Merry Christmas & a happy New Year 2013

I wish all of my visitors, followers, friends and partners

a merry, peaceful and blessed Christmas and a happy,

healthy and successful New Year 2013 !!!

Merry Christmas

and

a happy New Year 2013 !!!

Werder Bremen - 1.FC Nürnberg

The north team Werder Bremen lost a big unlucky against Eintracht Frankfurt as they played not as bad as the result shows. They were on a good way and had also some good opportunities but waste with them and therefore they conceded to fast goals and the match was decided. Sure the potential are there above all at home where they play more an offensive style and push a lot from beginning on. With players like de Bryne, Hunt, Arnautovic and Petersen they are always able to create some dangerous situations. Their record is still positiv at home but they must win today to get closer to an international place for next season. With a win they are only one point behind this places and all is open for them in the second half of the season. 

On the other side it seems Nürnberg is on a good way as they collected a few points in the past and they won some important matches against Hoffenheim and Düsseldorf while losing unlucky against Leverkusen. They played well and they are far away from any relegation trouble now. With a win they can overcome Bremen here but it should be hard work as Bremen are not so easy to beat in their stadium and additional Nürnberg is not such good on the road. They score to less but conceded in almost all away matches this season what makes it much more difficult for them. They normally play from a good organized defensive but if they are able to create some they waste with it a lot of are to harmless as well. If you saw the win against Düsseldorf you can understand what I mean as both goals are scored out of the box. Sure it is quality from the players but they can not count on every match on this.

I like this matchup very much as Bremen for sure are pushing and Nürnberg are defending and go for counter but I can not see that they can hold the pressure for long time away, sooner or later Bremen take the lead. Of course Bremen has to be aware of the counter attacks from Nürnberg but as Bremen scored almost in all matches twice at home and Nürnberg conceded in almost all I think Bremen is more able to win this as Nürnberg are to harmless infront of the goals too.

Recommend Bet: Werder Bremen AHC -0,5 @ 1,90 (3 Units)

1899 Hoffenheim - Borussia Dortmund

After changing their coach 1899 Hoffenheim was still weaker as before. They played very bad against Hamburg and lost deserved 0-2. They were only focused to stand deep and count on a good defensive but forgot that they should play forward too. After they conceded the 0-1 they played their style on and they were never in any dangerous action infront of Adler's goal. Therefore what has U23 coach Kremer done with them. Sure he changed some players and count on players where Babbel do not want in the starting lineup but it was more or less a desaster. If they play like against Hamburg they will have never a chance against Dortmund here. Also some of their players are very tired and without any self confidence and motivation as well. If you are at the bottom you should stand up and fight but not even that they can. What makes me a bit worried are the statements of the players that they need the break for a new start and so on. Hey, they get so much money for their job but are not able to give everything in every situation. Also Sportmanger Müller mean that Kremer is not a magician and it needs time. Maybe they should give this match immediately away with this words.

Dortmund on the other side are not in the best moment above all as they lost last weekend against Wolfsburg undeserved as referee gave a penalty and red for wing Schmelzer which decided this match. Dortmund played really well till this situation but they forgot only to score more goals. Therefore they are 3 points behind 3rd place now and it is almost a must win situation for them. Coach Klopp push a lot under the week and he mentioned that they win this one for sure. It is not easy as they had not the best matches there and won not much but if I compare both teams at the moment who should stop such an offensive with Götze, Reus, Kuba and Lewandowski? 1899 are for sure not as they make to many mistakes in their defensive row and they are more or less much to unstable there. If Dortmund can play like against Wolfsburg in the first 30 minutes I am sure that they will win this encounter.

A big difference here as 1899 Hoffenheim are down and they are almost hopeless above all their last performances showed this while Dortmund has much more potential and players in their rows who can decide this encounter. Sure Dortmund not with the best record in Hoffenheim but at the moment they should be able to overcome them.

VfL Bochum - SC Paderborn

Hope to see the same again today !!!

Home side plays their weakest season ever in 2.BL so far and they need points to get out of the trouble but it is not such easy as expected. They play not so bad but had problems above all at home if they force a lot but on the other side they conceded goals and lose then. Sure the win in Dresden was very important for them but Dresden is absolutely out of form at the moment. If they want continue this way they have to win this one too. It seems that it is not such obvious as Paderborn are on a losing run at the moment but if you compare their home performances with their away, they were by far better on the road and they collected a lot more points there. Their style of play is more counter attacks as with some players in their rows they have excellent weapons for this.

VfL coach Neitzel's aim was that he can get 20 points till the break but it is needed a win now. It would be not as easy as it looks because Paderborn is known for their good defensive play and therefore Bochum must have some good ideas and also play much faster to overcome them. Not many changes expected compared to the match in Dresden, only Maltritz come in as central back while Iashvili is an option in offensive but if he plays maybe Dedic is out and on bench then. 

Paderborn played not such bad against Hertha but lost 0-1. They made a good game but were very unlucky infront of the goal as they did not score. Maybe it would be a bit better today as Bochum sure allow some situations more as Hertha did. Coach Schmidt was not much angry about the performance although they lose. He has to replace an important player with Bertels and maybe Krösche who was ill under the week today. If Krösche is only on bench Vrancic plays for him and also important keeper Kruse is back after suspension. For Bertels maybe Kempe move back and therefore some of the bench players like Hoffmann or Naki can hopes for starting today.

What to say here, very close in my eyes as Bochum has some problems above all against deep standing teams and they push a lot but forget the defensive and therefore they are always prone to concede goals as they open to much. As Paderborn is a solid away side in the past and they conceded not much it can be that they can get here anything and I am very keen on them here.

Recommend Bet: SC Paderborn AHC +0,25 @ 1,90 (3 Units)

MSV Duisburg - Jahn Regensburg

Is Regensburg able to win against MSV again?

Important battle against relegation as both need the points and both want to win this one. Sure MSV was better in the past and with two wins in a row they left the danger zone and with the next win here they can get closer to the midfield places of the table while Regensburg sit on the bottom of the table and if they do not want to fall back more they need to win and therefore they can have some hope for the next year. They want to sign three new players and also a new coach should come but first they have to play this encounter. 

