Arminia Bielefeld - Jahn Regensburg

Important first encounter for both

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld‘s squad has undergone several changes with several players not receiving a new contract. New arrivals include goalkeeper Stefan Ortega (1860 Munich), defender Nils Teixeira (Dresden), midfielder Konstantin Kerschbaumer (Brentford), midfielder Patrick Weihrauch (Wurzburg), forward Andraz Sporar (Basel) and forward Nils Quaschner (RB Leipzig).

Newly-promoted Jahn Regensburg have lost two key players from their successful team last season as midfielder Erik Thommy returned to Augsburg while midfielder Kolja Pusch is back with Heidenheim. They have signed several new players, but none of them have experience at playing in 2.Bundesliga. With midfielder Sebastian Stolze (Wolfsburg), forward Jonas Nietfeld (Zwickau), defender Benedikt Gimber (Hoffenheim), defender Asger Sorensen (RB Salzburg), midfielder Albion Vrenezi (Augsburg), forward Patrick Dzalto (Leverkusen) and forward Joshua Mees (1899 Hoffenheim) they have a squad full of young and talented players.

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Soren Brandy (thigh)

Injured/unavailable: Christopher Nothe (knee)

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: OIiver Hein (knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Bielefeld will be hoping for a much better start than last season and therefore for a campaign without any trouble. Overall they should not change much with regard to their starting XI and it means they will have a team available that need no time to gel. Coach Jeff Saibene knows his men very well and might include new arrival Konstantin Kerschbaumer in the line-up.

Newly-promoted Jahn Regensburg have the lowest budget of the 18 clubs and they must work hard if they do not want to be relegated after just one season – something that happened to them not too long ago. However, their new and beautiful stadium should push them additionally this time round while there is also a new coach in charge in Achim Beierlorzer after Heiko Herrlich left for Leverkusen before the beginning of the season. Beierlorzer was U-23 coach at RB Leipzig and knowing how to work with young players, he will put a lot of emphasis on forming a well-balanced and operating team. However, the club’s main aim will be to avoid relegation this season.

I don’t expect to see a great game here, with both teams looking to defend, and this could mean a goalless draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

These teams have not met in Germany’s second tier since March 2004 when they played each other in Bielefeld. It was an uneventful and scoreless draw. Both teams will be focussing on safety first in their first match and I predict under 2.5 goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bielefeld have hosted Jahn Regensburg just three time, with all matches ending in draws.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Greuther Fürth

Relegated Darmstadt host a traditional 2.Bundesliga club

TEAM NEWS

Darmstadt have lost several important players in the form of Michael Esser, Marcel Heller, Mario Vrancic, Felix Platte, Jerome Gondorf and Hamit Altintop, but they were able to get some quality back into their squad with goalkeeper Joel Mall (Grasshoppers), midfielder Kevin Großkreutz (Stuttgart), midfielder Tobia Kempe (Nurnberg), midfielder Yannick Stark (FSV Frankfurt), forward Artur Sobiech (Hannover), midfielder Romuald Lacazette (1860 Munchen), midfielder Marvin Mehlem (Karlsruher SC) and forward McKinze Gaines (U-19 Wolfsburg).

Greuther Furth have seen Robert Zulj and Marcel Franke depart and have tried to compensate for the loss of their two important players by signing midfielder Nik Omladic (Braunschweig), defender Maximilian Wittek (1860 Munchen), forward Philipp Hofmann (Brentford), midfielder Manuel Torres (Karlsruher SC) and goalkeeper Timo Konigsmann (Hannover).

Darmstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Patrick Banggaard (illness), Jan Rosenthal (knee)

Greuther Furth

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Maximilian Wittek (thigh)

Injured/unavailable: Richard Magyar (ankle), Sercan Sararer (groin), Philipp Hofmann (ligaments), Mathis Bolly (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After one of the worst seasons in the club’s history Darmstadt are looking forward to better times and they are working hard to get a good squad together. However, it looks like that they have done their homework and they are more competitive this season. Coach Torsten Frings has done a good job and has the trust of all his players. He has a lot of options in all positions and this makes Darmstadt very unpredictable this season.

Greuther Furth on the other hand have added pace to their squad, which was evident in their pre-season friendlies. They are much more variable than last season and can use different systems, if needed. The only problem at the moment is their defence and they are a bit short of options as Richard Magyar is out, with midfielder Adam Pinter a candidate for the open position in central back, but it is far from ideal.

Furth suffer from too many problems defensively and that will make it difficult for them to beat Darmstadt. The hosts are better prepared than in previous seasons and should get the campaign off to a good start by clinching three points.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

The statistics have been very even in Darmstadt’s last eight home matches, with four of the games ending with more than and four fewer than 2.5 goals. However, I expect both teams to push from the beginning and expect at least three goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Darmstadt’s all-time home record against Greuther Furth is five wins, one draw and two defeats, with 12 goals for and seven goals against.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - Union Berlin

Relegated Ingolstadt host one of the top teams

TEAM NEWS

After their relegation from Germany’s top flight last season, Ingolstadt will aim for promotion and have set themselves the target of a return to the Bundesliga within the next two years. They have lost important players in the form of Pascal Gross, Markus Suttner, Roger and Matthew Leckie, but despite receiving around €11 million in total for these players, they haven’t invested much. Only €1.2 million have been spent on forward Stefan Kutschke (Dresden) while all the other new recruits arrived on free transfers, including midfielder Marcel Gaus (Kaiserslautern), midfielder Tobias Schrock (Wurzburg), midfielder Thomas Pledl (Sandhausen), defender Hauke Wahl (Heidenheim), defender Phil Neumann (Schalke 04), forward Gianluca Rizzo (Monchengladbach) and forward Antonio Colak (Darmstadt).

Although Union Berlin have seen 11 players depart during the transfer window, their squad hasn’t been better for years. Overall they have lost only one regular in Roberto Puncec while the squad’s quality and strength have improved considerably after the club signed midfielder Akaki Gogia (Dresden), midfielder Marcel Hartel (1.FC Cologne), defender Marc Torrejon (Freiburg), midfielder Grischa Promel (Karlsruhuer SC), defender Christoph Schosswendter (Rapid Vienna) and defender Peter Kurzweg (Wurzburg).

Ingolstadt

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Max Christiansen (thigh), Moritz Hartmann (muscle)

Union Berlin

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Stephan Furstner (ankle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Despite losing their top-flight status last season, Ingolstadt have only three new players in their starting line-up and that should help them to get off to a good start. Tobias Schrock, Thomas Pledl and Stefan Kutschke should provide quality after the club have lost key players, but in my opinion, this is one of the best squads if the quality of the names is anything to go by. Ingolstadt’s defensc should be very strong and up front they must try to score more goals than last season when they only netted 36. I predict a top 4 finish for the team.

