Eintracht Braunschweig - 1.FC Nürnberg

The situation is very clear for Nürnberg, if they want to have a chance to get promoted directly they must win all of their last 3 matches and hope that Leipzig is not able to do the job. But with 4 Points less to Leipzig it is almost impossible that this can be turned in their favor in only 3 matches. The home side plays an average Season and have nothing to play for only for a good place what is important for the budget. What means the players can not sit back because this cost a lot of money for the club.

In Braunschweig they are not very pleased with the Season and they hope that the problems will be solved for the next one. From the last 3 matches they were able to take the lead twice with 2-0 against Heidenheim and Freiburg but were not able to get the job done and played only draw in the end. Also last game to bottom team 1860 they lost 0-1 what was a big disappointment for them anyway.

With Baffo and Correia they have both main defenders out with injured and this for long time now. Coach Lieberknecht has to count on Decarli and Kijewski again and he can not play his preferred system in defensive. But with Reichel returns an important player on the wing and allow Lieberknecht to move Boland forward into the midfield where he can create much more and help the team to get more dangerous. It is absolutely needed as with Matuschyk and Schönfeld they had two players without any idea and form. The next one Kumbela could not convince additional but he maybe remain in the starting eleven although with Ademi and Tietz they have some in back. On the other side can be also some changes with Sauer plays on the wing and Hochscheidt move forward into the midfield. This can be a good option too to bring more power on the pitch in offensive.

After 18 unbeaten games and a clean sheet at home won underdog MSV Duisburg who had not a single away win so far in Nürnberg. This defeat was something like a big knock out for them and they lost in Karlsruhe again although they lead for long time. It looks like this continues because against Union they were down 0-2 to half time but they found a way to get back on track and showed their real strength with scoring 6 goals in 45 Minutes what let them save third place.
Before the last game against Union has Coach Weiler a really great idea with moving Leibold from the wing into the middle as he was one of best players on the pitch and made a great game. He helps to turn this game around for Nürnberg. For Leibold was Petrak on bench and the open position took Gislason and started since Round 9 from beginning on and was also one of the winner. In this case it is not expected that Coach Weiler changes anything on his successful team from last weekend although he has with Stieber and Petrak two very good options on bench, of course.

Greuther Fürth - FC Heidenheim

Both teams are already safe and they play for nothing, only for a good place and the TV budget for next Season. Therefore not an uninteresting aspect because both teams need money to work a bit more relaxed with transfers and other things. In an interview said both Coaches that they take this match very serious and want to hold the concentration high until the end of the Season.

After starting with a defeat against St. Pauli into the new year Fürth made a good job and they could win 5 of the 10 matches while losing only to top teams Nürnberg and Freiburg very unlucky. Last weekend they lost first time against a lower placed team from Bielefeld 2-4. But overall they can look back to a very good Season so far and they are very pleased with the team at the moment.

Compared to the excellent win to Düsseldorf Coach Ruthenbeck made some changes before the game in Bielefeld but both Hirsch and Wurtz disappointed what brings him in  the next difficult positon as he has to changes again here. Very clear is the return from Gjasula who is back from suspension and should help the team as creative player, of course. If he plays in central midfield or more offensive is open. Maybe with Hofmann in central midfield while Stiepermann can move to the wing. In this case Berisha move into the attack and Wurtz can be replaced by Vukusic.

Almost the same situation in Heidenheim, they are very hard to play and also to beat. With only 2 defeats 2016 they are a team with a lot of potential and strength. They may have been placed much better if they had not so many draws (6) what is maybe one of their biggest problems. The last two home games were draws to Braunschweig and Paderborn while they lost a big unlucky to Union 0-1 last weekend. After they reached their goal from 40 Points Coach Schmidt was talking about more and he is not pleased with the 9. Place in the end. He wants to keep the motivation high and he allows no neglectfulness from his team. The players should be focused on the last game otherwise they are on bench or out of the squad.

According to the last game attacker Finne can lose his place in starting lineup to Morabit or youngster Starke. It is very open how he decides. One of these guys plays beside Thomalla in attack, of course. Both second keeper Müller and defender Göhlert who wants to finish his carrer as Profi have the word from Coach that they starts in one of the last 3 games but it is not out yet. Despite the situation it is open if this happen in Fürth already.