With 18 Points and 16:30 goals they are on the 14. place and the distance to first relegation place 16. are three points. But after two wins on the road they have to take the next three here if they do not want to get in trouble again. The only important thing is that they are not such good as on the road and they had hard to fight in their own stadium in the past. They made to many mistakes and are always open for some counters of their opponents. They played not as compact as on the road and I do not think that they can do it today. But Coach Runjaic can count on Hofmann and Lachheb again as both are back but on the other side is offensive player Exslager a big doubt for today. They try that he can play but it is not confirmed yet. On their injury list are always some players and in this case with Bollmann, Wiedwald, da Silva, and Gjasula are some out but they were out longer now. Also Sportmanger Grlic mentioned that this match is one of the most important of 2012 for them.

Bottom team Regensburg with 13 Points and 20:30 goals in a must win situation already. They had the chance if they had won the encounter against 1860 Munich at home last weekend because they lead till the end with 1-0 but conceded as always the equalizer. It is known that they have huge problems in the last 10 minutes and they gave many points away in this time. Do not know what happen with the team in this Phase of the match but they are very confused there. I can name a lot of these games like against Köln, Union, 1860 Munich and so on .... if they had get the points they would be never in danger at the moment. Maybe Regensburg think back to the beginning of the season where they won their first match against MSV 2-0 this season but on this day MSV was very crap and Regensburg overcome them easy. The time has change a bit as MSV are in better shape and Regensburg looked very tired in the past and as mentioned in the end where they conceded a lot. Also their squad situation is not the best as with Rahn, Hein, Ziereis, Müller (all injured) and Kamavuaka suspended are almost 4 starters not available. Coach Gerber make his last match as coach but it is not an easy one for him as he can count only on what he has available at the moment.  

Overall it is a match where the weakest home team plays against the weakest away team, therefore we can look forward to a hard fight but on the other side for many mistakes as well. Both are very unstable in defensive and produce a lot of errors and in this case I expect a few goals there.

Recommend Bet: OVER 2 @ 1,68 (3 Units)

FC Ingolstadt 04 - FC St. Pauli

Fin Bartels is back for the Pauli today

With 25 and 21 Points both teams stands in midfield of the table. Ingolstadt lost the contact to the top places with 5 matches without a win while St. Pauli fight a lot to come out of the bottom of the table but got a huge blow with 0-3 at home against Aue last weekend. Therefore both teams do not know much where the trip go in the table.

Although they got only a 1-1 draw at Cottbus last weekend but they self confidence is huge in Ingolstadt. It was more or less a very hard match above all with so much snow on the pitch and without  viewing much. Even with the last match, coach Oral should not change much but one of his important players are missing as he got his 5th yellow card and is suspended now (captain Leitl). For this Caiuby can move forward to Eigler while Korkmaz and Uludag are in the team then. And again with Groß and Roger on the double six but on the other side Matip has lost his starting place due to bad performances in the past.

Also FC St. Pauli is without his captain Boll. But they want to turn things around and they want to get the lost points back from the Aue match. But it was not such easy on a deep deep pitch. Boll is already on vacation and therefore Kringe and Funk are set on the double six. But some changes are expected as with Bartels they get one important wing back from suspension and also injured Mohr is an option beside Thorandt on central back while Avevor can move back to his normal position and push Kalla out of the starting lineup. The other missing are Bruns, Schindler and Gonther.

Overall a close match, both teams are not in their best moment but Ingolstadt had a lot of problems at least in their stadium. They like more if they can go for their counter style of play, on the other side they do not like if they must come and make the match. But this should be the key today as Pauli sit back and maybe looking to hurt Ingolstadt in some situations.

Hertha BSC Berlin - FSV Frankfurt

Wow, what a run from Hertha, they are unbeaten since 16 Rounds and are in distance to leader Eintracht Braunschweig as with a win they can overcome them for some hours as Braunschweig plays first at monday. But a draw is to less as they are 2 points behind, only a win helps. Nevertheless should be such easy as a win above all if they face the team where they lost the only match this season so far. With FSV Frankfurt they have a tough opponent to play and it is not as easy as expected above all they are a hard nut. But things have changed much and Hertha is on much better shape as to beginning of the season and therefore some hopes should be there anyway but Coach Möhlmann mentioned that he wants to get some too.

On the other side said Coach Luhukay that it is very important to go with a win into the break as they are mentally ahead if they start preparation for second half of the season and also they have a positiv memory if they stand some hours on 1st place too. No important missing and therefore he can choose from almost all. No major changes expected as well. Only long term injured players out with Franz, Janker, Ben Hatira, Pekarik and Kobiashvili.

As the whole season so far it is not the best at FSV where they miss again some players like Yelen, Gledson, Gaus and Tosonuglu are all expected first for a comeback next year. As in the past matches coach Möhlmann has almost the same lineup available, only Konrad returns from suspension this time and therefore he can choose additional from all 4 defensive players. In this case he has some options but he has to think about it first. Sure set to play on the sixer position should be Stark who played very well in the past and showed his strength beside him maybe Konrad but as in some matches Coach Möhlmann plays with 3 players as defensive row against offensive minded teams. In this case Bambara and Heitmeier are some options here too. But if he count on this system he has to change some in offensive and plays only with one striker Kapplani. Yun and Verhoek move on bench but should have some self confidence as they scored both a goal against SV Sandhausen and are options for the second half maybe.

Announcement !!!

After I have put so much energy and time into this Blog but without any benefit. In this case I think long time about it and in the end I came to the following decision. Unfortunately I had to change my mind and I can not provide everything for free. Since the costs are very high but in contrast to no benefit. Therefore I want to start a Mailing-List for Subscribers who get the Picks very early to their Inbox (on Match day) while normal Followers have it only available after the match is already running 30 minutes. I think this should be a fair solution to all. I charge not much as I want only my costs are covered. If you have further questions, need additional informations or you are interested to subscribe, just write a mail to germansoccerinsider@gmail.com

You can book Rounds as below stated. For more you can move to Tab "Subscription"

Dates of the Rounds are as follows:
Round 17 --> 14.12. - 17.12. 
Round 18 --> 18.01. - 20.01. only BL
Round 19 --> 25.01. - 27.01. only BL
Round 20 --> 01.02. - 04.02.
Round 21 --> 08.02. - 11.02.
Round 22 --> 15.02. - 18.02.
Round 23 --> 22.02. - 25.02.
Round 24 --> 01.03. - 04.03.
Round 25 --> 08.03. - 11.03.
Round 26 --> 15.03. - 18.03.
Round 27 --> 29.03. - 01.04.
Round 28 --> 05.04. - 08.04.
Round 29 --> 12.04. - 15.04.
Round 30 --> 19.04. - 22.04.
Round 31 --> 26.04. - 29.04.
Round 32 --> 03.05. - 06.05.
Round 33 --> 11.05. - 12.05. 
Round 34 --> 18.05. - 19.05.

