Energie Cottbus - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Both teams are more or less in big trouble above all if you take a look at the latest matches. Cottbus was not able to win one of their last 12 matches and this put them on the bottom on the table and it is obvious that they can avoid relegation this season. According to their position and points they are far away for a comeback and get near to have a chance. After they fired Coach Bommer, it was more and more a downtrend as an uptrend under Coach Schmidt. Therefore they sucked him too and put all hopes in a new person on the sideline. But it is not out which one. But in my eyes it is absolutely no matter what happens.

On the other side Kaiserslautern was close at winter break to the top teams but failed huge 2014 and they are coming with a losing run to Cottbus. At this time of the season it is very important to win matches to hold their aim alive. If they do not want to lose more to the top they must win today. The potential is there above all if you take a look at the squad. According to their offensive players it should be not problem to score a few goals but this is only on the paper. The reality is a bit different and they were not often able to bring their opponents in danger in the past.

Statistic:

- Cottbus won only one of the 12 encounters against Kaiserslautern.

- The only win was at home 4-2 last season.

- In Kaiserslautern was Cottbus with one man more on the pitch and lead two times but played 2-2.

- Under former Coach Schmidt were they only able to collect one from 27 possible points.

- They are winless since 12 Rounds, what is the longest streak from all 2.BL teams.

- Both teams played together from 2000-2003 in the highest league in Germany.

- No other team was so many times goalless as Cottbus (11 times).

- Many former players from Kaiserslautern playing in Cottbus now. Rivic, Jendrisek, Sanogo.

- Kaiserslautern lost only 2 of their last 7 away games, but both by east Clubs (Aue, Dresden).
- No team has more defeats as Cottbus

Week Performance 17.02.2014 - 23.02.2014

This Update is brought to you by www.clubgowi.com It is one of the most popular and successful Service on the Internet. His daily newsletter is legendary and should not be missed. But convince yourselves and may even give him a try !!!


Week 8 !!!

I wanted to dedicate my Picks / Tips in an extra post. I update it always if I add something, it is only for a better view. All Picks can be seen under Betting History, Plan Picks or Tip of the Day additional. Of course, all Picks are verified !!!


German Soccer Picks:

22.02.2014  15:30  1.BL  SC Freiburg - FC Augsburg AHC +0,25 @ 2,08 (H) 2-4
22.02.2014  15:30  1.BL  Bor. M'Gladbach - 1899 Hoffenheim OVER 2,75 @ 1,84 2-2

Bor. M'Gladbach - 1899 Hoffenheim

Statistic:

- Gladbach won only 2 from 14 games against Hoffenheim.
- Hoffenheim on the other side won 8 from these 14 matches, this season 2-1.
- 1899 were able to collect 7 Points from the last 3 matches what was very important.
- This is the best run from 1899 since one year, last one was 8 Points out of 4 matches.
- Gladbach could not win since 6 matches, they are 0-3-3 since their good first half of the season.
- Such a bad run had Gladbach under Coach Favre never.
- Hoffenheim has the one of the best offense with 44 goals scored.
- But they have also one of the weakest defensive lines as they allowed already 44 goals.
- 1899 Hoffenheim conceded in all their last 15 BL matches at least one goal, Record !!!
- The last clean sheet was in March 2013 3-0 to Mainz 05

Not many worries for the home side as they miss only Wendt.

On the other side also not much to say as all are available, only Polanski will miss here due to his 5th yellow card and this means suspended for this game.


It was not as expected so far and Gladbach did very hard 2014 and they had a lot of good opportunities last weekend in Bremen but they failed in almost all. But it is important that the team showed that they are able to create chances again. This can be very good for them above all against one of the weakest defensive line it is hard to see them not scoring 2,3 goals today. The offensive power is there and I count on them. Favre said he wants to change some and maybe this can help as I wrote already in recent weeks that it is important to bring in some fresh blood.

1899 is always good for some mistakes in defensive and they are not the best in this area as well. But on the other side they have also some good offensive players in their rows to overcome teams like Gladbach. I count here on the fast guys like Firmino and Volland but also the wings should be a key factor here.

Overall I like the goals in this encounter as I am sure that the offensive lines will dominate the game here.