FC Augsburg - 1.FC Köln

One of the biggest surprise teams last Season was of course FC Augsburg. They were able to play their best Season ever in club history and got rewarded with an European Spot. In these European games they made a good job and knocked out only against Liverpool who was very close anyway. I said it already in some previews that this additional games cost a lot of energy which is missing in League games and smaller clubs can not handle this anyway. All, if Mainz, Freiburg, Frankfurt, Aachen and so on had a lot of problems after such a good Season and Augsburg has it too and has it already. Of course they are 5 Points ahead of the red zone but this is only due to their good run of 3 wins in a row what put them out of the big trouble. Overall they are very close to avoid the worst case but for this they need at least 1 win from the last 3 matches. Maybe a draw can be enough too, as the other teams behind them play against each other in the upcoming weeks as well. Nevertheless Coach Weinzierl is doing a great job and is loved in Augsburg but he is aiming for a new challenge. Maybe he leaves the club at the end of the Season despite a contract. Before this happen they have to do the work and bring it to a successful end. The team looked much better lately and they have the power and motivation back. With captain Verhagh miss they an important key player on the wing.

After Cologne was promoted they are going step by step and this is the right way for success. Last Season they had some problems until the end but this time they are already safe 3 Rounds before the Season ends. Coach Stöger and Manager Schmadtke did a great job so far but they want more of course. The Season has not end and they are trying to put some pressure on the teams above them because with a win they can get very close to an European Spot. Despite the 5 Points difference they are motivated enough to walk on because they have nothing to lose. They want to be as serious as they can and bring the best lineup on the pitch. No experiments for the last 3 games as Stöger said. He can count on almost all players, the only defender Mavraj is not ready to train and therefore a big doubt for the game. But with Heintz returns a central defender, so that this should be not the biggest problem at all. The offense is on fire scoring 3 and 4 in the last two games what is much for Cologne who has normally problems to score more as 2 in a game. 

Both teams are on fire at the moment and maybe on the same level. What I see for a bit different is that Augsburg loves more if they can play against teams who are more active as Cologne is. They must go out and be active while Cologne can sit back and go for their fast counter attacks what brings them in a very good position in my eyes. This can be key here and decide the game. For this reason we are going with the HC on our side and Cologne this time.

PICK: 1.FC Köln AHC +0,25 @ 1,89 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

FSV Frankfurt - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

This encounter has a lot of explosiveness, not from FCK side because they were able to save them already after a few weeks with a lot of danger potential, no  more from FSV side who sit 1 Point above the red zone and if they continue the weak home performances they getting really in danger. The opponent from FSV has the chance to come into the match more relaxed and without any pressure and if they have some good results in the last 3 matches they can climb up a bit while FSV has to look forward to avoid to be relegated in the end. Therefore this match becomes absolutely important for them. After a long time they were not able to win at home and if this continues they get a really relegation encounter at Round 34 when 1860 arrives there.

The team from Frankfurt was in relegation trouble last Season too and saved them only with the last match. After this hard time for the club they came out and started very well with collecting 19 Points out of the first 10 matches but fall back to old style and were not able to collect more as 10 Points in the last 19 Rounds. This put them back in the same situation as they had last Season already. With the last shot and sucking Coach Oral they want to bring the momentum back to their side but new Coach Götz was not able to turn things around so far. Above all at home they are absolutely weak. With losing the last 2 against direct rivals they are getting more and more in danger.

The new Coach tried some in his first two matches but ha not found the right mix so far. Therefore changes are possible for this match again. One important player can give his comeback with Perdedaj but it is not sure yet. If he can start he can help the team with his fighting spirit very well while Yann move on bench after his weak performance against Sandhausen. Also Engels can hope to start after having some good actions after coming into the match in Sandhausen. Also in offensive can Götz count on the experienced attacker Kapllani who was an important key factor last Season already.

After a very bad run between Round 23 and 27 with 5 defeats was Kaiserslautern able to save them with 3 good results lately. They won to Sandhausen 2-0, got a 0-0 draw to KSC, won the important encounter in Bielefeld 1-0 and against giant Leipzig 1-1 on Monday. This streak was key that they were not involved in the relegation fight. It seems additional that they found the form to the right time before the Season ends.

Coach Fünfstück allowed the same starting lineup who won in Bielefeld to start againt Leipzig. They disappointed him not and therefore he was very happy with his team. According to the good performances it is not so far that he field the same lineup again. The only he may think a bit can be striker Przybylko who had some very good moments and made some self advertising with 2 goals to move back into start eleven again. It is possible above all after Zimmer got ill these days and one position is open now. In this case Ring can move on the wing and plays the positon from Zimmer while Przybylko plays beside Bödvarsson in attack.

