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| Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara (Image copyright Steve Haag Sports) |
And we’re back! Following a lengthy halfway break, the Bundesliga returns on Friday. Just a quick recap, Leipzig are leading at the summit with Monchengladbach, Bayern Munich and Dortmund breathing down their necks. And on the opposite end of the standings, Dusseldorf, Werder Bremen and Paderborn occupy the relegation places. I think that’s enough catching up for now, let’s get to round 18’s action.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Friday 17 January
Schalke 29/20
Draw 5/2
Borussia Monchengladbach 7/4
(21:30)
Schalke ended off 2019 with back-to-back draws and will be looking to kick-start 2019 with a victory. Monchengladbach are just two points off the log leaders Leipzig and should they come away with maximum points here, they will return to the top of the table, at least for the time being. Six of the last eight meetings between these sides seen both teams find the back of the net. Follow the pattern and take Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 11/20.
Saturday 18 January
Hoffenheim 27/20
Draw 26/10
Eintracht Frankfurt 7/4
(16:30)
Hoffenheim went into the break in good form, bagging two wins on the bounce, scoring four times and conceding just once. Eintracht Frankfurt are without a victory in the last seven matches, including three consecutive defeats. That’s enough said.
The form doesn’t lie and while the Eagles would have had plenty of time to learn from all their mistakes, Hoffenheim would have done the same and are only looking to improve. The home win is on the cards.
Fortuna Dusseldorf 33/20
Draw 51/20
Werder Bremen 15/10
(16:30)
Relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf ended the year with a 2-1 home win over Union Berlin. That victory also ended a run of three straight losses.
Werder Bremen are just one point and a place below their opponents but have lost their last four games. Goals have been hard to come by for both sides and I’m predicting a low-scoring affair. The Totals – Under 2.5 Goals – market is tipped at 5/4.
Mainz 12/10
Draw 51/20
Freiburg 21/10
(16:30)
Next up, Mainz will play host to Freiburg at the Opel Arena on Saturday evening and have lost three of their last four matches.
Freiburg are winless in their last three games but I’m expecting them to do enough to bag all three points. The reverse fixture ended 3-0 in favour of Freiburg and I’m backing them to pull off the double. Get on the away win at 21/10.
Augsburg 7/2
Draw 32/10
Borussia Dortmund 13/20
(16:30)
Augsburg have won their last three matches at home, scoring nine goals and conceding just once in the process. Dortmund, for their standards, have been inconsistent to say the least. And while I feel they still should win; Augsburg’s home record should not be underestimated. Goals look a certainty here. The last eight meetings between these sides have seen both teams get on the scoresheet. Back Both Teams to Score – Yes – at 9/20.
Cologne 33/20
Draw 23/10
Wolfsburg 33/20
(16:30)
Cologne went into the break in fine fettle with three wins on the spin, scoring seven goals and conceding just twice. Wolfsburg have battled to maintain winning form but that won’t stop them from going for maximum points on Saturday afternoon. A goal fest looks likely with both sides expected to attack the game. The Totals – Over 2.5 Goals – market should be backed at 17/20.
Leipzig 3/10
Draw 47/10
Union Berlin 17/2
(19:30)
Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions, including eight wins and three draws. Union Berlin have lost back-to-back games, scoring just once and conceding four times and have managed just one win from eight travels. I’m anticipating a bloodbath on Saturday with the Red Bulls likely to smash the newcomers. Take Leipzig on the (-1) Handicap at 7/10.
Sunday 19 January
Hertha Berlin 7/1
Draw 9/2
Bayern Munich 3/10
(16:30)
Hertha Berlin made a rocky start to the 2019/20 campaign but towards the halfway mark, started showing vast improvement as they now remain undefeated in their last four matches.
Bayern Munich have been nowhere near their best in third place. However, they have won three games in a row and will be looking to build on that as they continue to defend their title as champions of Germany. There’s not much value for money here, but Bayern are tipped for the win.
Paderborn 15/4
Draw 34/10
Bayer Leverkusen 6/10
(19:00)
To close off the round, basement-dwellers Paderborn will be desperate to bag a point, let alone three when they play host to Bayer Leverkusen. The latter have done as well as you can expect from them as they occupy sixth place on the standings. It was a cagey 1-0 victory to Bayer Leverkusen in the reverse tie but I’m keeping my faith in them. Back the away team to edge the win and pull the double off.
TREBLE @ 48/10
Hoffenheim Win 27/20
Augsburg vs Dortmund BTTS (Yes) 9/20
Leipzig (-1) Handicap 7/10
Written by Aaron Crowie for Hollywoodbets.