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,75 @ 1,84 (3 Units)

SC Freiburg - FC Augsburg

Statistic:

- Augsburg had not much success in Freiburg, they lost all 8 matches and scored zero.
- In all matches between both clubs, Augsburg won only 2 and lost 10 from 17 encounters.
- Freiburg did not lose in their recent 3 home matches, they won 2 and got a draw to Hoffenheim.
- But overall Freiburg did not win since 3 matches, 2 defeats and one draw, but the lose were away.
- Augsburg did not lose one of their last 5 away matches (2-3-0).
- This is the longest run in BL for Augsburg so far away from home.
- Augsburg had a good run at home too but this is stopped from Nürnberg last weekend.
- Augsburg plays their best BL season in history and they are very close to an international spot.
- Once again, after Freiburg played international football they are in relegation trouble.
- Last time this happen, they were relegated in the end.

The situation was much worse in first half of the season but now they can count on many of the players from their squad, only Terrazzino, Hedenstad and Freis is not available.

Augsburg's Coach Weinzierl can count almost on the same lineup as in the past. Once again out are Mölders, Holzhauser and Hitz.


After Freiburg knocked out from EL it is much more easier for them as they must only focus form week to week and their normal job. This is the league but they must be warned about the situation and they place at the moment above all they have to fight bit to avoid relegation as most of the teams come out much better from the winter break. But they have two team behind them at the moment and this should be their key goal. With much more options now Coach Streich can choose the best lineup and maybe change some tactical things as well. The results from the past home games were all good but if they want to fall not down more it is important to get points today above all if they look on the other matches where Hamburg has a hard game against Dortmund and the other candidates plays against each other. So it is a good chance to get a better position in relegation battle today.

High flying Augsburg were stopped last weekend at home against Nürnberg but away from home they are unbeaten in 5 of their last matches. Sure this is a absolutely good run but they play with a lot of power and they can not bring this on the pitch week for week. So it is not obvious that some weaker matches will come. In Freiburg they never had any to get and this is also a hard nut for them today.

Overall I expect a close match but I can never see Augsburg as favorite here. The stats are all against them and also with only 2 wins away from home, why favorite. A good choice to pick Freiburg.

Recommend Bet: SC Freiburg AHC +0,25 @ 2,08 (3 Units)

FC Schalke 04 - FSV Mainz 05

Statistic:

Top match on Friday evening where Schalke 04 hosts Mainz 05. Both are very good 2014

Schalke won all their 4 matches 2014, 5 wins in a row managed they only 2001/02 under Stevens

Mainz won this Round already 10 times in 21 games, this is the same number from last year already.

Schalke is unbeaten in recent 6 and won the last 4, this is record under Coach Keller.

Mainz won 4 of their last 5 BL games and they are in a good position for an international spot.

Schalke is unbeaten in recent 5 matches against Mainz

Also they like to play against Mainz as the stats shows, they lost only 1 of the past 11.

With defender Duo Matip and Santana did Schalke very well, 7 times unbeaten, 5 times clean sheet.

9 goals from Mainz this season came already from Jokers, this is the best number beside Bayern.

Top Joker from them is Choupo Mouting who scored 5 of these 9 goals.

Jens Keller started as head coach from Schalke 2012 and he lost the first match to Mainz 1-2 in Cup.

Schalke has not new missing, they can count on the same lineup as in Leverkusen, good news is that Höwedes is back again.

Mainz on the other side has some doubtful players beside their long term injured guys. With Koch, Saller and Parker Tuchel has to wait for their ok.

Both teams are in form at the moment and we can expect a very good game here. Hopefully both can continue their good way. After the break Schalke made a very good comeback and they are very close now to the other teams ahead. Due to other teams are in downtrend their position is getting better and better. Also the trouble which is always there at Schalke is not the same as success gives Coach Keller a very easy living there now. Nevertheless he should continue this way and Schalke is of course a candidate for the CL spot again this season. As I wrote it several weeks, if Farfan who is in very good shape can bring his normal level it is very good for Schalke’s play anyway. This is the man who must be stopped. Also youngster Meyer or Goretzka seems on a good way too.

High flying Mainz does a little bit of understatement and they want not to talk about an international spot, they only look from match to match but they are very close now. Of course this is only a short moment but if the results are going their way in the future it is very likely that they can reach one of these places. Coach Tuchel is known for his tactical play and also to give their opponent not much space and maybe stop some players from Schalke too. It would be very interesting what kind of idea he has today.

Week Performance 10.02.2014 - 16.02.2014

This Update is brought to you by www.clubgowi.com It is one of the most popular and successful Service on the Internet. His daily newsletter is legendary and should not be missed. But convince yourselves and may even give him a try !!!


Week 7 !!!