When we compare the teams and actual form the trend is really on Kaiserslautern but why trust teams who has nothing to play for at the moment. The only they have to play is the positon and budget for next Season. FSV plays for their living in 2.Bundesliga and this should be a more and better motivation. Teams who has not aim they are doing less and this can FSV not do in their situation right now. Also they were close to get something from the last game in Sandhausen but the referee did not reward them 1 or 2 penalties from these was one absolutely clear. This should be an additional motivation for them to show that they are able to bring this to a good end despite disadvantage. With losing 3 in a row we are sure that they stop the negative run and do not lose this won again.

PICK: FSV Frankfurt AHC 0 @ 2,02 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

MSV Duisburg - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

The West-Derby is very important for both sides as they are big involved in relegation battle. Both teams are fighting to remain in 2.Bundesliga while MSV is in a must win situation to close the gap to the other 2 teams above Paderborn and 1860 München and hold the aim alive. On the other side is Düsseldorf a big up of the red zone and can go into this game more relaxed and without big pressure. But overall they have to look forward and take an eye on the other teams like Paderborn, 1860 München and FSV Frankfurt because as the results are against them they can fall down and get really in danger. Therefore we can expect an interesting game with a big fight.

After only 1 Point after 4 matches after the winter break MSV Duisburg was almost relegated and it looks like that they have no chance anymore but they never gave up and fight back that they were able to close the gap to 3 Points to the teams above. With the surprise win in Nürnberg they got a lot of hope back but last weekend they were not able to manage the next surprise to leader Freiburg and lost deserved 0-3. Therefore this direct duel with Düsseldorf become very important for them. 

It was no surprise that Coach Gruev send out the same team against Freiburg which won to 1860 but this time he has to change according to the suspension from Hajri. The miss can be compensate with Bajic who is back from illness and absolutely ready again. He got some minutes in Freiburg already and should be hot to start. More changes are maybe not the case as the alternatives are less although the offensive play is very harmless from MSV lately. Despite this big problems Bröker comes from bench and should bring from fresh blood in.

Fortuna changes the Coach in the winter break and they had a lot of hope in Kurz but he could not bring the team back on track and after a losing run from 4 matches he was sucked. In relegation battle they trust now an experienced Coach like Funkel. He saved a lot of teams already and he knows what he has to do to avoid the worst case. He started well with a 4-3 win to Kaiserslautern but in the last 4 matches they are winless and got only 2 Points on their side what let them remain in a danger position. 

After the weakest performance against Fürth 1-3 he changed the starting lineup on 5 positions what lead to a much better performance and a good result to St. Pauli 1-1. If he count on the same eleven it is very open as with Bodzek and Fink return two experienced players which were not available to due suspension and injury against St. Pauli. Despite the good play from Sobotta and Gartner in central midfield it is very possible that both veterans return and give the team more stability. The other positions should remain unchanged according to the last performance.

This encounter includes a lot and the future of both teams stands in doubt what makes it so interesting. But overall if we compare both squads we see some advantage for Düsseldorf who knows the situation much more from past years as MSV. Also the quality is on Fortuna’s side although both sides has some problems with the offensive play. Nevertheless players like Demirbay, Pohjanpalo or Sararer can make the difference for Fortuna. We trust and believe in them and got with the HC on our side, a draw is more as possible for them here.

PICK: Fortuna Düsseldorf AHC +0,25 @ 1,76 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Germany 1.Bundesliga Satruday matches

Hertha BSC Berlin - Bayern München

- Hertha could win only 1 of the last 24 matches to Bayern Munich (1-5-18).
- This was in February 2009 with 2-1. All the last 9 matches were lost.
- Bayern lost only 1 from the last 15 league matches, to Gladbach 1-3 in December.
- Since 8 matches they are unbeaten on the road (6-2-0).
- Hertha has not lost since 10 home games (6-4-0), last time to Gladbach 1-4 in October.
- This was the only defeat in the last 16 home games for them.
- Since Dardai is on the sideline Hertha conceded the first time in 3 matches 2 goals or more.
- On the other side Bayern conceded only 1 goal in the last 6 matches.
- Shots on goal, Hertha 285 what is the weakest amount, Bayern Munich 581.