I hope you understand my decision and Good Luck for the future !!!

Hannover 96 - Bayer Leverkusen

EL starter Hannover played well against Levante and was a bit unlucky that they got the equalizer in the last seconds. But this was not such important as they advanced to next round already. They had some problems in the past in BL and they got not much. Their performances were not the best as in Munich they were absolutely tired after EL and against Mainz as they played with one man more they were not able to get at least a draw or win, they conceded in the end the goal that they lose. Sure it is not the best situation at the moment there but they are not so bad at home as on the road and therefore should be more hope there to get back on track. In their own stadium they were always able to score and they score often 2 goals or more what give huge confidence against Leverkusen too.

The next EL starter rested a lot of players and played with a better U23 team against Rosenborg where they won in the end deserved. Anyway they are on good shape and they overcome some teams and stands on 2nd place now but with huge difference to leader Bayern already. With a win here they can take some between them and Dortmund as they are with 6 points ahead then. But it is a very difficult match for them today as they won not much in Hannover. Also their style of play is much more different as at home. On the road they play also from a good defensive but are more focused to use the space they get with their fast wings like Schürrle and Castro. Additional Kießling upfront is also able to score.

As both sides are able to create some and get dangerous enough I like the goals in this match. Hannover at home always able to score while Leverkusen on the road gets much more space at in their home matches and therefore it is not impossible that they score, what they did in almost all away matches this season so far. Overall this should be a match set for goals.

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,75 @ 2,06 (3 Units)

FC St. Pauli - Erzgebirge Aue

They started into the season with a 0-0 draw and while St. Pauli had an extreme bad run they were in huge trouble but after changing their coach to Frontzeck success come back and they are on a better way now and also with a win they let relegation trouble behind and can look forward for higher ambitions. On the other side Aue collected 17 points from 17 matches and therefore they would be in relegation battle till the end of the season if nothing change here.

Home team should be huge motivated and also with huge self confidence after they win against Kaiserslautern last weekend. They were the first team who can beat Lautern this season and they had a good performance but nevertheless they need it again today. It is not an easy task for them as Aue is a hard nut but they should be able and the class in their rows are there too. Not many changes expected as many of the starters against Lautern made a good match as Avevor and Thorandt but on the other side coach Frontzeck gets some options back with Mohr and Bruns but maybe after injury first on bench while Boll is no option after his back problems. The only questionmark is behind Thy as he can not use his chance last weekend but the replacement with Schindler can't train the whole week. In this case Frontzeck has to think a bit of these two.

Important match for Aue last weekend but they was not able to win there and played only 2-2 against SV Sandhausen. It was very disappointing above all because they were one man more on the pitch but could not use it. So, for this encounter many changes are expected as with keeper Männel and Fabian Müller returning two starters who were not available last weekend. Their replacement Flauder and Könnicke must back to bench today. Also some problems in midfield as with Hensel is one important player suspended but they signed under the week Michael Fink and he is set to play from beginning. But after so long time without any match it is more a doubt that he is in good form and help Aue. In offensive maybe Kocer gets a chance and they change a bit in offensive as with König and Sylvestr must one striker on bench then.

In this encounter I see some advantage for St. Pauli but it is always a bit difficult to play against Aue, as you never know. Pauli at home was almost always able to create some and score while they are also open in defensive to concede. On the other side Aue changed their play a lot as to beginning of the season where they were not dangerous enough and scored less, in the past 5 matches they were always able to score. Therefore I like the goals here and if one side take the lead it would be more open as both want the win. 

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,5 @ 1,87 (3 Units)

VfB Stuttgart - FC Schalke 04

I know as I wrote it already for the match Bayern Munich against Hannover 96. But I have to mentioned it because I think it is a bit a disadvantage for Stuttgart here. They played EL on Thursday and they were very weak there although they created a lot but missed huge too. With this match they had only 43 hours rest for the next encounter here. Also their league matches in the past were not successfully as well and they looked very tired and not on their level they can bring. Sure, normally they should be as they are all Profis and under this conditions they have to work like engines. Overall they are average at home and maybe have much more problems to play infront of their crowd as on the road. Coach Labbadia has to change as DEF Tasci is suspended but Maza and Niedermeier are a very solid central back, so no worries here. Midfield and Offensive should be the same like in the past but they have to be much more effective otherwise it would be very hard to beat Schalke.

Their opponent are also not in their best shape and they showed an awful November and at the beginning of December it was not much better as they are not on the best level and some players looked tired as well. Some fans are very angry about the performances but what should they change? Maybe Stevens made to many changes on keeper position and under the week in CL they played with almost B squad but move back to normal today. Sure, they have to push a lot but it is not always very easy above all in Stuttgart where they played many times but got almost nothing there, with only 4 wins in over 40 matches it says all. With Affelay, Papadopoulos and Höger they miss 3 players who are normally starters.

Maybe this one is decided very fast according to the tiredness from Stuttgart or it is very close and therefore more chances to win for Stuttgart. If they can hold some time the draw the match gets open wide as Schalke wants to play forwards and must open then, and the space should be used by the fast players from Stuttgart like Harnik, Traore and Ibisevic upfront. According to all facts I am a little bit angry about the less rest for Stuttgart but both sides without any form and the record speaks clearly for Stuttgart above all with a positive HC on our side. I have to take this one now.

Recommend Bet: VfB Stuttgart AHC +0,25 @ 1,97 (3 Units)

SC Paderborn - Hertha BSC Berlin

It looks more and more that Paderborn is on a downtrend now, they was unbeaten for several matches but now they are winless since 3 matches and they have 3 defeats at home so far. Highlight was last weekend as they lost to bottom team MSV Duisburg 0-2 and showed a very weak performance. Maybe their injury crisis in defense help them not much as with Wemmer and Palionis they miss two important defender and moreover they are without first keeper Kruse who got a red card against Duisburg and is suspended. Therefore Lück is in goal and also the defensive are unchanged for today as coach Schmidt does not want to make changes here. As against Duisburg they played more open in this case they change back to 4-2-3-1 to more defensive style. Also some changes in offensive are expected.