I wanted to dedicate my Picks / Tips in an extra post. I update it always if I add something, it is only for a better view. All Picks can be seen under Betting History, Plan Picks or Tip of the Day additional. Of course, all Picks are verified !!!


German Soccer Picks:

15.02.2014  15:30  1.BL  Werder Bremen - Bor. M'Gladbach AHC +0,5 @ 1,88 (H) 1-1
15.02.2014  15:30  1.BL  1899 Hoffenheim - VfB Stuttgart AHC +0,5 @ 1,90 (A) 4-1

Werder Bremen - Bor. M'Gladbach

Statistic:

- Gladbach did not win since 27 years in Bremen and from 23 recent BL matches they lost 17 !!!
- The last win was in March 1987 with 7-1, this is their highest win in BL on the road.
- Beside teams like Hamburg and Stuttgart Gladbach is the only team without Points 2014.
- But Bremen is not much better as they got from 3 matches only one Point so far.
- The first time that Gladbach lost three in a row under Coach Favre.
- Gladbach is winless since 5 matches, this happen at least 2012.
- Bremen won only one of their last 9 BL matches (1-2-6).
- Only HSV could collect less Points as Bremen in this period.
- Also only Hamburg conceded more goals (47) as Bremen (45).
- They had only allowed more goals in their season where they were relegated 1979/80.

No important missing on both side, they can count on their best lineup.

Again we have an important match for both sides. Bremen needs the Points against relegation or not to fall down more and get more in trouble as they are now and Gladbach to look ahead of an international spot.

Bremen did not well in the past matches and all what I have seen was very frustrating. Nothing work and they have to do hard work to get back on track. But what has Coach Dutt done with this team, he is the weakest Coach there now. At the moment they count on him but how long this will be I don't know. He said that he wants to play offensive football but he should take the focus more on the defensive who conceded a lot in recent matches. If they have a stable defensive play they can try to go for some offensive actions but after those last matches the team look more and more insecure.

On the other side I said it already a few times and maybe once again. Gladbach was rolling in first half of the season and now they have a weak period maybe but also I see that there is not surprise in their offensive play. They play always the same system with the same players. No fresh face in the lineup since weeks. This is only because Favre like to count always on the same players and he does not like to change much. Maybe some changes bring a fresh play and they can go back to winning way but at the moment it looks like that they have more do to with herself.

Two teams who are out of form and both searching for the way to win matches or get points. I am not sure about but I think to take a bit on Bremen in this one. Maybe I put up a bet later.

Recommend Bet: Werder Bremen AHC +0,5 @ 1,88 (3 Units)

1899 Hoffenheim - VfB Stuttgart

Statistic:

- Stuttgart lost only one of 11 matches to Hoffenheim and this was in their own stadium.
- At Sinsheim Stuttgart can count on a good record with 3-2-0.
- Hoffenheim is the only club where Stuttgart is unbeaten so far.
- Stuttgart is exactly on the same level as one year ago, they conceded 5 defeats in a row.
- In all their recent 13 matches Stuttgart was not able to keep a clean sheet.
- Moreover they conceded in all their recent 8 matches two goals or more. (New Record !!).
- Stuttgart managed two clean sheets, but Hoffenheim is the weakest side here with only one.

Hoffenheim without Rudy suspended, Thesker and Vukcevic.

On the other side Stuttgart miss two important guys with Gentner and striker Ibisevic who got a red card and is suspended for 5 games now.

This match is a derby and we can look forward to see a huge fight above all Stuttgart must turn things around and try to get better results as in the past. Maybe this can happen today as Hoffenheim had a very difficult cup match under the week against Wolfsburg but they lost. This can put their motivation and self confidence also a bit down. Nevertheless both are in a position where they need points and no one can accept to lose this important match.

I am looking to put some on Stuttgart but I wait because odd goes up due to suspension from Ibisevic.

Recommend Bet: VfB Stuttgart AHC +0,5 @ 1,90 (3 Units)

Bayern München - SC Freiburg

Statistic:

- Freibrug did not win a single game since 18 years against Bayern now.

- The last success was 1996 in March with a 3-1 home win over the bavarian giant.

- Freiburg did not win a single match in BL in Munich ever.

- This includes both Bayern (0-2-12) and 1860 Munich (0-1-7).

- But Freiburg is the only team beside Leverkusen who could get Points against Bayern.

- Bayern has won their recent 12 BL matches and aiming for the next record (15 wins in a row !!).

- Freiburg lost all the last 3 BL road trips and did not score a single goal.