Union Berlin are coming off the best season in their history after finishing fourth – but they want more, with everyone in and around the club dreaming of promotion after nearly achieving their target last season. They may have the best squad in their history, but this does not make it any easier as the pressure is high. If coach Jens Keller proves that he can continue where he left off last season, then they are top candidates for promotion.

I expect a tight game between these two promotion candidates and they would both be happy with a draw to begin the season.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – LOW (UNDER 2.5 GOALS)

Three of the last five meetings between these clubs at Ingolstadt saw more than three goals, but the teams are very even in my eyes and should cancel each other out. I predict under 2.5 goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Ingolstadt’s all-time record against Union Berlin consists of two wins, two draws and one defeat at home, with the team scoring nine goals and conceding eight.

VfL Bochum - FC St. Pauli

Season opener between two traditional clubs

TEAM NEWS

17 days before the start of the season, Bochum fired Gertjan Verbeek and decided to place their trust in a coach with no 2.Bundesliga experience instead. With Ismail Atalan from 3.Bundesliga outfit Sportfreunde Lotte on the sidelines, they are aiming big this season. The squad was given fresh blood, above all in attack with striker Lukas Hinterseer (Ingolstadt), striker Dimitrios Diamantakos (Karlsruher SC) and midfielder Robbie Kruse (former Leverkusen player). Defender Danilo Soares (Hoffenheim) is likely to play an important role this season too.

St. Pauli will rely on almost the same squad as last season. They have only lost defender Soren Gonther to Dresden while signing forward Sami Allagui (Hertha Berlin), midfielder Mats Moller Daehli (Freiburg), defender Clemens Schoppenhauer (Wurzburg) and defender Luca-Milan Zander (Werder Bremen).

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Lukas Hinterseer (knee)

Injured/unavailable: Timo Perthel, Nico Rieble, Vitaly Janelt (all knee)

St. Pauli

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ryo Miyaichi (knee), Philipp Ziereis (muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum will count on their strong defensive line from last season and they are very hard to beat, especially at home, having suffered just two defeats in 17 games in front of their own fans last season. The club will hope that their new signings in attack will push them to new heights and that their new and young coach Ismail Atalan has what it takes to push this team to the maximum.

St. Pauli are a well-balanced team and with not too many new players in the starting line-up they have maybe some advantage at the beginning of the season. Sami Allagui is the only new player, who is expected to feature here, but he will bring a lot of class to St. Pauli’s style of play and this could act as a boost for the team.

I think Bochum will have what it takes right from the start. There is a great atmosphere in and around the club and their good home record speaks for itself while they will aim to extend this run. St. Pauli are nothing special away from home and I expect the hosts to edge it.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH (OVER 2.5 GOALS)

Most of the last 13 competitive meetings at Bochum have seen a lot of goals, with eight of them producing three or more. Although it is the opener, I think this trend will continue and I predict over 2.5 goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum’s all-time home record against St. Pauli consists of five wins, six draws and two defeats, with the team scoring 30 and conceding 15 goals.

1.Bundesliga - Round 33 !!!

Here I want to give some infos about all 9 matches today. I think this is the best choice and you can have a better inside about the games and teams and for what they are playing now.

VfL Wolfsburg - Bor. M'Gladbach

Typical match for this Round - relegation candidate against european hopes. The home side need Points according to their situation at the bottom of the table - with 2 Points above Place 16. they can fall down if they are not able to get Points, although they play Hamburg in the last match and this can maybe the real decider for Place 16. To be honest Wolfsburg can not be relegated directly because Ingolstadt must win both for this and it is almost impossible. 

Gladbach has still the chance for an European Spot but have to win both last encounters and need some help from other teams as well to climb up in the last 2 Rounds. Gladbach never won in Wolfsburg for the last 13 years !!!

Both miss some players: VfL with Bruma and Gebhardt two important once while Goldbach has Jantschke and Wendt as important out and have Raffael, Johnson, Christensen and Hazard doubtful.

FSV Mainz 05 - Eintracht Frankfurt

This is the next match with the same sign as mentioned above. And this is a big derby as well. FSV in trouble need every Point to stay away from relegation trouble but this opponent is very hard to play, of course. The good thing is that Frankfurt has never won in Mainz in 8 attempts (4-4-0) so far. 

I do not think that Frankfurt is huge motivated here although the fans should be not very pleased according to the big derby as they do not like each other. The main focus for Frankfurt is the Cup Final in 2 weeks against Dortmund and they have less chances for a European Spot therefore they save energy for the big match they have ahead.

Bayer Leverkusen - 1.FC Köln

Same as above. Also a big derby who is called "Rhein-Derby" Leverkusen in trouble and in a situation that no player from their squad had in the last years, therefore they do not know how to handle this. Also the Coach Korkut is nothing special and he is only talking but the player on the pitch did not understand his tactical advices and system as well. If they manage a win or at least a Point it could be enough that they are safe.

For Cologne it is a must win game if they want to stay in the race for an European Spot because all their rivals are on fire and they must be there if some of them fail. They have the best position form all contenders with only 1 Point behind Hertha BSC who stands on Place 6. They are in form right now and this is the first time since 21 years that they let Leverkusen behind them in table. What a boost for them additional for this important game.

FC Augsburg - Borussia Dortmund

Same scenario as mentioned in all the games above already. Augsburg in trouble, they may could have been safe already if they got not the late equalizer in Gladbach. Nevertheless they have to take the focus on the last two matches against Dortmund and Hoffenheim which both fight for the important place 3. If they lose both it can be that they fall down to Place 16 because with only 2 Points advantage now it can be hard above all with this opponents. 

Dortmund only must win 2 matches for a 3rd Place who is very important for them because they have to play no qualification matches for CL then. Also they have the Cup Final in hand to manage a title this Season as well. From the last 12 matches, Dortmund lost only 1 to FCA .....

FC Schalke 04 - Hamburger SV

Schalke disappointed a lot this Season and failed in all competitions. This makes it not much easier for Coach Weinzierl and his Coaching team. This is the last match in their Arena this Season and they want to celebrate with the fans, therefore they have to invest all they have in tank to get a well atmosphere in the last home game. Must win otherwise Weinzierl is fired after the Season.

Oh Hamburg, oh Hamburg .... every Season the same ... they are horrible and they are coming to end up on Place 16 as in 3 times of the last 4 Seasons. Sooner or later they have not the luck in the 2 relegation battles and they must go down .... nothing has changed their, every Season they talking and investing a lot but fail and fail again. They are absolutely out of form right now and no know put a cent on them according to their weakness. If HSV lose they have the pressure for the last home game to Wolfsburg and this battle decides all then.