Very good week for Hertha as they won against Cottbus and while Lautern lost yesterday they can look forward to stay on one of the first two places over the winter break. Sure they want to win the last two matches against Paderborn and FSV Frankfurt, therefore they are huge focused here and they want to continue their run of 15 unbeaten matches. Coach Luhukay plans some changes as with Ramos who got ill and was out against Cottbus returns an excellent striker. As Allagui had not the best day against Cottbus he must be back on bench maybe. In some other positions are no changes expected because they play well above all central back with Brooks and Lustenberger are very good now. Also Ronny is in good shape although with some slight injuries in the past but he plays. And he was the man against Cottbus and it is all about him for Hertha, also some good mens on sixer position with Kluge and Niemeyer who do a good job too.

FC Augsburg - Bayern München

With only 8 points Augsburg stuck at the bottom of the table, far away from safe zone. They are far to harmless as they scored not much and on the other side they conceded in almost all matches. Ok, at home they looked a little bit better but they won only one match from 8 while losing 4. They had also a lot of injury problems also some new signings are by far behind their normal level or totally out of form. Manager Rollmann stands still to coach Weinzierl but how long? It is very unlikely that they can win against Bayern here. Sure as we compare matches with better teams like Dortmund here they played by far better but have not the class to hurt them. As they lost at home then always with two goals difference and this was 4 times the case.

Leader Bayern rest a lot of players under the week in CL against Borrisov and therefore they should be fresh and with a lot of power. Sure they got some problems above all in central back as Badstuber got injured and he is out longer with a huge knee injury. His replacement should be Boateng or van Buyten but this should be no problem as well. Robben and Luiz Gustavo are out too but they are not available since weeks. Bayern Munich plays on a high level this season and they are very hard to beat as they lost only against Leverkusen at home, the other matches are all more than less in their favor. Moreover they scoring for free and conceding very less as the team work much better together as in the past seasons. Coach Heynckes has formed a really great team.

Overall this should be a class difference if we compare both sides. If Augsburg want to get here anything they must an absolutely great day as on the other side Bayern has too much class in their rows and the players are always able to create something. Under all things, Bayern should win here.

Recommend Bet: Bayern München AHC -1,5 @ 1,81 (3 Units)

SC Freiburg - Greuther Fürth

Sure Freiburg solid this season and far away from any relegation trouble. They did well so far and they want to hold the distance to the bottom places more likely they want to climb a bit in table. They had some problems with their squad in the past as many were suspended and injured. But nevertheless the situation is getting better now and also injured Rosenthal wants to play today. Out are suspended Schuster with 5th yellow card and Diagne after red Card against Bayern Munich. On the injured list are Freis, Höhn, Ginter and Terrazzino. They celebrated 3 wins at home against Stuttgart, 1899 Hoffenheim and Nürnberg by 2 draws and 3 defeats. If we compare these teams they won only against teams who are behind them and who was in huge trouble. The only one Stuttgart who is normally strong away but had a bad day and also derby time. If they score only one goal or less they could not win and it would be more tough today as Fürth sure defending deep. The space should be not there and in this case they need some other ideas or play more faster.

Bottom team Fürth is not very happy with the situation above all coach Büskens desperated as President or Fans. He wants to get a win sooner or later to get closer to 1899 Hoffenheim and maybe see some light in the end of the tunnel. But he has to change his team again as with Schmidtgal and Sararer 2 starters are out. Therefore Baba and Nöthe maybe gets a chance and he wants to play with two strikers to get more dangerous as Asamoah did well but infront of the goal he wasted a lot although he had a lot very good opportunities. Away from home they are by far better and they got some results there and also some good matches as against Hannover 96 they were very unlucky not to get anything as they were better but lost 0-2. If they can take the lead, it would be a good advantage and they can maybe get a bit more self confidence. As they lost only to Dortmund, Hannover and Leverkusen I am very confident that they are finally able to get something out of this match.

As all know, Freiburg is no high scoring team and against Fürth who are under huge pressure and for sure defending deep it would be more difficult for them to overcome them. Additional Fürth played well on the road and if they have at least one time the luck to take the lead it would be more and more on their side. I think it is time for Fürth as they missed a lot in the past and the HC with +1 looks good on them.

Recommend Bet: Greuther Fürth AHC +1 @ 1,80 (3 Units)

Hamburger SV - 1899 Hoffenheim

Although Hamburg had a lot of problems to begin of the season and in the past weeks with too many injuries they are on a good way. They collected a lot of points and was able to leave the lower half of the table and are closer to an international place for next season. With only a few points behind 6^th place they have good chances to stay in the race but they have to win this encounter as they can hold the pressure high on their opponents then. Coach Fink can make a few changes as with Arslan and Son are two important players back who was out against Wolfsburg. Arslan could replace Rincon but he plays not on the sixer position as he changes with Bardel and move forward in offensive midfield while Son can play upfront or in midfield. Also the back wing position should be changed because against Wolfsburg played with Bruma a central back on this position but Aogo should be ready again. With new injured Beister, van der Vaart and Jansen they miss some but they should be able to win this one. If they score at home they always won this season (4 times) but if they could not score they lost always (3 times). 

A lot of trouble by 1899 Hoffenheim as first with the accident from player Vukcevic and now with their long winless run and therefore they fired coach Babbel to begin of the week. They want to start absolutely new but it is more a doubt if they can turn things around because since Rangnick left the club they are more on a down as on an uptrend. No coach has been the desired result there so far. Also no one on the line could lead the team in the past years and it is more as questionable if U23 coach Kramer can find the right words, players for the match against Hamburg. If they continue like the past matches with their awful defense with many mistakes and so on they are for sure inferior here. On the other side they have players with huge quality in their squad but none of them are on the level he can help here. Without self confidence, motivation and discipline they are for sure not able to leave relegation zone fast. 

Overall a little bad that 1899 sucked their coach this week but nevertheless I trust Hamburg much more as 1899 as they impressed me not much. 