Bayern once again without Ribery but he should be replaced as most of the others are in good shape, additional without long term injured Badstuber and today suspended striker Mandzukic.

Coach Steich has a much better situations as in first half of the season where most of his players are not available but now only without Hedenstad, Pilar, Freis and Terrazzino.

If we compare both teams the situation is clear, Bayern has the much better players, the much better team, the much better form, the higher budget and so on. And if they take this game serious it is not obvious that they can celebrate the next high win today. They looked very good in recent matches and their play is working very well now. Also they are very clinical in many situations in the past. The only reason who can stop them here is that they underestimate Freiburg but after the first match where they played only draw due to a late equalizer where they wasted a lot I think this is a bit different now. The next thing can be the rotation from Guardiola because of an important CL match ahead next week in London. 

The other thing is Freiburg has nothing to lose here but they looked very weak and crap in their last matches above all if they played on the road. There was not much and if they want to be even with this giant they have to push things around. They can play relaxed and free today, but if Bayern gets rolling I am sure they overcome this side from Freiburg easy.

I decide later if I take a bet on this .......

FC Schalke 04 - Hannover 96

Statistic:

- In 50 BL matches won Schalke 25 !!!
- In all these 50 matches were always goals, none ended 0-0.
- 10 from their last 12 home matches against H96 won Schalke (10-1-1).
- The last lose was in August 2010 with 1-2 against H96.
- Schalke won both BL matches this year and they are unbeaten since 4 matches (3-1-0).
- They lost also only one of their last 9 games (6-2-1).
- Also Hannover won both matches this year and they want to continue this way with new Coach.
- Hannover won the last away match in Wolfsburg 3-1 but failed before 8 times.
- H96 is the weakest away team according to stats in BL
- New coach Korkut has brought them back on track and they play very good and fast offensive style.

Schalke has a lot not available but this was already in the past matches the case. Therefore again without Aogo, Clemens, Draxler, Fuchs, Kirchhoff, Höwedes and Höger.

Same situation in Hannover already but it is going better there now. Only Cherundolo, Felipe, Sobiech, Pander and Ya Konan are unavailable.

Important match for both teams but I think both must go for the win as a draw is to less anyway. If you look on the table Schalke can close the gap to 2 Points to 3rd placed Dortmund while Hannover hold the aim from an international spot alive if they win because then they are only 6 Point below this places and still a lot to play. But for this reason they should make an almost equal performance as in their last away match as they did not get much in Gelsenkirchen in the past years as mentioned above. Both teams are in form and I expect a very good and entertaining game with some goals.

Week Performance 03.02.2014 - 09.02.2014

This Update is brought to you by www.clubgowi.com It is one of the most popular and successful Service on the Internet. His daily newsletter is legendary and should not be missed. But convince yourselves and may even give him a try !!!


Week 6 !!!

I wanted to dedicate my Picks / Tips in an extra post. I update it always if I add something, it is only for a better view. All Picks can be seen under Betting History, Plan Picks or Tip of the Day additional. Of course, all Picks are verified !!!


German Soccer Picks:

08.02.2014  13:00  2.BL  1.FC Kaiserslautern - Greuther Fürth OVER 2,5 @ 1,89 2-1
08.02.2014  13:00  2.BL  Union Berlin - Dynamo Dresden OVER 2,5 @ 1,97 0-0
08.02.2014  15:30  1.BL  VfL Wolfsburg - FSV Mainz 05 OVER 2,75 @ 2,00 3-0

VfL Wolfsburg - FSV Mainz 05

Statistic:

- Mainz did not lose a single match in their last 5 games with Wolfsburg (2-3-0).
- The last win from VfL Wolfsburg was on January 2011 with 1-0, 3 years ago.
- In Wolfsburg it is a bit more harder for VfL, they are winless since 2007 against Mainz.
- In this period Mainz could win twice there and got additional 2 draws out.
- In all these matches Mainz was very good in scoring as well and they scored at least 2 or more.
- Different sign at the moment, high expectation in Wolfsburg but two loses in a row.
- Lower expectations in Mainz but two wins in a row after the winter break.
- Both teams are even at the moment with 30 Points on their side. This is a big match for both then.
- FSV is unbeaten since 5 BL matches (3-2-0) and this was last time February March 2013 too (7 games).
- Wolfsburg got only one point from their last 3 matches and this although they are high potential.
- This happen last time also February March 2013 :) Almost same numbers from both.

Wolfsburg has not available today suspended Caligiuri, Polak, Medojevic and Vierinha who are all injured.

