The German Bundesliga resumes on Friday evening. Don’t miss out on our Week 18 predictions! |
The German Bundesliga resumes on Friday evening with round 18! As expected, reigning champions Bayern Munich are at the summit and look too far ahead to be caught with an 11-point lead over second placed Schalke. Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Leipzig and Monchengladbach are all level on 28 points with goal-difference the only difference between third and sixth place. The second half of the season has all the ingredients to be just as entertaining as the first, so let’s get cracking!
Friday 12 January
3/1 Bayer Leverkusen | Draw 29/10 | Bayern Munich 8/10 (21:30)
Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich will square off in the opening match of the round on Friday evening. The hosts are unbeaten in their last eight matches with five wins and are undefeated on home soil this season. Bayern Munich were in top form prior to the break with four consecutive wins. The Bavarians have the best away record in the league with six wins from nine games and will be determined to maintain that form. The last five meetings between the sides in all competitions at the BayArena have seen Under 2.5 Goals – get on at a tasty 29/20!
Saturday 13 January
23/20 Hannover | 47/20 | Mainz 24/10 (16:30)
Hannover have been dismal with just six wins from 17 matches but have been fairly decent at home with four victories and just one defeat from eight games. Mainz are just two points off the relegation zone and will be desperate not to drop any more unnecessary points. However, they are winless in their last five matches and are yet to win a match on the road. Back Hannover to utilize home advantage.
33/20 Werder Bremen | 49/20 | Hoffenheim 31/20 (16:30)
Werder Bremen have been dreadful with just three wins after 17 matches and find themselves lingering in the danger zone. There is still time to make the great escape but somethings got to give – massive change is needed if they are to survive the drop. Hoffenheim have battled to maintain winning form and have struggled on the road of late, suffering three consecutive defeats. The sides are tipped to cancel each other out.
19/20 Augsburg | 49/20 | Hamburg 3/1 (16:30)
Augsburg have been unpredictable this season so it’s best to back the exotic markets when they are involved. Hamburg are placed second from bottom on the standings with 10 losses from 17 games and suffered back-to-back defeats before the break. The last four meetings between the sides at the WWK Arena have seen 16 goals – each game producing exactly four goals. Another goal fest is on the cards so back the Totals – Over 2.5 Goals – market at 19/20.
12/10 Stuttgart | 9/4 | Hertha Berlin 49/20 (16:30)
Stuttgart were in a terrible state before the break with four consecutive losses, including back-to-back defeats on home soil. Hertha Berlin have won their last two matches and are unbeaten in their last five travels. Despite Stuttgart’s poor form, they have been strong at home this season with five wins from eight games. Both teams are tipped to find the back of the net at 17/20.
8/10 Eintracht Frankfurt | 51/20 | Freiburg 34/10 (16:30)
Eintracht Frankfurt have one of the worst records at home in the league this season but looking at Freiburg’s form on the road, they have only recorded just one win from eight games, which shows just how tight this match is likely to be. The reverse tie finished goalless and I’m expecting another low-scoring contest. The Totals market – Under 2.5 Goals – is tipped at 8/10.
19/20 Leipzig | 5/2 | Schalke 11/4 (19:30)
Saturday’s final matchup will see Champions League hopefuls Leipzig play host to Schalke. The Red Bulls are without a win in their last four matches, while Schalke are unbeaten in their last 11 outings, including five wins and six draws. An end-to-end game of football is likely with both sides going all-out for the all-important victory. Both Teams to Score – Yes – is tipped at 7/10.
Sunday 14 January
21/10 Cologne | 49/20 | Monchengladbach 12/10 (16:30)
Cologne are rooted to the bottom of the log with just one win from 17 matches, scoring only 10 goals and conceding 32 times. Monchengladbach have lost back-to-back matches on the road but will be determined not to drop any points – especially in games like these – in their hunt for a Champions League spot. The away team is tipped to come out on top.
4/10 Borussia Dortmund | 4/1 | Wolfsburg 57/10 (19:00)
Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg will close off the round with what promises to be an entertaining contest. The Black and Yellow Army have won two matches on the bounce, while Wolfsburg have managed just three wins from 17 games. Dortmund have won the last five meetings against Wolfsburg, scoring 18 goals and conceding just three times.Back the home side on the (-1) Handicap at 19/20.
TREBLE @ 15/2
Augsburg vs Hamburg Over 2.5 Goals 19/20
Monchengladbach Win 12/10
Dortmund (-1) Handicap 19/20
Written by Aaron Crowie