VfB Stuttgart - Borussia Dortmund

- Since 11 matches is Stuttgart waiting for a win against Dortmund (0-5-6).
- Dortmund won 6 of their last 7 matches against Stuttgart and can advance the streak to 4 wins in a row.
- Dortmund scored incredible 23 goals in their last 7 matches what is an average from 3,3.
- No team got less Points in the last 5 matches as Stuttgart, only two.
- They could win only 1 of the last 9 matches (1-3-5). The derby to 1899 with 5-1 at home.
- BvB  with a new record as they have 71 Points after 30 match days what they never reached before.
- Dortmund is the best team in second half of the Season with 10 wins and 3 draws.



VfL Wolfsburg - FC Augsburg

- Wolfsburg could only win 2 of the 9 games with Augsburg. Only against Bayern they are weaker.
- In these 9 matches with FCA scored Wolfsburg only 6 goals, what is incredible less for their potential.
- After winning twice recently FCA got some hope back in relegation battle.
- In the last 4 matches in first half of the Season they were able to collect 10 Points out of it.
- This maybe let them hope to stay away from the relegation battle in the next weeks.
- Additional they were able to score in every last 11 BL matches what is new club record for them.
- Wolfsburg is almost out of the race to Europe, but they may have a little bit of hope.

FC Schalke 04 - Borussia Dortmund

This is a big derby and both teams do not like each other, therefore a big fight is expected but after Bayern Munich winning yesterday and Borussia Dortmund has an important EL game ahead against Liverpool on Thursday Coach Tuchel is rotating a lot. They have no Reus, Aubameyang, Micky, Gündogan in the starting eleven. This is a bit too much in my eyes and they can not replace these guys even. Additional they had an very hard match on last Thursday what costs a lot of energy too. They may are not the most fresh side this time.

On the other side Schalke is doing a great at home in the last matches and they could prepare the whole week for this game what is important. They can load up their batteries and come into these game with all they power. With fresh legs they should be ahead of a B-Team from Dortmund today. Coach Breitenreiter has all his guns ready and can choose from all. This is a big plus additional for them.

We are very pleased with the lineup from Schalke and can only see a winner here. Let’s go S04 !!!

PICK: FC Schalke 04 AHC 0 @ 2,67 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

1.FC Nürnberg - MSV Duisburg

This is a match between the top and the bottom of the table while we have a big class difference here too. Nürnberg at home do a great Season with 9-5-0 while MSV on the road has only got 5 Points with record 0-5-9. Nürnberg is very close to get back to 1.Bundesliga after two years in 2.Bundesliga now but for this they have to walk on and continue their good streak from 18 unbeaten matches in a row while MSV is almost relegated according to their bad results this Season. The team was promoted last Season to 2.Bundesliga again but they must go down after only one year again. Very frustrating for such a traditional club like MSV.

Nürnberg started a great run but they are always 3 Points behind the top two teams and they want to climb at least one place up if they get promoted directly. They do not want to have the two relegation games against the 16. of the 1.Bundesliga. For this reason they should hold the pressure high and try to win as much as they can. With a win today against bottom side MSV they can climb up to 2. place and have to wait ifRB Leipzig is able to bounce back in Düsseldorf tomorrow.
Nevertheless they have to concentrate them on their games and walk on, they are coming into this game with 6 wins in a row. Not all were deserved and they had luck too but this is not important anyway, it counts only today. Coach Weiler has no reason to changes his successful team from last weekend. The only position he maybe can be thinking a bit is the offensive midfield with Kerk who got injured last weekend but is ready today. He was replaced by Blum who scored twice and can be a real options for the starting lineup maybe.

MSV is looking forward and the hope is still there although if you win only 1 of the last 12 matches you can not start a streak of 6 winning games to the end of the Season. If they win all the last games it may is too less anyway to avoid relegation. In this case they have to bring this Season to a good end and be a good opponent for the upcoming matches despite some of the teams are really playing for something. They had a run of 4 unbeaten games but won only 1 of these recently and the defeat to Heidenheim was a big knock out for them. Of course they believe still in them but it is not for 100%.
Coach Gruev tries to bring the best possible lineup on the pitch. On central midfield is Holland back and should replace Albutat there. Poggenburg played on the back wing last weekend without success what let Gruev think to move Wolze back again and allow Broker, Klotz or Janjic to hope for the offensive position. Up front is Obinna a safe starter but beside him they have none. Therefore a trio can make them hopes to be the partner of the Nigerian player.

Overall this should be a clear thing for the absolutely in form team from Nürnberg. Their amazing run should continue against a bottom side what normally has nothing to loss but should be to weak to beat this FCN.