FSV without Noveski suspended, Schahin, Baumgartlinger and Fathi injured.

Wolfsburg must look forward and get back on track now, they invested a lot over the winter break in their biggest transfer ever with De Bryne but the outcome was very less so far. They do not talk from CL but in their head is this competition very well. So no one can tell me anything else, with such a good squad you must play for this place. Things must be turn around immediately and I think that they can be able today to crack this side from Mainz, but one goal is to less and therefore they need more, what they are forcing anyway.

FSV on the other side started very well is on a good position to look for a international spot but they must continue their way. With new signing Koo from Wolfsburg they are much more dangerous in offensive too now. This gives Coach Tuchel a lot of more options, and he is known for his tactical style of play. Mainz was always able to hurt Wolfsburg defensive and this should be the case again today. I am very sure that they are able to score above all with the new offensive potential.

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,75 @ 2,00 (3 Units)

Union Berlin - Dynamo Dresden

Statistic:

- Dresden could only win one of five east duels, they are 1-1-3 in these 5 against Union.

- Overall was the 4-0 home victory 2011 the only win in their last 10 games with Union.

- First meeting between both sides was clear for Union, they lead at half time already 3-0 (FT 3-1).

- This was the highest lead at half time for Union and Dresden was never behind so high.

- To DDR times it was different, in 36 games was the history clear with 23 wins for Dresden and only 3 for Union.

- Union defender Schönheim scored twice last season, both against Dresden, since then goalless in 37.

- After a weak period Union went into the winter break with to high wins (4-0 and 4-2).

- Only two team celebrated more wins as Union Berlin (9.).

- Dynamo Dresden won only one from the last 6 matches before the winter break (3-2 to Kaiserslautern).

- Only Energie Cottbus celebrated less wins with 3, Dresden had 4.

- The Remis king comes from Dresden with 9 times this season so far.

- Union scored in almost all their matches at least a goal, only four times they did not score (BEST).

- Also Union scored in 6 games at least 3 goals or more (Also BEST in league).

- Dynamo scored in their last 6 games only one time more as one goal.

- If Union Berlin took the lead it is very hard to beat them, 11 times lead, only one time lost (2-4 Fürth).

- The Berlin team has the oldest team of the league with an average of 28,4 years.

I am very keen on this one for goals as well. They played often against each other and in almost all matches there were some goals. The derby should be very hot and the atmosphere can bring a very hot and aggressiv match where a lot can happen. Union at home very strong and they push always forward but allow on the other side a very open defensive and this can be the chance for Dresden to overcome them with their quick wings. 

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,5 @ 1,97 (3 Units)

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Greuther Fürth

Statistic:

- Fürth won both last duel against Kaiserslautern, 2009 3-0 and this season 2-1, both at home.

- Kaiserslautern lost only one time after they took the lead and this was on Round 3 to Fürth.

- On Betzenberg the record is even between both, as each won 2 matches (2-0-2).

- Defensive man Sukalo scored 3 goals in 9 matches against FCK.

- Former promotion here Occean who scored 17 goals for Fürth plays now for FCK.

- 3 of the last 4 matches were lost from Lautern, the last match before the break was won.

- Only two teams won more as Kaiserslautern (9.)

- No team won more as Fürth, they won more as 50% of their matches (11 from 19).

- Fürth did not often play draw, only two times this season.

- FCK scored in 6 of their games at least 3 or more goals, this is the best value beside others.

- One of the best goal difference has Köln (+22 goals) and second is Fürth (+13).

- Fürth scored in almost all their games, only four times they were not able.

- Also they lost only one if they took the lead, 12 times lead, 11 times won, only to Düsseldorf 1-2.

- Only two teams were leading in more games as Kaiserslautern (12.)

- FCK counts on the most youngest players (6 of them are under 21 years).

Both teams in a very good position and I think that this can be a very open game above all if one side take the lead. According to the home style from Kaiserslautern it is huge pressure on Fürth today and they can go for counter what is a very good sign for them anyway. I am very keen on goals here as most of the games produce a lot and this can got the same way today.