RB Leipzig - Bayern Munich

Both giants play each other but both are already safe on their Positions. RB as newcomer played the best Season ever and they coming in on Place 2 this Season what is an incredible success for them. Bayern won the title the 5th time what is a new record for Bundesliga. Both playing for nothing - but the match is hot.

SV Darmstadt 98 - Hertha BSC Berlin

SVD already relegated after the unlucky lose in Munich last weekend playing only for their fans. They are trying to build up a new team for next Season in 2.Bundesliga while Hertha BSC has a lot to lose again. They are in the race for an European Spot, has still a good Position but if they lose the 9. time on the road again they will be overcome from some teams behind. This is a must win game for them, nothing more, nothing less. A lot of missing players on Hertha side makes it not much easier for Coach Dardai but he has to handle this situation and push his team. Now or never !!!

Werder Bremen - 1899 Hoffenheim

After a disappointing start, Bremen has a good run and they are still in the race for an European Spot but they have to win this encounter otherwise it could be done for this Season. With losing only 1 form 18 matches against Hoffenheim they have a good argument on their side and they can believe in their strength above all at home they are running from win to win recently. 

1899 coming to Bremen with a unlucky lose against Dortmund who was decided by the referee. Nevertheless they have to look forward and hope that Dortmund fail in one of the last 2 matches but in this case they have to win both. Therefore full focus on the last matches to get the important 3rd Place back. If not, they played an incredible Season anyway and the young team is working and playing excellent. 

Both teams producing a lot of goals, this may can be a high goal scoring game.

SC Freiburg - FC Ingolstadt 04

European vs. Relegation. Newcomer Freiburg is playing one of their best Seasons in 1.Bundesliga and Coach Stretch can be very proud of his young team and how they handle this Season. They are in the best Position according to European Places and with a win they can do the job almost ..... it is a must because the last game in Munich is a tricky one and it can be that they lose there. So all power in this game against a candidate who is in a must win situation as well. In this case Ingolstadt can not sit back an wait, they have to push from beginning on and hope to get the win. If they do not win, it is almost the end for them and they are relegated 1 Round before the Season ends. 

This match can be very open because both teams must push !!!

1.Bundesliga - Round 32 - Saturday

Borussia Dortmund - 1899 Hoffenheim

- 1899 could not win one of the last 8 matches against BvB.
- The last win was at Matchday 34, Season 2012/13 if they avoid relegation with a 2-1 win.
- In second half of the Season both teams collected 27 Points and scored 28 goals, conceded 15.
- If this match has pass for both, they have the same opponents in the last 2 Rounds with FCA / WB.
- Dortmund did not lose one of the last 36 BL home games so far (29-7-0).
- This is a new club record and the longest run from all 5 top leagues in Europe.
- The last defeat was in April 2015 against Bayern Munich 0-1 where Götze scored the winner.
- 1899 lost only one of the last 11 BL games (7-3-1) with 1-2 to Hamburg at Round 28.
- On the road 1899 was only able to win 2 of their 11 matches.

Dortmund miss again Bartra, Götze, Rode, Sahin and Schürrle but should have a great squad available for this important big clash. This is a must win game for them if they want to jump on important Place 3 who bring them directly to CL Group stage while Place 4 they have to play 2 matches for qualifying.

1899 with no important missing, Coach Nagelsmann has all players ready and can choose from a lot. The only have to defend their Position today .... therefore a draw would be enough for them anyway.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - Bayer Leverkusen

- This is the 4th game between these two teams in BL and Leverkusen won both last Season.
- In this Season Ingolstadt won in Leverkusen 2-1 and should win this one at home too.
- After winning 3 games in a row Ingolstadt was only able to get 1 Point form the last 3 matches.
- But they won 2 matches more as in first half of the Season already.
- With 29 Points has Ingolstadt not the best situation because they must close the gap with 4 Points.
- A team with 29 to this time was always relegated to the end of the Season.
- Tyfun Korkut got 6 Points from 8 matches with Leverkusen since he is head coach there.
- Only one Coach was weaker in this period as Korkut ..... they are out of form anyway.
- Only 12 Points in 14 matches so far for Leverkusen, this is the lowest number form all teams.

Some problems for Ingolstast because with Morales and Roger they must replace two important guys today. Not so easy because they must win this game if they do not want to lose all the last hopes to avoid relegation. If they lose it is almost impossible to get the job done, but with a win they maybe can close the gap to 1 Point with 2 matches remaining.

Leverkusen miss with Bender and Brandt also two guys who should be in starting lineup but should be able to replace them. Although almost the whole team looks out of form under Korkut and they are in a difficult situation. If they lose today, this can be hard two last weeks this Season and red zone is coming closer and closer, also pressure.


Borussia M'Gladbach - FC Augsburg

- Gladbach won only 2 from 11 duels with Augsburg (2-4-5).
- Only against Leipzig they have a more bad average (0,5 Points / matches ) as against FCA (0,9).
- Augsburg won 2 of the last 3 matches and got some hope back for relegation battle.
- Since March FCA was only able to get 2 wins from 9 matches (2-2-5).
- FCA lost all their last 4 road games. Such a run happened in spring 2015 with 5 defeats.
- Since 15 matches FCA could kept a clean sheet against Hamburg 4-0 last sunday.
- The last time they managed a clean sheet was against Gladbach !!!
- In 2017 Gladbach kept a clean sheet in 6 matches, only Bayern (8) had more in this period.

A lot of missing player for Gladbach with Jantschke, Wendt, Drmic, Hazard and Raffael ..... some of them are key players what makes it not so easy for Coach Hecking to field a strong starting eleven. Nevertheless this is a must win game for them if they want to have a chance for an European Spot for next Season.

Augsburg coming to Gladbach without Koo and Moravek but should replace both. The win against Hamburg should boost them additional and let them work harder to get the job done. This is an important match for them and they need all Points they can get according to their situation in relegation battle.

1.Bundesliga on Saturday

Bayern München - FSV Mainz 05

- Bayern won 8 of the last 9 matches against Mainz 05.
- But they conceded the last BL home defeat against them in March 2016.
- Overall Bayern was losing 1 time from the last 32 BL home games (27-4-1).
- Mainz lost already 10 times on the road, what is a negative high for them.
- If they lost this one in Munich, it would be a new negative club record for them with 11.
- FSV lost 9 of the last 10 road trips, only in Leverkusen they won 2-0 in this period.
- Included in this run are also the Cup knock out and the EL match in Anderlecht 1-6.
- Bayern won all their last 14 BL home games, if the team was placed 14. downwards.
- In these games they scored incredible 37 goals and conceded only 4.
- Also they did not lose a single game in 21 attempts after a CL match (16-5-0).

