues to fight for a spot in the Bundesliga. Fortuna Düsseldorf and Arminia Bielefeld are looking to secure their place in the 2. Bundesliga, while MSV Duisburg aims to secure its second consecutive promotion.
Merkur quick tips for the last matchday of 25/26
Darmstadt vs. Paderborn
SC Paderborn heads to Darmstadt for the final matchday with the stakes at an all-time high. The situation is clear: SCP must win and simultaneously hope for a slip-up by Elversberg and/or Hannover to keep their dream of promotion to the Bundesliga alive—the path might even lead through the relegation playoffs in the end. The pressure on the East Westphalians is likely to be immense, though they have recently impressed with plenty of offensive firepower and confidence.
Darmstadt, on the other hand, wants to bid a proper farewell to the season in front of their home crowd. Despite showing promise, the Lilies have often lacked the finishing touch this season, especially in crucial moments in the final third. For Paderborn, however, everything is on the line—and that promises an intense and emotional season finale.
Tip: 1
Fürth vs. Düsseldorf
Greuther Fürth and Fortuna Düsseldorf are set for a nail-biting relegation showdown on the final matchday. While Düsseldorf currently sits above the relegation zone and holds its fate in its own hands, Fürth is fighting for its very survival. The hosts must win to keep any chance of avoiding direct relegation alive.
Accordingly, maximum tension is guaranteed in this clash between the 15th- and 17th-place teams. Düsseldorf will try to secure the decisive points with a controlled and compact performance, while Fürth is likely to go all out in front of their home crowd. There is an enormous amount at stake for both teams—a real nail-biter to close out the season.
Tip: 2
Bielefeld vs. Hertha
Arminia Bielefeld has its back against the wall on the final matchday. It’s do-or-die for the East Westphalians: with a win, Arminia can secure at least 16th place in the standings—and thus a spot in the relegation playoffs—on its own merits. Any other result, combined with a Fürth victory, would mean the threat of direct relegation. The pressure in front of the home crowd is likely to be immense.
For Hertha BSC, on the other hand, the only thing left to play for is a respectable end to the season. With nothing left to gain or lose in terms of the standings, the Berliners’ focus is likely to be on putting in a solid performance and ending the season on a positive note. Bielefeld, however, will have to fight for every ball to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.
Tip: 2
Duisburg vs. Viktoria Köln
MSV Duisburg is facing a true do-or-die match for promotion. The Zebras currently occupy the relegation spot and must get the job done against Viktoria Köln on the final matchday: only a win of their own will keep their chances of direct promotion alive. At the same time, however, Duisburg is relying on help from others and must hope for a slip-up by Energie Cottbus.
The situation promises maximum excitement at the Wedau. While there is hardly anything at stake for Viktoria Köln in terms of the standings, for MSV it’s about capping off a strong season—and the chance to secure their second consecutive promotion. The match is likely to be correspondingly emotional and intense throughout the entire 90 minutes.
Tip: Draw