2.BL Friday

Union Berlin - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Union won last match against Bochum but they are not so strong at home as last year. They made to many mistakes in defense and also waste to much too. With Jopek, Puncec and Belaid they miss three. Kaiserslautern was long time unbeaten but they lost their first match last weekend but overall they are hard to beat. With Amri, Alushi, Fortounis and Micanski they miss 4 but not imp. anyway.
First match ended 3-3 and 09/10 won Lautern 2-0 in Berlin


FSV Frankfurt - SV Sandhausen

FSV a bit on a downtrend above all at home where they had a good record this season but lost all their past matches there. They were unlucky in some situations as they deserved more in some matches. Overall with many missings as almost the whole season. With Konrad suspended and Lamidi, Yelen, Gaus, Gledson, Tosunoglu are many out.
After Sandhausen changed their coach they are on a huge uptrend and they are unbeaten in the last 3 while they got 7 points out of these matches and they are on a good way to leave relegation zone. With Dorn, Kittner, Halfar, Klotz and Pischorn suspended they miss a few.
First match ended 1-1 and this was the only match between these two teams in 2.BL so far but they played against each other in Regional League and in 4 matches there were never a home win, all 4 matches were away wins.


VfR Aalen - MSV Duisburg

Normally Aalen is much better away from home if they can play more from a solid defensive and go for counter because if they must play forwards it is not their style as they have fewest ball possession of all teams. No one out.
Still in danger zone although they won in Paderborn 2-0 but they need more to get out. As they miss again a lot of their players it is not such easy for them as well. According to their injury list they are without Wiedwald, da Silva, Bollmann, Lachheb and Domovchiyski. It looks a bit better for them now.
First match this season ended 4-1 for Aalen and it was the first match from both against each other.

Energie Cottbus - Hertha BSC Berlin

Although Cottbus lost their last match in Sandhausen 1-3 they can get closer to the top three with a win and therefore they would be only one point behind Kaiserslautern. Sure this is their aim to give some pressure on the teams above but it would be not very easy for today. In Sandhausen coach Bommer counts on some players who are normally not in the starting lineup and he did this only due to some players are not available or not ready 100%. In this case some changes are expected as with sixer Kruska returns and important players from suspension and also Engel is ready again while Bitroff can move to his normal position and therefore Rippert must on bench again. Replacement from Kruska Brinkmann is also on bench then. But one of the important news is that Sanogo can play today as he was very doubtful for this match today. Let's hope that Cottbus can bring their home strength on the pitch as we can see a very attractive match.

Giant Berlin came from a 1-1 against Köln at home and an easy 4-0 at Aue. It looks like that they are a bit stronger away from home as on the road. Sure sometimes they had bit luck because if they can take the lead very early it opens them a lot of space and in this case their offensive players are much more dangerous then. All in all as I read count coach Luhukay on the same lineup as against Köln. With Allagui on the wing but he change sometimes with Ramos maybe to bring more pressure on the defensive of their opponent. Ronny had some problems with his knee but he should be ready and can play today.

Big match for both as Cottbus are very strong at home but Hertha is the best side away from home it can be a very interesting match. Both have very good offense (Cott 15-5 at home while Hertha 19-9 on the road) and this match maybe set for goals. 

VfL Wolfsburg - Hamburger SV

Diego is in good form and hopefully today too

An important match for VfL Wolfsburg ahead as they can bring some distance between them and the red zone but on the other side with a win they are not far away from an international starting place. They played really great under the week against Gladbach and dominated the whole match although they lost 0-2. As the goals came from nothing .... a long pass to Arrango and his volley shot was the 1-0 and the second after corner. Wolfsburg push a lot but forgot to score and therefore they have to be more focused today. It is not sure if Josue can return after his suspension because he has some injury problems while striker Olic is also a small doubt as he was out after the middle of second half against Gladbach. The others should be ready and for sure motivated to get the win they deserved already last match.

After bad start Hamburg gets better into the season and they are not far away from the top six. They won 2-1 at home against weak Schalke who plays very bad at the moment and show not much. HSV fight till the end and they got rewarded. Also Beister scored his first goal this seaosn for them but nevertheless they miss a lot of players today. With van der Vaart, Son and Jansen are 3 important starters injured while Arslan is suspended. Beside these 4 players they have not available Rajkovic, Rincon, Kacar and Jiracek. Overall a lot of players above all the midfield is weaker and maybe some problems on the double six as with Rincon, Kacar, Jiracek and Arslan are almost all out.

If Wolfsburg come into the match like against Gladbach I never doubt that they do not win this one. Both teams are almost on the same level but Wolfsburg improved a lot under coach Köstner and some players are in good shape while Hamburg face a lot of problems with unavailable players. Like the home win here.

Recommend Bet: VfL Wolfsburg AHC -0,5 @ 2,03 (3 Units)

2.BL Update

1.FC Köln - FC Ingolstadt 04

Ok, seems the team from Cologne understand coach Stanislawski more now and they are on a better way as many weeks ago. They play well but have maybe also some problems against teams who stand more deep. Maybe this can be the key today as Ingolstadt is by far better on the road as at home and in this case they can go for their counter attacks and if i remember the last away match in Braunschweig where they were by far the better side but lost unlucky. The only big thing should be that important players are missing today as Eigler and Uludag are suspended while Korkmaz, Metzelder and Ikeng are injured.


SC Paderborn - MSV Duisburg

Both team a little bit in downtrend and it is an important match for both above all for MSV if they want to have a chance to remain in this league despite huge financial problems and also injury wise. Paderborn lost a big of their strength in the past as they have to replace some important players but they have some back and maybe only Wemmer and Palionis missing today. On the other side MSV with keeper Wiedwald, Lachheb, Bollmann and Gjasula are also some out but the situation is getting better and they can count on some who were out in the past. This encounter is more for the away side as the statistic tells only 1 home win, 2 draws and 5 away wins. Let's see what happen.

FSV Frankfurt - Eintracht Braunschweig

After three unlucky lost matches FSV was very pleased but they put all this in their away match against VfL Bochum and won deserved there. They played compact while Bochum was very awful and in this case we can not overestimate this win here. But if we take a look at the other matches where they lost twice at home against 1860 and Kaiserslautern both with 0-1 and in Dresden 1-2 they should have luck on their side now. As against 1860 they played really good and were the far better side but waste a lot and therefore 1860 scored with the first shot on target. While against Lautern they fall down only due to a penalty goal from Bunjaku but played good in second half and push a lot of pressure on them and the referee did not count a penalty for them as well. Moreover they had the same situation in Dresden as they lost also unlucky because the referee was against them in some situations. All this bad luck maybe come back as luck and it is sometimes like that. Coach Möhlmann has the whole season problems with injured players and again one more is out with striker Kapllani. As they have not many left maybe he put up Görlitz as striker or maybe change the system to more defensive likely 4-1-4-1. 

