Fortuna Dusseldorf 2 vs Schwarz Weiss Essen on 13 January
On January 13, 2026, Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 will face Schwarz-Weiss Essen in a highly anticipated Friendly. Clubs match at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. For both teams, this fixture offers an important opportunity to sharpen their competitive edge ahead of the second half of the season. Although a friendly, the clash carries extra significance in terms of team preparation and momentum-building, as the two sides look to refine their tactics before entering their respective domestic competitions. While the match is friendly in nature, expect high-intensity football as both teams aim to find their rhythm and edge over each other.
Fortuna Düsseldorf 2: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Fortuna Düsseldorf 2's recent form in their last five matches has been a mixed bag, with a series of draws and narrow losses affecting their momentum. Despite this, their tactical structure under manager Frank Schaefer has been consistent. The team has generally favored a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to dominate possession and press high up the pitch when out of possession. Their pressing actions in the final third have been aggressive, particularly targeting opposing full-backs and center-backs who show any signs of indecision with the ball at their feet. This high pressing approach, however, sometimes leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, an area they will need to improve upon against a side like Schwarz-Weiss Essen, who can exploit these spaces on the break.
Key statistics show that Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 averages 58% possession, which they often use to create opportunities in the final third. Their xG (expected goals) per match stands at 1.3, which highlights their solid but not exceptional attacking output. Their passing accuracy, however, is high, often hovering around 85%, allowing them to maintain a controlled build-up play from defense to attack. Their full-backs, especially on the right flank, are key to stretching the play and creating width, often linking up with their wingers to deliver dangerous crosses into the box.
The most important players for Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 in this match will be their attacking midfielder, who plays a crucial role in dictating the tempo, and their central defenders, who must remain composed under pressure. Currently, Fortuna's form has been hindered by the absence of their star striker, who has been sidelined with a minor injury. His absence has led to a shift in attacking duties to their young forward, who has shown flashes of brilliance but still lacks the consistency needed at this level.
Schwarz Weiss Essen: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Schwarz-Weiss Essen, on the other hand, has shown impressive form of late, winning three of their last five matches. They have predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to be compact defensively while still having the flexibility to transition quickly into attack. Their key strength lies in their ability to break quickly from defense into midfield, exploiting wide areas before delivering crosses into the box. They have averaged 50% possession in recent games but have relied heavily on their high conversion rate when it comes to chances created, with an xG of 1.6 per match. This suggests that they are efficient in front of goal, taking full advantage of their opportunities.
Defensively, Schwarz-Weiss Essen has been solid, especially in the center of their defense, where they have managed to reduce opposition teams to few high-quality chances. They also have a well-organized midfield, with their two holding midfielders playing a crucial role in breaking up play and providing the base for counter-attacks. Their pressing, however, is more measured than Düsseldorf 2's, with the team focusing on controlling the middle of the park and forcing turnovers in the center of the pitch. This methodical approach allows them to dominate possession in the central areas and exploit space on the wings.
The key figure for Schwarz-Weiss Essen will be their playmaker, who is responsible for linking midfield with attack. If he is allowed time and space to dictate the game, he could run riot against Düsseldorf's midfield. Additionally, their full-backs, who are tasked with overlapping the wingers and providing width, will need to be defensively aware, as Düsseldorf's pressing can lead to dangerous situations if they overcommit.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Historically, Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 has had the upper hand in their meetings with Schwarz-Weiss Essen, with the last three encounters producing one victory and two draws in favor of Düsseldorf. The nature of these games has often been tight, with both sides being evenly matched in terms of style and approach. The tactical battle has usually revolved around which team could maintain possession and effectively transition into attack. Schwarz-Weiss Essen has often been more clinical in front of goal, while Düsseldorf has struggled to make their possession count in terms of tangible results.
This clash will carry psychological importance for both teams. Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 will look to prove that their higher league status translates to dominance, while Schwarz-Weiss Essen will be keen to show that they can match their more illustrious opponents in terms of intensity and tactical discipline. This mental battle could very well determine the winner, as the team that remains calm and takes advantage of its chances will likely come out on top.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
There are several key battles to watch for in this match. The first is the duel between Fortuna Düsseldorf 2's left-winger and Schwarz-Weiss Essen's right-back. Düsseldorf’s winger is known for his pace and dribbling ability, and he will look to exploit the space behind Essen’s right-back. How Essen's full-back handles this challenge will be pivotal, as Düsseldorf will look to create overloads in wide areas.
The second key battle will take place in the midfield, where Düsseldorf's central midfielders will need to control the pace of the game against Essen’s defensive midfielders. Essen’s ability to break quickly and efficiently from midfield will be a major factor in their success, so Düsseldorf must focus on cutting off these passing lanes. The third crucial duel will be between the two team’s respective center-backs, with Düsseldorf's defenders needing to deal with Essen’s physical striker, who thrives in aerial duels and creating space in the box.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both teams' tactical setups, we can expect a highly competitive match. Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 will dominate possession and press high, but they will need to be wary of Essen’s counter-attacks, which have been sharp and efficient. Essen will likely sit deeper, looking to disrupt Düsseldorf’s build-up play and capitalize on fast transitions. The match will hinge on Düsseldorf's ability to break down Essen’s defensive structure and whether Essen can make the most of their limited possession.
In terms of prediction, this game is likely to be tight. Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 will have more of the ball, but their lack of cutting edge in the final third might come back to haunt them. Schwarz-Weiss Essen will be dangerous on the break, and their efficient use of the ball could be the difference in a low-scoring affair. Expect a close 1-1 draw, with both teams showing signs of promise but lacking the killer instinct to secure a win.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this match will answer one key question: Can Fortuna Düsseldorf 2 overcome their inconsistency and execute their game plan against a well-drilled Schwarz-Weiss Essen side? With both teams looking to sharpen their tactics ahead of more competitive fixtures, the outcome will depend on which side can impose their style and take advantage of key moments. With plenty of tactical intrigue and individual matchups to savor, this friendly promises to be a fascinating contest.