PICK: 1.FC Nürnberg AHC -1 @ 1,75 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

SC Freiburg - FC St. Pauli

This encounter between the 1. and the 4. are no real top match according to the table has St. Pauli already 13 Points to leader Freiburg. This is too much 6 Rounds before the Season ends. The team from Hamburg could not hold the pressure high in the last weeks where they could win only 1 from 4 games and let them move away. The top 3 are to strong and they were winning too much in the last weeks to hold the gap as close as they can.

The team from Coach Streich running from win to win and they having almost the same great run as Nürnberg with 7 wins in a row. Despite the good run they can not take advantage as the rivals are winning and winning too. Maybe this can be a very close promotion fight until the Season ends. The last win to Fürth 3-2 on monday was a bit of luck as too many mistakes of Fürth allow them to score 3 easy goals and their defensive work was not the best anyway.
He was not very pleased with the performance and let the players feel this in training. He has to try something because with Höfler he has to replace the central midfield player suspended today. Some options are there with Stanko what means not more changes. If he count on Stenzel or Frantz there he has to bring a new central back into the team what let Torrejon or Mudzja moves in. Also in offensive he has to think about Niederlechner, Petersen and Philipp. Only 2 of the 3 guys are on the pitch, one of them sit on bench.

St. Pauli had the aim to hold the promotion race as open as they can but the last 0-0 to Union Berlin was a big disappointment for them and they are out for the race now. Nevertheless they played a great Season and they had not the trouble as last Season what is a big success anyway. Coach Lienen can be very pleased with his team and go into the last matches very relaxed. Maybe if the pressure is gone the team can show a better side as in the last games. But of course they play for important money because they get much more if their are coming in as 4. as some places down. The TV budget is also important for them above all for a club with less money.
The last lineup was what Lienen prefer last weekend but this time he has to replace some again. With Rzatkowski he has an guy with flue out and he travelled not with the team to Freiburg. Maier can be the first choice from Lienen here. In an interview mentioned Lienen also that they do not want to play a defensive minded system, no they want to be active and go for fast counter attacks to hurt SCF.

Again, the top team is walking on and showing great form while St. Pauli is on a downtrend and count not hold the gap close. Also they are not a team who can score much what can be a big problem against a team who has so much offensive power. Therefore the home side should win this one.

PICK: SC Freiburg AHC -1 @ 1,95 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

FC Ingolstadt 04 - Bor. M'Gladbach

This is a very interesting encounter above all if we take a look back to last weekend. Both teams showed a really great performance and won comfortable. Ingolstadt at home to Schalke with 3-0 were they having one of the best performances of the Season while Gladbach celebrated an absolutely amazing 5-0 against third placed team from Berlin one day later. It was working well for both and now they face each other what can be a nice match anyway.

The newcomer was not only a surprise to begin of the Season, no they were able to continue the way they play also in second part of the Season. This is maybe one of the key facts that they can stay away from relegation battle. Other teams before them like Braunschweig, Fürth and Paderborn can hold the level only for a half of the Season and get relegated then. For Ingolstadt is this scenario far away because of 36 Points on their side already and if they can grab 4 Points out of the last 6 matches they are safe of course. Nevertheless of their good position right now they want to bring this Season to a successful end and want to use their good form to get safe as far as they can. Coach Hasenhüttl has find the right mix and the team is following and working with him very well. Success proved him right also that they can expand their scoring average along with their defensive work. In almost all numbers they are doing better compared to the first half of the Season what is a real indicator that they have done the next step in their development.

After winning the important match to Hertha BSC on Sunday Gladbach is looking forward to reach one of the Champions League spots. The chance is back and they were very happy to defeat one of the top placed teams after having a lot of problems to win against teams from the top this Season. This important win gave them additional boost and motivation for the upcoming matches. Also Coach Schubert has some more options as many of the injured players are back in squad. He can count on Raffael again this time after have to replace him recently. This bring them in some danger as he has a lot to choose in offensive as the guys on pitch on Sunday did a great job. Therefore it is very open in he wants to change his starting lineup for Ingolstadt or allow all the guys to show the skills again. In this case Raffael is on bench first. But overall this player is very important for Gladbach and can decide a match, of course. The only negative thing is the weak away performance from Gladbach were they could not win in 7 attempts lately. From these 7 matches they collect only 2 Points while losing 5 times. The last away win was against Hertha 4-1 on 31.10.2015. A long time for a team who is looking to grab an European spot.