After Braunschweig losing their match this season against Cottbus 1-3 they had a lot of luck against St. Pauli under the week. As the red card for St. Pauli players Fin Bartels was a little bit to hard in experts eyes. Therefore they played a long time with one man more but can't take advantage here because they waste a lot with their excellent chances. But this was only Pauli opened a lot and had also some good once on their side but missed too. In the end it stands a 1-0 for Braunschweig. But also coach Lieberknecht has some problems with his squad as with Kessel suspended and Dogan doubtful it seems that he has not many options in defensive. The only good news is that Theuerkauf returns after suspension and can play on sixer position. The others who are not available are Kretz, Correia, Kluft, Henn, Petersch and Washausen. Otherwise their offensive is full.

I expect a close match here as FSV will for sure play more defensive style and let Braunschweig come, but this is not their style of play as Braunschweig count more on counter attacks as they can make the match. On the other side, if FSV is able to score, it is obvious that they can get something here as Braunschweig is not able to score a lot on the road. They scored in 7 matches always but only 2 times more as one and on the other side if FSV collected points this season at home they always scored, as their two defeats ended 0-1. Very interesting match, maybe I put up a pick here but think about.

Recommend Bet: FSV Frankfurt AHC +0,25 @ 1,91 (3 Units)

Bayern München - Borussia Dortmund

After winning against Freiburg under the week Bayern are 11 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund and they can be more relaxed as their opponent today. But nevertheless they are huge motivated to win this encounter as they lost the last 5 against their new rival. In this case they want to show all in Germany who are the number one. Some changes are expected as against Freiburg coach Heynckes rested some players to get them back fresh and with power. Therefore Heynckes can bring his best linup and change maybe on some positions as Schweisteiger and Mandzukic are sure starters today. On the other side they miss Robben and Gustavo but their squad is such deep that this should be not the problem here. Bayern has the best offensive with 40 gaols scored and allowed only 5 goals in 14 matches this season. These are huge numbers and it would be not an easy task for Dortmund today.

After been not as present as last season the results are not like they want at the beginning of the season and they had some deficit on Bayern Munich. After they recovered a lot and get back on track they are a lot points behind leader Bayern and as coach Klopp did a big mistake on Tuesday as he rested some players and also gave best player Reus after 60 minutes also some rest they conceded the equalizer against Düsseldorf and lost again points as they were not able to turn this match to their side. They are 11 points behind now and if they lose today they are absolutely out of the title race. Sure they are huge motivated to repair this mistake under the week but it is by far to less this season. Many criticized them that they are only focused on BL and let CL run but this season I meant that they are more focused on CL and they want to show that they are able to win against the big clubs and they a more mature than last season. Coach Klopp has to wait if he can bring Gündogan and Götze who are a doubt for this match and it is not confirmed if they can play while Hummels is ready again.

Overall this is the big match in German and everyone are waiting for this encounter. The voltage is not very high because too many points separate the two teams but it's about the prestige and sure Bayern Munich want the revenge for the 5 loses. Sure in Supercup they have already won 2-1 this season but does not count just as BL-matches or Cup. Interesting match where I favor the home side.

Recommend Bet: Bayern München AHC -0,75 @ 1,95 (3 Units)

FC Augsburg - SC Freiburg

Augsburg stuck at the bottom of the table and they are already far away to the safe zone. They need immediately points and if not, they stand long time behind their coach Weinzierl but this is almost his last chance, if they do not win again he must leave. As the situation is getting not much better as they doing always well but scored to less as the matches at home show. Only one time against Werder Bremen 3-1, the others are BvB 1-3, Düssel 0-2, HSV 0-2, Glad 1-1 and Wolfs 0-0. It is clear where the problems are but if they change their style of play and open their defensive a bit it is more likely that they conceded more. It is up to the coach to find the right balance here and motivate the players. It is very hard for them if they play well and fight hard but get not rewarded with points.

SC Freiburg is in excellent shape and they play very well and fight as well. They are a bit angry about the lose against Bayern Munich 0-2 but they have to stand up and go on. Coach Streich was not very enthusiastic about some decisions of the Referee. As with DEF Diagne (red card) and MID Caligiuri (5th yellow card) are two guys unnecessary suspended while the problems in defensive are getting worse because with Höhn, Ginter and Putsila they miss 3 more there. It is up to Coach Streich to bring up a good defensive row. But not to be much worried as Streich is a very good coach and he knows what to do and to motivate his players who come in new. Anyway they are very hard to beat on the road and this managed only so far Leverkusen 2-0 and Frankfurt 2-1. 

Overall Augsburg must come as they need the win here and Freiburg can go for their counter attacks as they are for sure dangerous enough to score. As they play very compact it is not much space for Augsburg in my eyes and on the other side Augsburg give a lot of space to Freiburg. Despite some defensive problems I trust Freiburg more as Augsburg has only one win at home.

Recommend Bet: SC Freiburg AHC 0 @ 1,87 (3 Units)

Bayer Leverkusen - 1.FC Nürnberg

Secretly, quietly, just right for the Christmas time Bayer Leverkusen climbed up in the table to second place. No one expected this but they had a quiet good run where they won 5 matches from the last 6 and they were always able to score twice or more. Only against Wolfsburg they lost 1-3 and were totally dominated but look also very tired. In the past matches they had many fun and this was shown on the pitch as players like Schürrle, Castro, Carvajal are in excellent shape at the moment. They played really good against Bremen and not everyone win there. Leverkusen is in form, just to the right time at the end of the year and they can assure one’s position if they contiune this way. Of course some important players are not available with Sam, Bellarabi, Kadlec and Schwaab but their replacements did their job so far. Maybe Bender is here out too but with Hegeler he can be replaced well.

On the other side Nürnberg has a good run too as in recent matches they get points against Bayern 1-1, Fürth 0-0 and Hoffenheim 4-2. But nevertheless they have huge problems to score and therefore 4 goals are a big exception. Sure they are more stable in defensive now and maybe coach Hecking has found some things he can turn around to be more compact and close as they were in some matches in the past. As the hurdle are high in Leverkusen they have to be much more focused and should not allow many mistakes as in the form Leverkusen is at the moment they know to use it immediately. Additional they should be also bring some dangerous in their play above all in the box they are very harmless because their goals came most of outside the box with wide shots and free kicks. Again without Feulner, Hloussek and Mendler.