Recommend Bet: OVER 2,5 @ 1,89 (3 Units)

Bor. M'Gladbach - Bayer Leverkusen

Statistic:

- Gladbach won only 2 from their last 33 matches against Bayer Leverkusen (2-15-16).
- In recent 3 matches Gladbach got 2 Points out of it.
- Gladbach has not won since 21 BL matches at home against Leverkusen (0-16-5).
- The last win was in February 1989 2-0 !!!!
- Gladbach conceded two defeats in a row, first time this season and they are winless since 4 !!
- Leverkusen lost the last two road games and they are additional 4 matches winless on the road.
- Both teams are very strong in man against man with good percentage, Gladbach 52% and Bayer 52,5%

Not many missing on both side, Gladbach miss only suspended defender Korb while Leverkusen can not count on long term injured Kruse. But with Sam and Reinartz they have two doubtful players.

Gladbach very strong home team lost their strength a bit because I said it already according to the last matches. To begin of the season it was all well and the style of play was fresh and with some surprises as well. From match to match it was always the same and the opponents know now very well how Gladbach play. Next key fact is that Favre is a Coach who does not change often and count always on the same players. This makes it much more easier for the opponents as well. The only part he has to change more is in defense according to injuries and suspensions but the offense is always the same with Kruse, Raffael, Herrmann, Arrango. No surprise anymore.

Bayer Leverkusen had also a very good first half of the season, same as Gladbach but both started very bad into the second half after winter break. It looks that they have lost their good form and they need to come back immediately if they do not want to left their good position. But it is more that key offensive player Sam was injured and it is not sure if he can come back for this match. He was the difference in some matches with his fast and good actions. But overall the luck was a lot on their side and maybe they must work hard now to get it back again.

This can be a very close match, both teams are not on their best level at the moment and they want to lose not more points. What means that both play very carefully and maybe wait what the other team offer. This can be a good chance for some in running bets if you watch the game. Goals were always there in this encounter, often many as last season when it was a big entertainment from both with 3-3 in the end.

Bayern München - Eintracht Frankfurt

Statistic:

- Since 1977 played Frankfurt 30 times in Munich and they lost 25 of these matches, only 1 win.
- Bayern scored in every 55 matches in the past, a streak who seems never end.
- Bayern won all their home matches 2013 ... 17 !!!
- In recent 4 BL matches scored Frankfurt always one goal and collected 7 Points with.
- Frankfurt won only one from the last 6 BL road matches, this was in Leverkusen.
- Eintracht celebrated their first home win of the season last weekend to Hertha.
- Bayern are on a huge streak in BL, they are unbeaten since 43 matches now.
- Almost all records are broken from Bayern already. But they continue.

Bayern again without Schweinsteiger, Badstuber, Celozzi.

Frankfurt miss Celozzi, Oczipka, Kittel and let Zambrano and Rode at home.


I wrote it already under the week, I am not so a fan from ball possession and I liked the play under former Coach Heynckes much more as now. It was much more fast and they were much more dangerous as now. At the moment they pass the ball around and pass and pass but we have no shot on goal and this is the key in football. Goals Goals Goals. Under Guardiola they must pass and pass and if they are in the box, pass and pass never shot on goal. In the last match if Stuttgart had a bit more luck in their actions in front of the goal Bayern should have lost but it was as always, Bayern won in the end. Maybe it was because without Robben and Ribery on the wings it is no surprise moment in Bayern play but all players are back and maybe they are on the pitch today.

After high flying last season Frankfurt is down in their reality and they must look forward and get as much points as they can according to their bad table position. They are more or less in trouble or very close. But what I have heard from Coach Veh, he does not believe much that he can get here much in Munich and for this reason he gives defender Zambrano and Rode a rest who are close before a suspension. He does not risk this as the next mach is against Braunschweig which is much more important for them and this must be won by them.

This can be a clear thing for Bayern but at the moment they do very hard with their passing style. The HC is set very high, so it is more on Frankfurt's side if I compare the last performances from Bayern. Frankfurt did very well last year and lost only 1-2 due to a very doubtful penalty.

Hertha BSC Berlin - 1.FC Nürnberg

Statistic:

- Hertha BSC is since 5 BL matches without a win against FCN.
- Before the 2-2 in first half of the season they lost 4 in a row to Nürnberg.
- The last win for Hertha was 2008 with 1-0.
- Berlin could win only one of their last 4 home games.
- This win was on Matchday 16 with 3-2 against Werder Bremen.
- In all the three other matches, they were not able to score a single goal at home.
- Nürnberg on the other side is unbeaten in 4 of their last BL games.
- This is the best run from Nürnberg this season but they won only one of these matches (1-3-0).
- Nürnberg was winless in their first 17 matches and celebrated their first win after winter break last week.
- Nürnberg is very hard to beat on the road because they lost only 3 of their 6 road games.
- The last win on the road for Nürnberg is many month ago, it was in Düsseldorf on May 2013 !!!
- If Hertha take the lead against Nürnberg it is hard to see that Nürnberg has no chance then.
- Hertha took the lead in 15 matches and Nürnberg could only win one of these and lost amazing 13.

