German Bundesliga – Gameweek 9 Preview

Bayern Munich seek out another domination over Hoffenheim, while closest competitors Borussia Dortmund sit one point adrift but are in search of their first clean sheet of the season.

Wolfsburg and Freiburg might both be struggling for form, but it’s heating up to be the match of the weekend in the Bundesliga.

Let’s get straight into the contest and make that money.

Friday 22 October

7/10 Mainz | Draw 26/10 | Augsburg 38/10 (20:30)

Mainz took advantage of Dortmund’s shaky defence last time out and found the net but were unable to keep out three goals, losing a third straight fixture. The home team will however want to take advantage of their oppositions poor form as well with Augsburg securing just six points in eight matches. Augsburg were in a early relegation battle last time out and were only able to secure a point against 17th-placed Arminia. There is not much to get excited about in this Friday clash and not much separating the two in terms of confidence and desire. Back the stalemate in this affair.

Saturday 23 October

1/6 Bayern Munich | 7/1 | Hoffenheim 11/1 (15:30)

Hoffenheim were able to capitalize on their opposition’s misfortunes in losing a key player last time out, winning 5-0 in front of a roaring home crowd. Now they come up against the toughest there is in the league, and on the road where tactics seem to fall apart for Die Kraichgauer unable to find three points in their last three attempts. Bayern Munich look unstoppable, as they always do in the league. But the last home match they played; they were unable to stop Eintracht Frankfurt form stealing a win. While that may be the case, the Reds are prone to the odd upset, but I cannot see that happening at the Allianz for a while. Bayern Munich to Score In Both Halves (Yes) at 4/10 is the call as they continue to get back to dominating an entire match.

1/8 RB Leipzig | 15/2 | Greuther Furth 17/1 (15:30)

Greuther Furth are showing that they’re not meant to be in the Bundesliga, picking up their sixth straight defeat last time out, with just a single point earned this campaign. RB Leipzig will focus on their midweek Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, and you can expect a second-string team on the weekend to focus on gaining three points. Make no mistake, Leipzig will want to gain ground on the leading pack as they sit eight on the log. Back Leizpig and Over 2.5 at 4/10 with Christopher Nkunku seemingly keeping those scoring boots on for any multiple.

21/20 Wolfsburg | 23/10 | Freiburg 26/10 (15:30)

Wolfsburg came out flying and are now skidding along. Three straight losses in the league preceded by a draw to Eintracht Frankfurt and their last win coming in the beginning of September against a team that should not represent the Bundesliga in Greuther Furth. Freiburg, on the other hand, have maintained their form in the league and frustrated Leipzig last time out to secure a 1-1 draw and remain the only undefeated team to date in the Bundesliga. Although Freiburg have yet to beat the home team in the last two years, they will be licking their lips at the opportunity in front of them this coming weekend. With Freiburg on course to cause further misery to Die Wolfe, put this in your multiple.

13/2 | Arminia Bielefeld | 44/10 | Borussia Dortmund 7/20 (15:30)

Erling Haaland returned after missing three straight competitive fixtures and did so in predicted fashion, scoring a brace to earn Borussia Dortmund their fourth win in five league matches. Dortmund are just one point off the defending champions in second and will want to keep the pressure on. One thing to note is the lack of cohesion in the Black and Yellows defence as they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season. Arminia Bielefeld sit 17th and last beat Dortmund in 2007 with no indication of an upset this time out. Players from Dortmund seemed overly frustrated when conceding last time out, and I am sure are eager to improve defensively. For extra cash on a side bet, back Dortmund and Both Teams To Score (No) at 14/10.

26/10 Hertha Berlin | 26/10 | Borussia M’Gladbach 19/20 (18:30)

Hertha Berlin are neither here nor there in the league or form but were able to pick up a 1-2 away win over Eintracht Frankfurt after a two-game skid. The Old Lady will want to find some sort of form, but against Borussia Monchengladbach, this is a difficult ask. This encounter always brings the goals, with there only ever being three goalless draws in 69 previous matches played. M’Gladbach were held to a frustrating draw last time out against Stuttgart and will want to dust that one off in quick succession, but with just one win on the road so far, it will be tough in front of the Berlin crowd. Two wins and a draw on the bounce gives me faith in a Borussia Monchengladbach win.

Sunday 24 October

43/20 Cologne | 29/10 | Bayer Leverkusen 21/20 (15:30)

Cologne were in great form going into the matchup with Hoffenheim, but with key defensive midfielder Ellyes Skhiri out, chances became rather slim and a 5-0 thumping from Hoffenheim ensued to really break the confidence the Billy Goats had built. Bayer Leverkusen found themselves in a similar predicament, carrying excellent form into a big match with Bayern Munich only to lose 5-1. Both teams tasted their second defeat of the season last time out and will, without question, be eager to get back in the win column. Cologne will have the longer rest period as the opposition prepare for a Thursday night Europa League matchup, but a decent and mindful squad rotation from manager Gerardo Seoane should produce the goods. A tightly contested matchup is on the cards, but Leverkusen’s quality in personnel will carry them over the line.

29/20 Stuttgart | 49/20 | Union Berlin 7/4 (15:30)

Union Berlin continue their push to be a successful team in the Bundesliga, taking their home record to 21 unbeaten games after dismantling Wolfsburg in the second half of their matchup to win the fixture 2-0. Nigerian striker Taiwo Awonyini has been the go-to man for goals, scoring six of Union’s 12 Bundesliga goals this season, quickly making him a fan favourite. While the opposition may be strong and in fine form, the home team Stuttgart is a little off the pace. They were able to hold onto a 1-1 draw after a sensational goal from Konstantinos Mavropanos who has found his third of the season on loan at Stuttgart. Two wins in eight matches is not where Stuttgart want to find themselves, and a fight against Union will be better at home than away. The home team have never beaten Union in topflight German football but have also not lost on home soil. Back a draw in this contest.

43/20 Bochum | 24/10 | Eintracht Frankfurt 12/10 (15:30)

Of the two promoted teams, Bochum is definitely the one putting up a bit of a fight. A 1-0 away win over their promoted counterpart Greuther Furth last time out tells the story. But it’s back to the real fight, as they sit 15th and take on Eintracht Frankfurt in 14th with just one point difference. This game will prove crucial in the later stages and could be a real reference to staying afloat. Eintracht have three draws, a win, and a loss in their last five, not showing much urgency to get over the line in their fixtures, but you can bet on the away team to find three points in this encounter.

TREBLE @ 9/1
Freiburg Win 26/10
Borussia M’Gladbach Win 19/20
RB Leipzig and Totals (Over 2.5) 4/10