Maybe some of you expect a close match here and maybe the HC is a bit to high but I think Leverkusen has much more weapons in their rows and also the better class of players which can decide a match even. Leverkusen is much more balanced as Nürnberg and what I saw against Bremen impressed me. I like the matchup and therefore home win.

Recommend Bet: Bayer Leverkusen AHC -1 @ 1,90 (3 Units)

Jahn Regensburg - Dynamo Dresden

This match is for Regensburg almost a must win as they got not much in the past where they collected only 2 points out of 8 matches this is more to less to remain in this league and therefore they fall down to the bottom of the table. But with a win they can overcome some teams here and they are back in business and their situation getting more hope as at the moment. Overall they played not such bad, as they have shown that they are competitive to other teams and they took almost always the lead in the past matches but had problems to bring it to a positive end. I can list up a lot of matches and if they have got the right result there they are never in trouble at this time but they haven not and in this case they have to fight for a better future. Again they are without several players who are on their injury list but the others who was on the pitch against Union and Kaiserslautern made a good job and it seems they are hungry for more. Also their defensive looked good at Kaiserslautern that maybe they can build on this performance. As none of the six injured players return today, coach Gerber are expected to bring the same lineup as against Kaiserslautern where Altinay, Weidlich and Neunaber replaced the new injured players. Even Gerber is without a win as coach after he took over from Corronchano and hopes for the first win under him on the line. He celebrated his 59th birth on Tuesday and his team gave him a gift with the point but he wants more :)

Their opponent Dynamo Dresden is only 3 points ahead and with a win they can go even with them and with a win with 2 goals or more they overcome them. As Dresden looks not very comfortable in the past above all at home they are under huge crisis as well. Although they made a very good performance against Paderborn where they were the far better side and should have won there but after two times down they got at least a point. This is only their defensive made to many mistakes and they are to focused on Pote upfront. If Pote has a bad day or he has no action, the team from Dresden dead. They are to depending on him and therefore they are to easy to calculate for the opponents. While Bregeri got a red card against Aalen where they play a long time with 10 men and lost sure a lot of power Coach Loose has to change in defensive again. Not much left there as many players are injured, suspended or anything else. In this case Jungwirth and Savic plays as center back while Pote gets some help from Kitambala upfront. No more changes expected.

This match would be very close and it would be a big fight on a deep pitch. Regensburg almost in a must win situation as mentioned but I do not think that they want risk anything from the first minutes on. Interesting encounter !!!

Fortuna Düsseldorf - Eintracht Frankfurt

Although Fortuna Düsseldorf face a lot of problems they managed to get their first win at home against weak Hamburg with 2-0 and got also a point against Champion Borussia Dortmund 1-1 under the week. It seems they are back on track and their defensive style is working again as it was at the beginning of the season. In the meantime they lost totally the control in defensive play and conceded a lot but this should be gone now and they are more compact again. Some of their important players are back like Reisinger who give all an extra motivation with his style of play and his big input. On the other side they miss a lot of players in defensive and this is their problems at the moment but nevertheless they played well without them. For this encounter they are without DEF Bruno Soares, DEF Malezas, DEF Levels, and Wing Cha. DEF Langeneke is doubtful after his injury against Hamburg but maybe he can play. Otherwise Central midfielder Bodzek must play again in central defensive beside Juanan. The others should be ready and they are on good condition as the last results showed. If Meiers's team can continue their play from the last two matches they are very hard to beat as with good defense (only Bayern 0-5 / Wolfsburg 1-4 / Schalke 2-2 scored more as 1 goal there) and over their fast counter attacks they are very dangerous too and some of their players are in excellent form like Kruse, Reisinger. Overall it is not so easy to play in Düsseldorf's Arena as their fans are very euphoric and they push and push more and more and it is very noisy but a phenomenal atmosphere. 

Eintracht Frankfurt got trashed in Derby against Mainz with 1-3 and showed an awful performances. Above all against rival Mainz it hurts a lot but they have to focuse on Düsseldorf now but the problems are more than less. According to some news they miss Zambrano and Schwegler suspended and also important midfielder Rode is questionable. Since DEF Anderson and DEF Amedick are also out, 17 years old youngster Kempf played already against Mainz. He did a good job but maybe was to fresh here against experienced Ivanschitz, Szalai and so on. But nevertheless he plays again and let's see how he react in this atmosphere. Sure Zambrano and Schwegler are a big lose here and if Rode is out too, both sixers are out. In this case it is clear where the problems are and if they can be solved. In offensive they are full, although they are not the best on the road as they scored only twice two goals or more (Hoffenheim 4-0 / Nürnberg 2-1) at the other matches they were not able for more ... 2 times one and also 2 times nothing. Olivier Occean gets a chance against Mainz as Matmour was suspended but he had a very bad day again and therefore Matmour returns into starting lineup. 

Both team with problems in their defense or on sixer position as many out there but according to the better shape from Düsseldorf and also of their home ground and big fans in their back it is worth to take  a bet with HC on our side.

Recommend Bet: Fortuna Düsseldorf AHC +0,25 @ 1,86 (3 Units)

SV Sandhausen - Energie Cottbus

 In the first round fort he DFB-Cup knock Sandhausen today’s opponent Energie Cottbus with 3-0 out of the Cup. Now, however three months have passed and the other signs of the encounter entirely. While Cottbus started very average but turn things around and are in distance to the promotion race and they are maybe a promotion candidate. On the other side Sandhausen started well but lost their strength and fall down to the bottom of the table and they need points immediately not to lose the contact to the places before the red zone.

After Dais was fired Boysen was the first time on the bench against Ingolstadt and they showed a much better performance as in the past and they played still compact as they want and as they did to beginning of the season but lost this from week to week. The new coach has not much time and not much training sessions but he knows what to do. As they conceded to many in the past Boysen changed the system from 4-1-4-1 to 4-4-2 and they had success with it. Additional all players are more motivated now and they want to show that they are able to come out of the bottom zone. For this encounter not many changes expected as the team did well and the same lineup gets a chance anyway. But he has to change one time as Tüting broke his hand and is out till the end of this year. For him Fabio Morena will play on the sixer position. Also some options are back as many of their injured players returned.