The home side is absolutely on fire in their stadium with 6 unbeaten matches in row while Gladbach coming to Ingolstadt without a win in 7 road games. Both teams running different but Gladbach has the much better potential and also a lot of bad luck against Schalke two weeks ago too. I am really pleased with the matchup and also trust Gladbach this time because they do not lose the third time in a row.  

PICK: Bor. M'Gladbach AHC -0,25 @ 1,98 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Greuther Fürth - SC Freiburg

As always, we have the last game in 2.Bundesliga this Monday evening. Greuther Fürth hosts SC Freiburg who is almost in a must win situation because both rivals for promotion Leipzig and Nürnberg won their games. This promotion race is very close and it looks like that this continues until the end of the Season if all 3 can walk on like recent weeks. With a win Freiburg can climb back on top and defend their leading position that they got back before national break after Leipzig failed twice. A small mistake can bring them in danger in promotion fight therefore they should try to celebrate the 7. win in a row and living their dream. Overall this is not an easy won for them anyway as Fürth is unbeaten in 4 now and showed a good form before the national break as well. Of course Fürth has no problems and they play almost for nothing at this time of the Season. Only for a good standings what is important for TV budget next Season.

To begin of the year Fürth could only grab 4 Points out of 4 matches but at least they were able to celebrate two home wins to Union 2-0 and Braunschweig 3-1 while on the road they draw twice to Paderborn 1-1 and Bochum 2-2. The two home wins were very impressive and they showed a great performance in both. After looking long time for the win they conceded a very late equalizer in Bochum and lost also important key midfield player Gjasula with red card. He will be a big miss for them today. For this reason Coach Ruthenbeck has to changes some. In central midfield plays Hofmann maybe beside Stiepermann. The second one can take the more offensive part in this system. On the right wing they need to fill the open position but with Tripic is one guy out due to disco accident. An option can be long term injured Weiland who is back in the squad again. The second option can be Wurtz comes in as striker while Berisha move to the right wing.

After losing twice to begin of the year Freiburg started an excellent run with 6 wins in a row. They are in good shape and showed that they are able to win close matches like before the break against KSC 1-0. In this game they had not the best day but the quality and mindset of the team is really great and give a lot of hope for the last matches too. The trend is very positive currently and Coach Streich has no reason to changes anything in his working starting eleven. The defense and midfield should remain unchanged, only the two positions in attack are very open. He has 4 players for two places, with Petersen, Niederlechner, Philipp and Guede there are excellent players which have all some positive factors for the team if they stand on the pitch. If we take a look on all these players Guede is a really fighting player and helping the team very well but he has not the most effectiveness in front of the goal and should be on bench. The other 3 has a lot of potential and it is a hard decision for Streich. Petersen and Philipp did a great job together 2015 while Niederlechner showed his dangerousness 2016 after coming new to the team in winter break. It looks like he puts up Petersen and Niederlechner. In this case Philipp can come from bench and give an additional boost for the offensive if needed.

FSV Frankfurt - 1.FC Nürnberg

Interesting match between both as both are far from each other. The distance between both is huge with 27 Points in table and also if you take only an eye on the games 2016. Nürnberg were able to collect 26 Points and have a streak from 17 unbeaten matches in a row while FSV Frankfurt was only able to get 7 Points on their side 2016. Nürnberg is top in this category 2016 while FSV is the weakest one beside Sandhausen. This is maybe due to their weak home performances where they can grab only 10 Points from 13 matches. This is exactly what brought them in danger in recent weeks. The situation is clear, FSV fights against relegation while Nürnberg has an big eye on promotion.

FSV is nothing special right now above all at home they were not able to win a single game 2016. They were only able to bring a single Point on their side in the last 6 home games. This was exactly against bottom side from Duisburg 3-3. After two defeats in a row they were able to get at least a Point in Heidenheim what was a little bit of surprise but they are more strong on the road as at home. Although they were leading 2-0, they were not able to bring this to a successful end. Coach Oral signed already a contract at Karlsruher for the new Season and he stands under huge pressure in Frankfurt now. If he can not deliver the needed results he will be fired before the Season ends. This can be a key match for him. If he loses with his team he is in real danger. He trusts his starting lineup from Heidenheim again. This guys should break the run from Nürnberg. On bench he has some more options with central back Gugganig or Kruska who returns from suspensions.

