In the crucible of German football's 3. Liga, the stakes couldn't be higher as SSV Ulm 1846 prepares to host SV Wehen at the Donaustadion on January 17, 2026. With Ulm languishing at the bottom of the table and desperately seeking redemption against a mid-table Wehen side looking to solidify their standing, this match promises drama that transcends mere points-it's about pride, identity, and survival in a merciless league.
Predicted Lineups
Expect both teams to field their strongest XI based on recent patterns:
- SSV Ulm 1846: GK: Christian Ortag, DEF: Lukas Mazagg, Marcel Seegert, Nils Kölle; MID: Niklas Kölle, Dennis Dressel, Leon Dajaku; FWD: Paul-Philipp Besong, Dennis Chessa.
- SV Wehen: GK: Noah Brdar, DEF: Justin Janitzek, Florian Hübner, Jordy Gillekens; MID: Tarık Gözüşirin, Fatih Kaya; FWD: Moritz Flotho.
Recent form illustrates the desperation of SSV Ulm. With just one win in their last five matches-albeit an encouraging triumph over Bonner SC-their confidence seems a fragile construct. A resounding 5-3 loss against VfL Osnabrück showcased defensive frailties that threaten to engulf their season if not addressed immediately. The haunting image of conceding goals at critical moments has turned what could have been tactical lessons into painful reminders of vulnerability.
Conversely, SV Wehen arrives with a patchy record yet possessing a more robust recent form with eight points from their last five games. Their mix of resolute defending and sporadic attacking thrust has kept them afloat. However, they are by no means impervious; the collapse against Hoffenheim II-a game lost 3-1 despite controlling large parts-demonstrates that they too can crumble under pressure.
As we analyze the statistical undercurrents driving these two sides forward-or dragging them down-we see a contrasting landscape emerge. SSV Ulm's average possession percentage often hovers around 42%, illustrating their struggle to dictate terms or maintain control during key passages of play. In stark contrast, Wehen tends toward more commanding ball retention metrics-exhibiting stronger passing accuracy that sits comfortably above 75%. This is crucial for dictating tempo and creating chances.
When it comes to shots on goal-a statistic that translates urgency into potential rewards-Wehen again holds an edge with an average of four shots on target per game compared to Ulm's woeful two. If Ulm hopes to claw themselves out of this hole they find themselves in, converting those scarce opportunities must be paramount; with their highest-rated player this season being defender Nils Kölle-who has surprisingly tallied two goals thus far-they'll need every ounce of ingenuity from him at both ends.
Key players will undoubtedly shape this narrative further: for Ulm, keep your eyes peeled on Dennis Chessa and his fellow attackers as they attempt to punch above their weight in challenging an often-nervous Wehen defense led by Hübner and Janitzek. While Chessa's ability to run at defenders is promising in theory (with one goal in recent outings), whether he can convert threats into tangible results remains uncertain-and uncertainty breeds fear in these high-stakes encounters.
Meanwhile, SV Wehen's Fatih Kaya represents their best hope for finding the net regularly. With two goals already contributing vital points over recent matches and displaying high duels won (11) statistics that demonstrate tenacity beyond finesse alone, Kaya could be pivotal if he finds space against an Ulm backline desperate for solidity.
However strategic battles won't only occur upfront; in midfield battles where ball winners reign supreme could determine momentum swings throughout the match. It might boil down to who better claims that contested sphere between attack and defense-a domain where each pass carries weight and every tackle echoes through vacant stands.
Despite obvious strengths for each side highlighted statistically across head-to-head performances-like when Wehen triumphed decisively over Ulm just months ago-the psychological ramifications cannot be underestimated either. There's palpable tension in overcoming prior failures: can we envision an embattled home crowd lifting their team? Or will visitors thrive off rallying behind past successes?
With desperation etched deeply into SSV Ulm's psyche versus a buoyant yet erratic energy from Wehen ready to capitalize on missteps-I am inclined towards an outcome tinged with promise yet caution: Expect SV Wehen to walk away victorious again but don't rule out SSV Ulm putting up one hell of a fight before final whistles blow.
In sum: my prediction leans towards a hard-fought victory for SV Wehen, possibly edging past 2-1, balancing opportunity with instinct while serving as painful reinforcement for SSV Ulm's ongoing struggles this season as it spirals into unpredictable terrain moving forward.