Cottbus did it, they stopped the unbeaten leader Braunschweig and won 3-1. This was Braunschweig’s first defeat this season. It was not as easy as the result show becasuse is was much more closer as Braunschweig did not get a clear penalty. But match is over and they have to focuse on Sandhausen, this would be a different match against leader Braunschweig and it would be much harder to win there. Overall Cottbus strengt is more at home as on the road. Energie coach Bommer must replace Kruska who got hes 5 yellow card and is suspended. He has some options as many of their injured players are back and therefore he can choose from almost all. Brinkmann returned against Braunschweig and scored a very nice goal but is not ready for 90 minutes so far, also Farina is not at 100% and should be only on bench.

I expect a very big fight here and close match, it would be not such easy for Cottbus as Sandhausen plays more deep and defending compact. As they showed not much and convince me not at all away from home I gave Sandhausen a chance with their new coach here.

Recommend Bet: SV Sandhausen AHC +0,5 @ 1,88 (3 Units)

Bor. M'Gladbach - VfL Wolfsburg

EL starter Gladbach advanced to next round and this maybe gives a lot of confidence back but otherwise they are not on their best level at the moment. They need to many opportunities for a goal and they play not their fast style from last season. Also some of their surprise facts in their play is gone. All in all only average at the moment and they have to fight big if they want to get an international place again because competitors are much. In addition some of their players are not in the form from last season as young keeper ter Stegen seems a bit of a downtrend as he made some mistakes in the past. They miss again de Jong and Daems but both are out long term and are not available in the past, so no problem. The other big disadvantage can be that they played many matches so far and in this case they are not fresh enough as this is their 4 match in 10 days and they play in rhythm of all 3 days a match. They can be a bit tired here because they had to fight big against Augsburg on Sunday in order to get a point at least.

On the other side Wolfsburg looks like changed since Magath was sucked and Köstner takes over. They play very good and fresh soccer and most of the players have a lot of fun again and they run and pass like they never did under Magath. Above all Diego bloom up a lot and he is the head in midfield now. He is the big time base for Wolfsburg and he leads them very well. It looks also the team lost his bonds and they are more able to implement Köstners tactic and system as under Magath. Many changes done from Köstner and he counts more on the former players he knows as on the new guys who are signed from Magath. For this match he has not available Josue suspended while Helmes, Pilar are long term injured and Cale, Pannewitz or Russ included. Therefore they made a good job under new coach and they got some results as well and for sure they are on an uptrend. If they continue like in the past match everything is possible.

Close match ahead but I think Wolfsburg is fresher as Gladbach and for sure worth a bet here. Maybe in the end it can give some advantage for Wolfsburg and if they take the lead, it would be very hard for a comeback. GL

Recommend Bet: VfL Wolfsburg AHC +0,25 @ 1,92 (3 Units)

MSV Duisburg - Union Berlin

MSV Duisburg collected 4 points out of the last 3 matches but they are not in their best condition as the last match against St. Pauli showed. They scored a lucky goal and infront of the goal they are very harmless, also after the red card for Pamic they totally broke apart. They were always one step behind their opponent and lost in the end deserved 1-4 where some players were running on reserve. If they can handle this three days later, it is absolutely unknow above all their hard injury crises battle them a lot. However, the task for MSV will be anything but easy as coach Runjaic must compete with ihs latest squad. Thus, in comparison to the lose against St. Pauli none of the missing players return, but must replace da Silva (Harmstring) and Pamic (Suspended) two players again. Therefore Julian Koch must play as central defender what is a bit unknown for him and Bomheuer can move forward to the midfield. While Domovchiyski should play in central midfield behind the lone striker Exslager. In offensive they have some on bench with Baljak and Jovanovic but according to their defensive they have no alternatives left. Overall MSV is doing very hard at home as they score to less and concede always, also the win against Aue was mega lucky. They had maybe two shot on goal and two goals while Aue missed a lot good chances and should have deserved much more here.

Union is hard to beat at the moment as the last performances showed, they are very dangerous away from home where they can change very quick from defensive to offensive and they made some nice counter attacks. Also they can create and score what is not such unimportant to get points or win matches.

Almost the same situation as against 1860 Munich (2-2) where Puncec and Jopek are out while Göhlert is ready for use after his suspension but should be on bench anyway. Not many changes expected as the coach Neuhaus wants to count on the same eleven as on saturday. Maybe only Nemec can come into the team for weak Silvio beside Terodde. Also an alternative should be Quiring for Zoundi who played also not such well against 1860.

For this match Duisburg has a lot of problems if their squad, financial or anything else. They are not absolutely free here and they stand under huge pressure as well. They need points immediately but with so many missings and problems it is almost impossible. The next problems should be that Union play more deep and they have to come here and in this case they are very open for counter attacks. If I compare the situation of both clubs it can be only one choice here.

Recommend Bet: Union Berlin AHC 0 @ 1,78 (3 Units)

Werder Bremen - Bayer Leverkusen

After Sportmanager Allofs left Coach Schaaf are the strong man at Bremen but they search for a new one. So a lot to do for Schaaf beside his choaching job. This season Bremen is very hard to beat in their Stadium and they play a very good offensive style. They push a lot and are focused on offensive as on defensive. This means that they are always a bit open and they had some mistakes in the past of their defenders where they allowed easy goals. But nevertheless they are very hard to beat and they scored in 5 of their 6 home matches 2 goals or more. With players like Hunt, deBryne, Elia and Petersen they are very hard to control and they create very often good opportunities. Home team will miss back wing Schmitz and midfielder Bargfrede and also Arnautovic who is ill.

As I wrote on Sunday, Leverkusen is set for their good play above all away from home where they can count on their strong and fast players Schürrle, Kießling, Castro and Carvajal who run the line often up and down as back wing to bring some pressure on opponents defensive. Sure with so many offensive style the defensive are not always able to hold the pressure away and they are always a bit in danger and in this case they never keep a clean sheet away from home. Away side are without Sam, Kadlec, Schwaab and Bellarabi.

All in all again, a match set for goals, as both offensives are very good and their defensives allow in every match something. I like the way of both playing and goals will come ......

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,75 @ 1,83 (3 Units)