Nürnberg is on fire, they were able to win 5 of their last 6 road games what put them in an excellent Position right now but this is needed if they want to catch Freiburg or Leipzig ahead of them. They are coming to Frankfurt with 5 wins in a row and they have done their home work above all before the national break they showed a great game against leader Leipzig. This can bring them additional motivation and self confidence for the upcoming last games and the important fight at the top. The team is in an amazing form and no team has collected more Points 2016, scored more goals and conceded less as Nürnberg. If they can continue this run and hold this good form they are of course a real candidate for direct promotion. They are only 3 Points behind the top 2 but this is maybe due to their weak start into the Season otherwise they can be ahead already.
Coach Weiler counts again on his starting lineup where he has a very good feeling. Despite the big loses with keeper Schäfer and youngster Erras the team managed to replace these important guys even and continue. The only open position compared to the game before the national break is in central back where Bulthuis was suspended and his replacement Hovland made a great game there. Therefore he must choose one to complete his first eleven.

FSV is a very overish team and they are trying to bring some power in their offensive play while on the other side they forget to take an eye on defensive as well. Nürnberg is on fire and in excellent form, they score for sure. Therefore if we have the first goal in this game it can be opened as both are in a need of Points and have to push according to the table situation both are.

PICK: OVER 2,5 @ 1,82 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen

This is again a duel between the top and the bottom. Dortmund is doing a really great Season and playing their best ever Season right now although they are only on second place. On the other side has Bremen a lot of problems and they are already involved in relegation battle where they wanted to stay away but the results was not always on their side recently.

The second giant in Germany Borussia Dortmund is running from win to win before the national break. They have done all their jobs if League or Europe League what let them hope to win a title at the end of the Season. This would bring new Coach Tuchel the next level in Dortmund and a lot of glory above all from the euphoric fans. Their Arena is a fortress and they are very hard to beat and play there too. With this great atmosphere they are really overcoming every opponent this Season. With conceding only 3 goals in 2016 they managed a new record in BL so far. Nevertheless they want to walk on and hold the pressure high on Bayern Munich although they are 5 Points behind them but if Bayern should have a weak last period of the Season they must be there to use it.
Coach Tuchel wants to give his first eleven a little bit of rhythm before the important Euro League game against Liverpool therefore it is expected he put up all his stars. Also Aubameyang should be back after an unexpected family issue. With the 3 guns ready in offensive Bremen can hope that they have not the best day maybe.

The north club has some problems fighting to avoid relegation above all the biggest problem is that they have 4 of the last 7 matches at home and there they had a lot of problems where they could not win much. They prefer to play more on the road where they collected most of their Points and surprised sometimes like in Leverkusen a few weeks ago. Nevertheless they are still 1 Point ahead of the danger zone but this is not much and they must try to crap all possible Points they can get. Coach Skripnik and Manager Eichin are very pleased that they can avoid the worst case despite the actual situation. With Pizarro returns the most important player of the last weeks injured from national team and he is out for sure with back problems. This put Ujah back into the starting lineup and he has to deliver now what Pizarro did absolutely great the last weeks. Overall the offensive should not be the problem, they can bring a defensive in danger also Dortmund on a good day, the most problems are in defensive where they have a really bad run with conceding in all their 27 matches this Season. They could not keep a clean sheet so far and against Dortmund it is almost impossible anyway. The next is that they have to change there because Djilobodji is suspended in central back and must be replaced.

According to the actual situation Dortmund should overcome this Bremen side very easy above all the shaky defensive should be not hold the pressure stand in all the 90 minutes. If Dortmund plays a solid game and bring all their power on the pitch they are of course able to win this one with 2 or 3 goals margin.

PICK: Borussia Dortmund AHC -2 @ 2,05 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Bayern München - Eintracht Frankfurt

This match takes place in Allianz Arena Munich where Bayern Munich has his home fortress. If we compare both teams it maybe a big class of difference between both sides. Giant Bayern leads the league with 5 Points to second placed Dortmund while Eintracht Frankfurt is big involved in relegation fight where they have to improve in the last matches and climb up at least 1 place otherwise they are relegated directly.