It is open if Coach Ancelotti field his strongest possible lineup according to the important Cup Semi Final next wednesday against Dortmund. They can rest some guys like Boateng, Lewandowski and so on. In goal injured Neuer will be replaced by Ullreich again.
Mainz will count on a strong defensive line today. Coach Schmitt was thinking about 5 mens on a line to defend Bayern Munich well.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - Werder Bremen

- Last Season Ingolstadt could win both matches against Bremen, this Season Bremen won 2-1 at H.
- Loser of the 29. Round was Ingolstadt with a 0-3 in Wolfsburg.
- They opened the gap to place 16 to 4 Points again and they are in a must win situation today.
- Bremen is coming to Ingolstadt with a great run from 9 unbeaten matches in a row (7-2-0).
- The last time the had such a good run was 7 years ago. 14 matches in August to December 2009.
- The most weak home team is Ingolstadt with only 15 Points out of 14 home matches.
- But lately they could win twice at home and got some believe in them back.
- Bremen collected 17 Points on the road what is even with Dortmund, only 3 teams more.
- Actually Bremen is unbeaten in 5 of their last road matches (3-2-0).
- They scored in all their last 13 away matches at least 1 goals (overall 23 goals / 1,8 goals average).

Ingolstadt with a lot of problems in defensive today. They have to replace Bregerie and Matip both suspended, also Suttner suspended. This makes it not much easier for them but they put all in of course and look forward for a good match.
Bremen suffer only the injured from key midfield player Delaney and Junuzovic suspended but welcome back Gnabry in offensive.

Arminia Bielefeld - VfB Stuttgart

This became a very important match for both teams. If we take a look on the table both are in almost a must win situation, Arminia to close the gap from 2 Points and stay in the relegation battle while Stuttgart wants to climb back on top and make the next step for promotion.
With the new Coach Bielefeld is doing well and they had a good run lately. With 10 Points out of the last 4 matches they are doing well in relegation battle but all the rivals collected Points and they are in a must win situation as well. VfB coming of a excellent derby win to KSC with 2-0 what should give them some boost as they could only win 1 of the last 6.

Arminia celebrated the first away win this Season in Sandhausen 3-1 where they won exactly one year ago the last time. This was a very important one and also the good home streak should help them in the next week to hold all in their hand in relegation battle.
Coach Saibene needs not much time to find a good working starting eleven. But he has to changes it this time because with Prietl he has one guy suspended for this encounter. Also the long term injured Nöthe, Görlitz, Lang and Hornig are not available. Some options are there to replace Prietl - 1. one can be that Junglas plays beside Schütz in central midfield - 2. one is to move Yabo back from offensive midfield to central midfield (of course, only if he is ready because he faces a shoulder injury from Sandhausen match) then central striker Vogelsammer can play in offensive midfield while top striker Klos gives his comeback in starting eleven up front. Some more changes can be on the left wing where Staude or Putaro could not convince much. With Brandy they have a good player back from injury and he can maybe jump into the starting eleven.

After stopping the negative run from 5 matches Stuttgart coming to Bielefeld with a lot of self confidence and believe in their strength to win the 6. time there. As I said already, the derby win should give them some boost and give them the additional needed percent of power back which is needed in a close promotion race.
It is not far away that Coach Wolf counts again on the winning lineup from last weekend. With Grgic they have one guy back from injury while Mane, Grahl and Sarpei are alle sidelined. If Wolf plays again with two youngsters in central midfield is more as open, because with Zimmermann he has a very talented and powerful player ready again. Also in offensive he has a lot options as well. Last time he field with Gentner, Asano, Maxim and striker Terodde a strong and powerful offense who did the job, above all Asano convinced. Nevertheless he has with Ginczek, Brekalo and Green some in the back hand and can change every time he needs.

The record is pro Bielefeld in their home games against Stuttgart. They hare up with 8 wins 3 draws and 5 defeats. According to both teams situation and form, it can be a very tough and close game.

Some facts:
- Stuttgart scored in 10 from 11 matches in second part of the Season while Bielefeld conceded in 17 of their last 19 matches at least a goal.
- In matches where Stuttgart was involved the last 10 times, there was always a goal in first half 9 times.
- In matches where Arminia was involved the last 8 times, there was always a goal in fist half 7 times.

1.Bundesliga on Sunday 09.04.17

Hertha BSC Berlin - FC Augsburg

- In 11 matches between these two sides there were only 15 goals, an average from 1,4 / match.
- In the last 7 matches there were only 3 goals, an average from 0,4 goals / match.
- We had it 4 times that this encounter finished goalless.
- At home Hertha BSC is unbeaten against FCA (2-3-0).
- Augsburg is waiting since 4 matches or 423 minutes for a goal against Hertha BSC.
- Against no other club is Augsburg waiting so long for a goal.
- Only against FCA could Hertha kept a clean sheet in the last 4 matches.
- From all encounter which takes place at least 6 times, this is the one with the fewest goals.
- Hertha won all the latest BL games on Sunday.
- Away from home, Hertha lost all the last 6 Sunday matches.
- Without shape, Hertha collected only 3 Points out of the last 5 matches.
- But FCA has less with only 2 Points collected in this period.

Some changes are possible on both sides, with Mittelstädt and Ibisevic Coach Dardai has some options in hand, also Brooks can be a candidate to start again if he is fit, of course. Augsburg's Coach Baum is under pressure and he has to deliver today otherwise it could be hard for him to be on the sideline next week. Some changes can be done as well from him.


FC Ingolstadt 04 - SV Darmstadt 98

- Ingolstadt lost only 1 form 7 games against D98 (2-4-1).
- This happened in April 2016 in Darmstadt with 0-2.
- The reserve match was won by Ingolstadt with 1-0, what was the first match from Walpurgis.
- Under Coach Kauczinski they could won win a single game in 10 attempts, only 2 Points collected.
- This is the first time that Placed 17. team plays placed 18. team, last time February 2014.
- Continues the same way? 2015 both were promoted to 1.BL, 2016 both saved, 2017 both relegated?
- FCI could celebrate they 4 win in second part of the Season against Augsburg 3-2 under the week.
- More as 2 wins in a row managed Ingolstadt not since they are in 1.BL.
- If they want to close the gap from 4 Points to Mainz or maybe Augsburg, they must win today.
- Only a win keep Ingolstadt in the race of the relegation battle.

Coach Walpurgis must do some changes, because Hadergjonaj is suspended and Levels is not in the squad since weeks. Therefore he need a new right wing. He has to improve there now. Striker Leckie should be in starting lineup after he missed last match. - On the other side has Coach Frings some players doubtful and if they can not start there are some changes as well.

