The 34-round marathon for the all-important Bundesliga title is wide open after Bayern Munich cut Dortmund’s lead at the summit to just three points. On the opposite end of the table, Nuremburg, Hannover and Stuttgart are stuck in the relegation zone and will be desperate to find a winning formula. Let’s get to this week’s action.
Standings provided by Sofascore LiveScore
Friday 22 February
Werder Bremen 6/10
Draw 33/10
Stuttgart 17/4
(21:30)
Werder Bremen are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Hertha Berlin last time out. Relegation-threatened Stuttgart have been terrible in recent weeks with six losses from their last seven games. The Swabians have lost nine of their 11 matches on the road, scoring just seven goals and conceding 27 times. The hosts are tipped to win.
Saturday 23 February
Freiburg 12/10
Draw 24/10
Augsburg 22/10
(16:30)
Freiburg are winless in their last five games, including three consecutive stalemates. Christian Streich’s men have struggled at home with just three wins from 11 matches. However, Augsburg have been dismal with five losses from their last six matches and have travelled poorly. The corresponding fixture ended 4-1 to Augsburg but I just don’t see many goals being scored the second time around. The Totals – Under 2.5 Goals – market looks a good bet at 9/10.
Mainz 39/20
Draw 23/10
Schalke 14/10
(16:30)
Mainz have been horrendous in recent weeks with three losses on the spin, scoring just once and conceding 11 goals in the process. Schalke are without a win in their last four matches but are showing much more promise in comparison to their opponents. If that don’t make you believe, the Royal Blues have won the last five meetings against Mainz, scoring eight goals without conceding. Back Schalke to come away with maximum points.
Bayern Munich 2/11
Draw 33/10
Hertha Berlin 57/10
(16:30)
Bayern Munich have won seven of their last eight matches, including four home wins in a row. Hertha Berlin were held to a 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen last weekend, stretching their winless run at home to four games. The Bavarians have been strong at home and should dominate here as they continue to hunt Borussia Dortmund down. Take Bayern on the Half-time/Full-time win at 11/20.
Monchengladbach 8/10
Draw 26/10
Wolfsburg 32/10
(16:30)
Monchengladbach earned a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt last time out and return to their home fort where they have won nine of their 10 matches. Wolfsburg have been inconsistent in recent weeks and will need to be at their best if they are to get a point, let alone three. The reverse tie ended in a 2-2 draw and you can expect another fiery affair here. However, I do feel Gladbach will have the upper hand and should capitalize on home advantage.
Dusseldorf 8/10
Draw 26/10
Nuremburg 33/10
(19:30)
Dusseldorf have been strong at home in recent weeks with three wins from their last four games. Bottom-of-the-log Nuremburg have managed just two wins from 22 matches and are without a win in their last 13 games. Home advantage will be a key factor here as the basement-dwellers are winless on the road, scoring just six goals and conceding 31 times. Back Dusseldorf for the win.
Sunday 24 February
Hannover 32/10
Draw 28/10
Eintracht Frankfurt 8/10
(16:30)
Hannover have been terrible in recent weeks with five losses from their last six matches. Eintracht Frankfurt have drawn their last five games in all competitions but their opponents have one of the worst defensive records in the league. Eintracht Frankfurt have won the last six meetings against Hannover and look likely to build on that. The away team is tipped.
Borussia Dortmund 17/20
Draw 29/10
Bayer Leverkusen 11/4
(19:00)
Dortmund have dropped points for the third consecutive week as defending champions Bayern Munich are now just three points off the top. Bayer Leverkusen have been in brilliant form with four straight wins, scoring 13 goals and conceding just twice. BVB look lost for ideas at the moment with the log-leaders going through a bit of a rough patch. Leverkusen should be backed on the Win/Draw Double Chance at 9/10.
Monday 25 February
Leipzig 17/20
Draw 29/10
Hoffenheim 26/10
(21:30)
Leipzig have been excellent in recent weeks with three wins from their last four matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once. Hoffenheim are unbeaten in their last four games as well, including a 3-0 home win against Hannover last weekend. I’m expecting an exciting end-to-end game of football with both sides likely to find the back of the net. Get on the Both Teams to Score – Yes – market at 4/10.
TREBLE @ 6/1
Werder Bremen Win 6/10
Schalke Win 14/10
Eintracht Frankfurt Win 8/10
Written by Aaron Crowie