Some missing again on the home side with Baumjohann, Brooks and Cigerci.

Nürnberg face a huge injury blow in central back because both defenders with Pogatz and Nilsson are out, additional Hasebe, Stark and Balitsch.

At home Hertha had a lot of problems 2013 and they play not such good and fast as on the road. This is maybe according to much more defensive minded teams they face here. Moreover it looks like that they are more a counter attacking team as they like to control the game and make the game. This is not the case and what they have to expect today it is a side who fights against relegation and need every point. This can be that Hertha must again run run and run and do much more for the offensive play and on the other side they get not much space for their offensive actions. This can be the key fact in this match maybe.

After a huge and disappointing first half without a win Nürnberg started in 2014 with a boom. They overcome Hoffenheim with 4-0, ok it was a bit lucky in some situations but this is what you need and this is exactly what they did not have 2013. To many times they hit the post or bar and in this first match 2014 the ball went into the goal. Maybe the time has change now and all around and in team believe that they can come out of this bad position. The sign is very good, because with a win they can climb and overcome Hamburg. This can be the next and important step now. The team has a lot of self confidence and motivation back after last weekend. All are very positive although the defensive line is very limited today. But Pinola played two great games on this position and he can lead the team and also his young partner beside him Petrak.

Again a close match expected but I think we can be very positiv with Nürnberg today. This can be that they are able to get here at least a point or maybe the win.

Bor. M'Gladbach - Hannover 96

Statistic:

- Gladbach won all 3 recent games against H96 and 5 from the last 6 !!!
- 1992 won Hannover 96 the Cup after Penalty shot out against Gladbach
- Gladbach is without conceding a goal since 3 road games.
- 3 matches without conceding a goal is very good for Gladbach last time was this 18 years ago.
- They managed to be 4 matches with clean sheet 18 years ago.
- Hannover lost only one of their last 11 home matches (6-4-1).
- The last lose was to Hoffenheim 1-4.
- But they could only win one from the last 5 home matches (1-3-1).
- Gladbach is not very good on saturday evening, they got only 2 Points out of 8 matches.
- And they are very weak in goal scoring as they are 2-20 saturday evening, 6 times without a goal.

Again a lot unavailable for Hannover with Ya Konan, Sobiech, Pander, Cherundolo, Felipe and Sakai.

Gladbach almost full, only Brouwers is not in the squad due to injury.

After the change from their Coach Hannover started into 2014 incredible good, they played really well and good counter football against Wolfsburg and won deserved 3-1. Maybe this is the key and they are back on track now but they have to repeat this performance against the next big team from upper table.

Gladbach lost after a long time at home to Bayern Munich and they were not such good. Above all the offensive looks very slow and I missed their fresh and fast play from beginning of the season. Favre is a Coach who counts almost every time on the same starting lineup, he does not change much and often only if he must. Maybe he should and bring some other players to get the offensive play rolling again.

Overall I expect a close match, where both teams go for the win, and all know that Hannover is very hard to beat at home and they are 24-15-4 in the last 2-3 Seasons. What gives us a lot of Value on the HC +0,25 in my eyes. Also the new Coach effect can bring this bet in a good position as well.

1899 Hoffenheim - Hamburger SV

Statistic:

- In the first 9 matches between these two clubs the home factor was important (7-2-0).
- Also only two goals for the visiting team what speaks a clear language.
- But time has changed and the last two matches went out for an away win both high (4-1 and 5-1).
- Hoffenheim 42 goals allowed and HSV 41 goals allowed, are both with the weakest defense in BL.
- Also both teams stand for entertainment (Hoffe with 78 goals / match and HSV 74 goals / match).
- Hoffenheim is winless since 3 matches and lost the last two.
- Also the next problem arrived in Hoffe because under Gisdol they scored always but the last 2 not.
- Hamburg are on a huge losing streak with 4 defeats in a row.
- HSV and Hoffe are close to the red zone what makes it not much easier today.
- Both looks like that they are huge involved as last season.

1899 without any important missing, Coach Gisdol can count on the best lineup today.

Hamburg with a lot of problems in the bag coming to Hoffenheim. They miss with Adler, Demirbay, Djourou, Beister, Lam and Lasogga a lot of good and important players.