1.Bundesliga on Saturday (Match Infos)

RB Leipzig - Bayer Leverkusen

- This is the 2nd match between these two sides, first one was won by RB with 3-2.
- With 55 Points after 27 Rounds is RB the third best newcomer in BL history.
- Only Bayern (58) and Kaiserslautern (57) had a better outcome in the first 27 Rounds.
- With the 3-2 win in Mainz RB expand the lead to Place 5. to 15 Points.
- No Team has lost this until the end of the Season, therefore they are for sure in CL next Season.
- After 5 BL games without a win, Leverkusen was able to win against bottom side D98 2-0.
- The win was important because they have now 6 Points between them and the red zone.

Coach Hasenhüttl can count on almost all of his squad, also on striker Werner. This means some hard decisions. On the other side Leverkusen has Tah and Chicarito doubtful.


Hamburger SV - 1899 Hoffenheim

- 1899 lost only one of the last 7 games with HSV (4-2-1).
- This was the last game for former Coach Gisdol (1899) what was lost 0-1.
- Against no other actual BL club they had such a good run and so many wins as against HSV.
- Only against Hannover (10 wins and 32 goals) they had a better outcome as HSV (7 and 31).
- With 17 Points out of the last 7 matches 1899 is in good shape and with an excellent run as well.
- With 51 Points after 27 Rounds they are playing the best BL Season in their history so far.
- HSV is unbeaten since 8 BL home games (6-2-0).
- The last time with such a run was from May 2008 to February 2009 with 10 wins and 1 draw.
- Hoffenheim is unbeaten since 3 road games (1-2-0), and collected 19 Points on the road so far.
- The club record is at 23 Points in one Season on the road - from 2008/09.

HSV has keeper Adler doubtful, he may face a late fitness test if he can play. Also some others are not available like Müller, Ekdal ..... not much left for Coach Gisdol. 1899 has also some problems above all if Rudy can not play (he is doubtful) because he was key in their play in the last matches and with Schwegler or Polanski they lack on pace there.


1.FC Köln - Bor. M'Gladbach

- This is a big derby and they face each other the 86. time.
- From 85 duels in BL won Gladbach 46 and Cologne only 23 by 16 draws.
- The last 3 duels - could Cologne win 2 and Gladbach only 1.
- In the last 12 derbies Cologne won only 2 (2-3-7).
- The first match was won by Cologne with 2-1 this Season.
- Against no other team has Gladbach celebrated so many wins 46 and scored incredible 169 goals.
- On the other side, against no other BL club has Cologne such a bad record as against rival BMG.
- In 13 home games, Cologne suffered only 1 defeat (7-5-1).
- More Points in 13 home games got Cologne only in Season 1988/99 with 30.

Cologne must replace Hartel suspended, Risse long term injured and Osako (knee). Gladbach has some good news with Raffael back in squad.

2.Bundesliga on Sunday

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Eintracht Braunschweig

The situation is getting harder for FCK and they are very close to red zone therefore they should invest a bit more as in the last games. With Moritz they have an important midfield player back who starts, of course. In defensive there can be some rotations according to Moritz return.

In the break Braunschweig got some injured players back what makes it not so easy to Coach Lieberknecht to choose. He has more options now and this can be an advantage what all saw in training sessions. There was a big fight for the positions in the starting eleven.

On the "Betzenberg" were the lowest goal scored with an average from 1,50 pro match. Kaiserslautern conceded only 6 goals in their home games so far what is the best home defense in 2.Bundesliga while Braunschweig allowed only 12 goals on the road also one of the best number.

Braunschweig is unbeaten since 6 games and Kaiserslautern is winless since 4. Moreover Braunschweig lost none of the last 5 road games (this should be continued according to promotion battle).



VfB Stuttgart - Dynamo Dresden

After the 0-1 defeat in Fürth there can be some changes in the starting eleven. Also the system can be changed from 4-1-4-1 to 3-4-2-1 what they love more. In offense Coach Wolf has a lot of options and it is not out yet whom he field there.

Coach Neuhaus plans not much changes because he has no reason after the 2-0 win against Sandhausen before the break. Only Müller is suspended and must be replaced by Modica in central back.

Dresden is coming to Stuttgart as second best away team but Stuttgart has won 9 of their 12 home games. At home they are hard to play and beat as only 2 defeats show. The last matches were not as expected and they must be much more focused what can be a big advantage for them today because they know that they can overcome Union to take the lead again.

Dresden has scored 14 goals in 2017 so far, what is the best number in 2.Bundesliga now. Stuttgart has scored 25 goals in 12 home games - this may speak for goals today.

Fortuna Düsseldorf - 1860 München

Before the national break Düsseldorf collected 7 Points out of 4 games which put them in a much more comfortable situation now. With 33 Points they are far away from relegation trouble but some Points are needed of course to be absolutely safe. A bit more difficult look the situation from 1860 Munich who is only 5 Points ahead of the red zone and it can become more difficult because Aue and St. Pauli face each other, therefore one of them are making a step forward. This puts additional pressure on 1860 today. 

After an important and deserved win against KSC with 3-0 Fortuna Coach Funkel has no arguments to change his successful team although the national break was long. He has all his players ready and can choose from a lot at the moment but it can start the same eleven to get the first home win since Matchday 10.

Fortuna is expected to play in 4-1-4-1 again with Bodzek as central midfield player while both youngsters Akpoguma and Bormuth build the central back. In offensive Funkel can field Sobottka, Ayhan, Bebou and Fink while leader Bellinghausen is sitting on the bench and is set as joker. Up front plays Hennings who is back in shape after scoring twice against his former club lately.

It was very important for 1860 to stop the losing run from 3 matches in a row with a 2-1 win against relegation rival Würzburger Kickers. This give them some self confidence and believe in their strength back. Although on the road they are one of the weakest teams in 2.Bundesliga with only 1 win so far (September 2016).

New Coach Pereira has found his eleven in the past weeks and he change only if it is a must or maybe according to some tactical things. Therefore it is not far away that he count on his winning team from two weeks ago again. In this case youngster Neuhaus remain in the team instead of veteran Bülow. Also one of the best players in squad from 1860 Munich Liendl sit on bench again. The situation for the top Austrian player is more as disappointing and he is already searching for new clubs. Although he was the man against Würzburg after he comes in, Pereira does not like him much. Also new and with a lot of hopes signed striker Gytkjaer has lost the fight for the offensive postion against Olic. He sit on bench now after could not convince much.  Not available are all the long term injured players like Mölders, Kager, Andrade and Simon.

Very nice encounter above if you take a look at the numbers. Düsseldorf has not won since Matchday 10 at home while 1860 Munich has lost all his last 8 road games. It looks like the draw is a good choice here. The Under can be a good one as well. Düsseldorf did not score in 7 of 11 latest matches and 1860 scored only 1 single goal in 5 attempts on the road including Cup.