The team from Munich is known very well and all know the style of them. They are very dominant and control the game in all frequencies what Coach Guardiola likes very well. The offensive power is impressive whatever stands on the pitch. With Costa, Ribery, Coman, Robben Coach Guardiola can choose from excellent players on both wings. Additional with Lewandowski and Müller he has two Goalgetters he can trust and they deliver in almost every match. In central midfield he has with Alonso, Thiago or Vidal not a bad formation to choose. The only problem they have maybe is in defensive where they are not so stable after Boateng got injured. But his happen only if a team can put Munich under some pressure what is not always the case because most of the opponents are to scary and defend only. Overall this game should be not a big problem for them at all and they walk on to win the next national title.

The situation is getting worse in Frankfurt in the last weeks. After the winter break Coach Veh was not able to bring his team on track and had to leave. He is replaced by unexperienced Kovac who had played in Bundesliga but was never active as Coach there. He did manage the job a national Coach in Croatia but with less success and he was fired there in the end. The BL business is more difficult and hard as well and the pressure is there from week to week according to the position right now. The first match on the sideline was a big disaster for him and they lost easy to Gladbach 0-3, the important last game to bottom side Hannover was won 1-0 but the shakiness was seen always in the game. He tried to build up a new starting lineup to get more stability in their defensive work and play but against harmless Hannover they were not claimed anyway. The offensive play of them is very harmless and they create and produce not much in both last games. The absent of important key striker Meier is incredible and without him they do really hard in offensive. The next big blow is veteran Russ who can not play today. The central midfield must be build new but on what players he counts is not out yet as Hasebe has a long trip with the national team and returns late. Some alternatives can be Ignovski and Ayhan. 

What to say, a big class of difference between both and this should be enough to get the job done for Bayern and win this one comfortably. Against a shaky defensive line and a harmless offensive it should be a clear thing for Bayern with their offensive power to score at least 3 to cover the HC.

PICK: Bayern München AHC -2,25 @ 1,84 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

FC St. Pauli - Union Berlin

When the 4th meet the 7th we can expect a big match and also two teams which have to play for something in the end of the Season. But the case is much more different, Union has 17 Points to the top 3 already while St. Pauli is 8 Points behind 3rd Nürnberg and 11 to the top 2 teams. Normally the 4th fight until the end for promotion but this time it is not the case as the distance is to much and only 7 Rounds remaining. The top 3 dominating this league to heavy that some of the teams can have some hope to close the gap. If, they must have a real big run with winning almost all last 7 matches. For both clubs it is more the main fact that they bring this Season to a successful end. For the team from Hamburg was this Season already a big success after have a lot of problems last Season where they saved them very late. They overcome all estimations this time and can look forward to have a great Season final. On the other side Union was expecting much more and the main goal was place 1-6 where they are 1 Point behind to place 6. If they want to arrive the goal they should take an eye on the next matches.

 

After the winter break started St. Pauli very well and was able to collect 12 from 15 possible Points what put them very close to the top 3. But failing twice against Heidenheim and Paderborn knocked them out of the promotion race already because the top is walking on and on. They could get back on track before the national break with a clear 2-0 win to Sandhausen and hold the last possible hopes maybe alive. Compared to the last game Coach Lienen must changes one time because Kalla booked a yellow card and is suspended after his comeback. This puts Sobota back into the starting lineup after he must pass due to illness against Sandhausen. The other positions remain unchanged.

Union showed two faces in recent weeks with winning all of their last 5 home games but could not manage much on the road in this period. They got only a single Point from all of the last road games (against Kaiserslautern to begin of the new year). The last 3 they lost to Leipzig 0-3, Fürth 0-2 and bottom side Duisburg 1-2. To begin of the Season they had a lot of problems at home and had more success on the road but it has changed now. Also they had to change their Coach due to illness. Lewandowski left the club and his Co-Coach Hofschneider was advanced as Head Coach for Union.

Compared to the last home win to Braunschweig 3-1 the situation is not much better in squad so far. They miss a lot of player again like Kroos, Korte, Thiel, Schönheim and Skryzbski. Nevertheless these players are out for weeks now and Union must life with it. An important player is suspended with captain Kessel today too. This makes it more difficult for Hofschneider to find the right mix and balance in his starting lineup but with Parensen he has one player back from suspension who starts immediately for Redondo who is on bench then. On the other wing they hope that Trimmel can play after his injury and replace captain Kessel there. In offense are no changes expected and they can count on the successful offensive players this time again.

 

As written on top, both teams plays almost for nothing therefore the concentration can be a bit less and mistakes can happen anytime in the game what can open a lot of opportunities to see some goals in this encounter. The chance is really there and we are very pleased with the line.

PICK: OVER 2,5 @ 1,90 (3 Units / Flat Stake)