After the huge defeat with 0-4 at Nürnberg who has not won a single match in 17 attempts is a huge blow for Hoffenheim now. This can be a long and difficult season, last one they did the job in the end but this time? The team is not as stable as they should and many young and unexperienced players are there. Coach Gisdol counts on them and they must learn from match to match ..... hopefully it is not to late then.

BL dino Hamburg is the only team who never was relegated so far. But the time has come now above all if they continue to play such a weak football as they did in the past. Also a lot of problems with players there again. They tried to strength their squad with some players but it looks like that this is not the case. Ola John had some good actions against Schalke but he plays to often for his own and start solos what brings nothing. In offensive with Lasogga their top striker is out and who should score now. All players have a lot to do with their own performance what is hard to help the team mates who have problems. Last season was close for HSV, but this time I think it is closer to get relegated the first time.

Bayer Leverkusen - VfB Stuttgart

Statistic:

- Leverkusen is unbeaten in 7 matches against Stuttgart now (5-2-0).
- Against no other team Leverkusen got so much wins as against Stuttgart 29 in 69 matches.
- Bayer lost all 3 recent BL matches, this happen at least 2012 with 4 loses in a row.
- Same situation in Stuttgart, also all 3 recent matches lost.
- This was the first time under Coach Schneider.
- Stuttgart conceded in their last 5 road games incredible 32 goals (3,2 average).
- In 4 of the 5 games Stuttgart conceded 3 or more.

Leverkusen almost full, only long term injured Kruse is out.

On Stuttgart's side there are with Gentner, Didavi and Funk some out but only Gentner is important.

After a very good first half of the season Leverkusen is on a downtrend. The luck is gone and the matches went not their away at the moment. Maybe to much pressure on them now or maybe they think that they can win matches very easy now. But this is not the case and they should try to get back on track and work as hard as they can to win matches. If not all players do their job it is hard above all in Bundesliga.

Again and again, Stuttgart seems to be back in relegation battle. They had some very bad matches and lost deserved but against Bayern Munich they were almost the better side although the ball possession was on Bayern's side as always but the better chances and better and faster play was on Stuttgart's side. At the end they deserved here a draw at least but as always, the team from Munich win and win. The only thing what they can put out of this encounter is that they were on a high level and this can help them to avoid any bigger trouble. Some players left the club like Kvist and Molinaro.

FC Schalke 04 - VfL Wolfsburg

Statistic:

- S04 won 3 of their last 4 matches against Wolfsburg.
- They lost only the last match 0-4 in Wolfsburg.
- This was Wolfsburg's highest win against Schalke in their history so far.
- Wolfsburg plays their best season every so far in BL history.
- Ok, they had 30 Points after 18 Rounds already 2004/05 but not so a good goal difference.
- Schalke is unbeaten since 3 matches (2-1-0) and lost only one from their last 8.
- Also Wolfsburg is unbeaten on their last 5 away matches (3-2-0).
- Their last defeat was in Munich to Bayern with 0-1 on September.
- Schalke won the last three home matches against Wolfsburg and kept always a clean sheet.
- This means that Wolfsburg has not scored in their last 297 minutes in Vetins Arena.

Schalke again without Aogo, Höger, Kirchhoff, Clemens, Draxler and Jones, new on the list is suspended Uchida.

On the other side a lot of rumours in Wolfsburg and this time they face some big problems as with Medojevic, Polak and Vierinha are some out but also Diego is not available for Hecking what is a big blow.

Schalke with an important win last weekend and therefore can use the mistakes from their opponent teams above which all failed. This bring them back in a good position and they could close the gap a bit. Nevertheless they must walk on and hope that some of the teams ahead fail again. Dortmund did their job yesterday, therefore only Gladbach is the hope to overcome them. As I mentioned already last week, Schalke is only Farfan if this guy is stopped from the defenders from Wolfsburg or he has a bad day it is hard to see Schalke winning here. Ok, maybe the next big hope is Huntelaar but he is also depend on Farfan who give a lot of assists too.

What I have seen from Wolfsburg last weekend was not the best and they want to but some pressure on the teams with a big deal to sign De Bryne but this did not work so far. I think it is all up to Hecking to find the right balance above all with Diego, Arnold and De Bryne. All this guys are more or less offensive minded and all have more potential in offense as in defense. All three together is maybe very hard to bring as they lost the defensive control with so many offensive players. Also Diego on the wing is not the best choice for him. But more and more things come up. Without Diego today, maybe it is much better but they should get back on track otherwise they have an incredible weak start into 2014.