Union Berlin - 1.FC Nürnberg

This match ends up Round 25 with an excellent encounter between two traditional teams. An very important match for the home side at “Alte Försterei” to overcome leader VfB Stuttgart with a win. This is only possible because they are running from win to win 2017 and their position is excellent right now. As mentioned with a win they can take the lead and come much more closer to their main aim “promotion”. Maybe this can be a very hard match anyway because with Nürnberg they are having not the easiest opponent, moreover they do not like them. The results are not in their favor in the past against this opponent. In 8 attempts against Nürnberg they can not manage a single win so far. In this period they got trashed with 7 defeats and only 1 draw, this is not their lovely opponent but they have to looks forward and turn things into their way to get the best possible position out in promotion race.

The first half of the Season was maybe average with 28 Points but after the winter break they are running an excellent streak by beating all opponents so far, only Dresden was able to get a draw against them. With a 5 match winning run they are coming to this encounter in excellent form. Beating Bielefeld 3-1, Karlsruhe 2-1, 1860 2-0, Würzburg 2-0 and St. Pauli 2-1 in the past and hope that they continue this run. Union Coach Keller has found his starting lineup which will be changed only if there is a must. As happened with keeper Busk and Pedersen who both should be back after the national break. Busk will be replaced by youngster Messenhöler once again and for Pedersen is Parensen ready to play on the back wing. Central back Puncec is back from suspension but should take place on bench because his replacement veteran Pogatetz made a great match against St. Pauli and should remain in starting lineup.

After getting only 2 Points on their side from the first 6 matches Nürnberg has stabilized them. Of course it is not what they have expected because they dreamed from more but they are on a solid midfield place now and should end up this Season there too. They started with a lose into 2017 and had with 4 Points in the next matches a good basis but they lost 4 matches in a row then what was the end for Coach Schwartz. With Köllner on the sideline they turned the negative run with a 1-0 against Bielefeld last weekend. 

Some changes can be expecting compared to the last weekend as with Gislason and Hufnagel they have two players back from injury, also Behrens and Mühl return from suspension what gives Köllner a lot more of options for the match in Berlin. It is not decided if Köllner changes much because youngster Löwen made a good starting debut against Bielefeld and can remain in team. The position in goal gets again on veteran Schäfer who gave his comeback last weekend according to the injury of first choice keeper Kirschbaum. Nevertheless their injury list is full enough with Erras, Sepsi, Parker, Sabiri, Teuchert and Leipold.

Beside the weak head to head record speaks all for Union. They have collected 19 from possible 21 Points 2017 and lost only once at home. Nürnberg could only win 2 of 7 matches 2017 and was not in the shape they need against such teams recently. It can be a shot out as well: An average from 5,33 goals had the first 3 encounter between these two sides in Berlin. Additional has Union the best offensive 2017 with 13 goals scored so far. Matches where Nürnberg take part had an average from 3,08 goals this Season, what speaks again for goals !!!

Bundesliga Saturday Matches 18.03.2017

1.FC Köln - Hertha BSC Berlin

- Hertha BSC is unbeaten in 7 games with Cologne, against no other BL club longer.
- The last 3 matches were all won from Hertha BSC.
- Cologne is waiting since 5 Rounds for a win, they managed only 2 from 15 possible Points.
- Only Eintracht Frankfurt was weaker in this period as Cologne.
- The last 5 away games were all lost for Hertha BSC.
- The last time they had such a run on the road was 2009 with 7 lost matches in a row.
- Cologne conceded in 7 games 2017 already 12 goals, in the first 7 this Season only 4.
- In the last 3 matches they conceded 8, what is a huge number and let them think.
- Cologne scored already 5 goals after counter attacks, Hertha BSC none.


1899 Hoffenheim - Bayer Leverkusen

- In 8 games where Leverkusen had to play in Sinsheim they are unbeaten (6-2-0).
- Against no other BL Team Leverkusen has such a run and not losing a single game in the first 8.
- Also no actual other BL Team won so many matches in Sinsheim as Bayer (6).
- Only Bayern Munich lost less games (1) as Hoffenheim (2) this Season so far.
- In BL history no other Team has so less Points after losing only 2 times as 1899 actual (42).
- Leverkusen is played the weakest Season in the last 14 years with only 31 Points after 24 Rounds.
- In Season 2002/03 they had 26 Points at this time and they was close to be relegated but saved them.
- 1899 is playing to often draw, this happened 12 times this Season already and is a new record for them.
- The last time they had so many draws was 2013/14 and 2011/12 with 11 !!!
- Leverkusen missed already 5 penalty kicks in this BL Season (from 6).
- The record is exactly at 6 missed penalties for a Team in BL, last time Freiburg 1999/2000.


Werder Bremen - RB Leipzig

- In the second part of the Season Bremen has exactly the same Points as RB.
- To begin of the Season RB had 23 Points more as WB.
- RB is not so dangerous as to begin of the Season and they created less in the past.
- In the last game RB has not one dangerous attempt on goal.
- WB is unbeaten since 4 games (3-1-0), 10 Points in this period had only Bayern.
- Against the 4 upcoming opponents lost Bremen all in first half of the Season.
- Keeper Wiedwald is on fire and saved 90% of the shot on his goal (18 from 20).
- Bremen is winless in 8 games against newcomers in the league (0-3-5).
- The last win against a newcomer was in November 2014 against Paderborn 4-0.


FC Augsburg - SC Freiburg

- FCA is with only big chances one of the weakest teams in creating, only D98 and HSV less.
- Freiburg has with 32 not much more but they are almost clinical in front of goal with 66% used.
- Goals expected? FCA in the last 9 without a clean sheet and SCF in the last 10.
- Both teams are running the longest streak in this category of all BL Teams.
- Augsburg won only 1 from the last 5 (1-1-3) and SCF lost only 1 of the last 5 (2-2-1).
- Problems in defense for FCA? Before the winter break they allowed 1,1 goals average, 2,0 now.
- Halil Altintop scored in all his 4 BL games against Freiburg (for Augsburg).

Borussia Dortmund - FC Ingolstadt 04 (Facts)

Dortmund without Bender, Dembele (suspended), Götze and Reus
Ingolstadt miss Hartmann

Some question marks are behind Aubameyang who missed the Cup game under the week already, Kagawa and Weigl. The opponent from Ingolstadt has no one questionable but they may play a bit more defensively compared to the last home game against Cologne.

- Ingolstadt won none of the 3 BL games against Dortmund, although the last one was close.
- Last Season they lost easy 0-4 and 0-2 but this Season they managed a draw 3-3.
- In this encounter they were up two goals but in the end Dortmund press huge and equalized.
- The 0-4 against Dortmund was Ingolstadt's highest lose in BL, also to Hannover 0-4.
- Dortmund is unbeaten since 32 home games (26-6-0), what is a new Club record for them.
- The last lose was 2 years ago to Bayern Munich 0-1 in April.
- Ingolstadt managed to collect more Points on the road as at home, same to Wolfsburg and FCA.
- Last Round Ingolstadt has 26 shots on target what is a new high for them in BL.

Overall this should be a clear thing, above all Dortmund must win after the lose in Berlin otherwise the teams behind overcome them this weekend. Although some key weapons are out or doubtful they should have the class to win this one. Ingolstadt played well last weekend but they need to many chances to get something on the scoreboard above all striker Hartmann is a big miss.

FC St. Pauli - Karlsruher SC

Both teams are rivals and both need every Point to get out of the trouble they are facing right now. It seems that this can be a very hard battle for important Points, if the look on the table shows. With 18 Points both had not much success this Season so far. Also it can be that the relegation battle continues until the end of the Season. With 4 teams directly involved at the moment because the others are already 7 especially 6 Points ahead of them and to close the gap they need an excellent streak anyway.

After the break St. Pauli seems to be on a good way and they managed 2 wins in a row before failing in Bielefeld. Of course they were very good in the game and take the lead but they missed a lot what brought Bielefeld back into the game very late. This was almost a neck breaker for St. Pauli but they have to continue the good work and take the focus on the KSC game today. This is the next important one above all in front of their crowd they should have some advantage what must be taken, of course.
The team looked very balanced and therefore no one expect big changes from Lienen for this encounter. Maybe the position behind the attack can be very open as with Buchtmann and Möller-Daehli he has two excellent players to choose there. Also Choi can be an option on this position. It is more as open who starts there, no decision out so far, although Choi is out again. Möller Daehli returns after injury and should be in the starting eleven immediately after showing a lot of good performances before his break anyway.

The new Coach Slomka has not found the right balance for the team so far. Also he is not able to win a game on the road as with most of his former clubs. He always has a top home record but on the road he failed most of the time (look at Hannover, where he was many years). He had the opportunity to manage a win after taking the lead in Bochum but in the end they got the equalizer. The next match to top team Union they had no chance and lost easy 0-2. Maybe because of important absent player. This time he can count on Yamada and Prömel, both returns from suspension. On the other side he has with Kom the next player suspended for today. Both returning players are immediately in starting lineup. Prömel in central midfield beside Meffert while Yamada can play on the offensive wing. He can replace Valentini who is slight injured and doubtful. If he can play, he may can give the back wing and replace Bader there. Up front was Hoffer not in his best shape and Diamantakos showed that he has the better form right now what brings him some advantage to start beside Mugosa. But it is also possible that Slomka change the system to 4-2-3-1. This means that they play with one central offensive midfield player like Yamada is. But let's see what Slomka decide for this important game.

Bundesliga Saturday Matches

Bayer Leverkusen - FSV Mainz 05

- FSV won only against Freiburg (9) more as against Bayer (8) in BL.
- And they scored only against Wolfsburg (32) more as against Bayer (30).
- But from the last 4 matches won Bayer 3, first match 3-2 although they were 0-2 down.
- Special fact .... never won Leverkusen both matches in one Season against FSV Mainz 05.
- Since Matchday 9/10 Leverkusen were able to win two matches in a row now.
- To win 3 matches in a row happened not this Season so far.
- Special fact ..... Mainz lost only 1 from 10 matches before the "Rosenmontag" (5-4-1).
- 3 years ago they could beat Leverkusen with 1-0 at the same time.
- Mainz lost all they last 6 road games, such a run happened only in their premier Season.

Leverkusen miss Tah, Wendell (suspended) and Calhanoglu
Mainz are without Serdar, Berggreen and Onisowo.


Bayern München - Hamburger SV

- This encounter takes place the 104. time today. Bayern won 62 by 22 draw and 19 defeats.
- The next record are the 232 goals which was scored in this encounter already.
- None of the last 16 home games were lost by Bayern (13-3-0).
- They scored 56 goals in these games and conceded only 5.
- The last 5 matches were all won from the home side and they scored a lot of goals as well.
- The last win from Hamburg in Munich was in September 2009 with 1-0.
- The last 6 results from Hamburg in Munich are 0-6, 0-5, 2-9, 1-3, 0-8 and 0-5.
- Hamburg are unbeaten in the last 4 BL matches (3-1-0), the longest streak they are running this S.
- Bayern is unbeaten in the last 25 BL games in their Arena (21-4-0).

Bayern without Boateng and Alonso
Hamburg coming to Munich without Papadopoulos and Mathenia.


SC Freiburg - Borussia Dortmund

- Freiburg lost the last 11 matches with Dortmund, only against Bayern they had a bigger losing run.
- It is the longest streak for Dortmund against an opponent in BL, only against Uerdingen more.
- Freiburg won 7 of their 10 home matches and are very hard to beat there in their small stadium.
- They never managed more wins at the same time right now.
- Dortmund won 1 of their last 6 road trips (1-3-2) With 2-1 in Bremen at Matchday 17.
- In the last 13 road games they conceded always at least 1 goal, the longest run since 27 years.
- Freiburg has with 36 goals conceded one of the weakest defensive lines in the league.
- No other BL club is waiting so long for a clean sheet as Freiburg (7 matches - top 10 teams).

Freiburg miss Stenzes and Haberer (suspended)
Dortmund coming without Götze, Röde and Bender.

Hannover 96 - VfL Bochum

The last match of this Round take place in Hannover where 96 hosts VfL Bochum. The home side coming from an awful week, losing twice to Fürth in league and Frankfurt in Cup. Nevertheless they have to look forward and take the focus to promotion race where they are still on track. With a win they get much more comfortable and have some advantage in the upcoming weeks. The opponent from Bochum had a lot of expectations to begin of the Season but failed hardly, therefore they are in big trouble if this continues in the upcoming weeks. Sooner or later they are full involved in relegation battle if results are not their way now.

The start into 2017 was hard because they had a lot of problems with Kaiserslautern where they could win 1-0 at home anyway. The next two matches were lost and they have to find a way back to winning otherwise Braunschweig and Union are getting closer and have the chance to overcome them. Although Coach Stendel count on the strongest available starting lineup in Cup they knocked out. The chance to get more was there but Sane missed a penalty in minute 90. After having 4 days to prepare to this game it should not affect them much. Compared to the last two games there will not be much changes. Coach Stendel counts on the same lineup again, only 1^st keeper Tschauner returns after be replaced by Sahin-Radlinger in Cup. There are not much options anyway because with Hübers, Benschop and Bech they miss some injured. On bench he has with Sobiech and Füllkrug good options for the offensive. Both wants to start of course but with Harnik and Karaman they have huge rivals which has some advantage right now.

The outcome from the first 17 matches was average and they expected much more. In winter trainings camp they were poorly and lost 4 from 5 matches. This maybe was a sign for the actual form and the situation in team. The start in Berlin was lost 1-2 to Union what the last results are always has predict. One week later against KSC at home they could get a Point although they were already down 0-1 again. Against one of the top teams this day they have to bring a top performance if they want to get anything out of this game. It would be a hard task anyway.

Why all this trouble, maybe it is because of too many injuries right now. Important players are still out and their return is a big question mark. With Stöger, Eisfeld and Bandowski they miss three long term injured while with Perthel, Fabian and Quaschner are there doubtful for the match today. If all 3 are not ready it is getting a mess for Coach Verbeek. Perthel was injured, was close to return but has a new injury now. Fabian was already out for the KSC game but he has chances that he can play. Quaschner got injured against KSC and has still problems. If Fabian is ready, Bastians can more to the left while Rieble can take Perthel’s positon on the right.

Sunday - BL Infos

VfL Wolfsburg - 1899 Hoffenheim

- 8 times took this encounter place in Wolfsburg and the record is clear on home side with 5-2-1
- 1899 could only win one time and this was 5 years ago, also in February 2012 with 2-1
- All the last 3 duels were won from Wolfsburg.
- In overall 17 BL games there were 62 goals with this teams, an average from 3,65.
- All 8 matches played in Wolfsburg produced 3 goals or more.
- The first match between both this Season ended what a surprise with a 0-0.
- VfL playing the weakest BL Season in their history with only 19 Points after 19 Rounds.
- On the other side 1899 is playing one of the best Seasons since they are in BL.
- Wolfsburg scored only 7 goals at home what is incredible low, weakest number ever.
- Also they got only 8 Points out of the 10 home games, what is the next weak Point.
- 1899 collected already 14 Points from 9 road games what is a high for them.
- Hoffenheim was unbeaten until last weekend, but there they lost to newcomer RB 1-2 (unlucky).
- With Wagner they miss their top striker because with his red card he brought 1899 on losing way.



SC Freiburg - 1.FC Köln

- Since 11 home matches is SCF unbeaten to Cologne (7-4-0).
- The last 4 were all won from Freiburg and they can count on a great home strength again.
- SCF won 6 of their 9 BL home games this Season (home advantage).
- Only in Season 1994/95 and 2003/04 they have more Points as this time.
- Cologne managed the best start into second half of the Season with 2 wins and 7-1 goals.
- Since 2010/11 celebrated Cologne 3 wins in a row again (streak).
- Cologne is very hard to beat and they conceded only 16 goals this Season (defensive wall).
- Freiburg on the other side has conceded already 33 goals what is one of the weak Points.
- Both teams has not many goal scorer in their rows, only 7.
- Freiburg has 3 players with min 5 goals in their rows while Modest scored 54% of Cologne's.
- This number makes it very hard, if Cologne miss their top striker.

FSV Mainz 05 - 1.FC Köln

This is the last encounter of this Round and it should be a close one. Both playing a really great Season so far and they are very close to an international spot but for this they have to continue the good work and play also results wise. Nevertheless Mainz is searching that they can replace one of their most important player in second half of the Season. Because they sold Malli to VfL Wolfsburg for 12 Mio. during the winter break. This was good for their budget but it was not the best way for the strength of the team overall. This is a big lose and it must be compensate form the team now. A big task what Coach Schmitt and Mainz has to do now. He scored 6 goals and gave a lot of assists as well. He was the head in their offensive play, such a player is hard to find and hard to replace as well. Of course they have to life with the situation now ..... The next big blow is that important striker Cordoba who works really hard for the team is suspended here. The next puzzle Schmitt has to find for the starting lineup. But with Muto he has a player back who was long injured in first half of the Season. The others should be ready.
In Cologne they are dreaming for more above all the fans. After a great Season so far where they are very hard to play and to beat as well. Coach Stöger and Manager Schmadke did a great job and they have an excellent squad ready for the game today. In winter break there was not much rotation in the squad, only starter Mavraj left to Hamburger SV. Hard decision but should be replaced even. In goal Horn is not ready 100% and Kessler is his replacement again. Up front they need more help in scoring because 62% of the goals were scored from Modest what is the highest amount of a player in BL history so far. If this guy get injured in the upcoming weeks it is very hard for Cologne to get on scoreboard. Osaka and the other guys should be working harder to get more dangerous in front of the goal and help Modest more. The defensive is working well and Cologne is hard to beat what is a big plus for them as well.

- Mainz lost the last duel against Cologne ..... the first time after winning 5 in a row.
- Cologne scored 3 goals in last game in Mainz, the other 4 none.
- Only 2 from 12 matches were won by Cologne --  both in the last 3.
- Mainz scored 26 goals what is the second best in their BL history to this time.
- But they conceded also 30 what is a high for them as well.
- Mainz lost 4 of the last 5 BL games, but won 4 of the last 5 home games.
- M05 scored 14 of their last 16 BL goals at home.
- The last 3 matches ended all 1-1 for Cologne --- 1991 they managed 5 draws in a row.


I am expecting a close match although Mainz is very strong at home but with the lose from Malli they have to find each other in offensive play. Also the defensive is not easy to crack from Cologne. Although Mainz scored in almost all (only against Bayern Munich 1) their home games at least 2 goals it is hard to see them scoring this again above all without Malli and Cordoba. Cologne good defensive work and Modest up front who is always able to score can be very dangerous for Mainz 05 today. My choice COLOGNE AHC0 or +0,25.

Bayer Leverkusen - Hertha BSC Berlin

Important match for the home side above all if they want to close the gap to the top places and reach an international spot in the end of the Season. They need an incredible run but if this run ends in a Champions League spot it is more as doubtful as the gap is almost to big already. Some good news for them is that they have important midfield player Bellarabi back in squad and he is set to start today. With him they have much more speed over the wings and overall in their play what help to overcome the opponent better as in the last month of 2016. Also the strikers can benefit from him with his assists and the Bayer train should be working better and better in the upcoming weeks. With Brandt on the wing it can be a really great duo who push Bayer 04. Therefore no injury worries right now, all important guys are ready, only Volland and Bender needs some days more to recover but should be in the squad again in the next weeks.
Hertha was on fire and played a great first half although it is not exactly a half as this match counts to first half. They are coming to Leverkusen with some absent players like Weiser who is injured and important for the team, also Kalou who showed good form recently is not available due to African Cup. Maybe Coach Dardai has to think a bit on which starting eleven he wants to count. But overall they should have a great team ready who is more as able to hurt Leverkusen. They are always hard to play with they defensive style and also with they fighting spirit in team.

- Hertha does not like to play against Leverkusen, they got only 0,68 Points from these matches.
- Bayer lost only 1 of the last 10 matches with Hertha (5-4-1).
- They could win 5 of the last 6 matches .......
- Since 2008, Hertha is waiting for a win in Leverkusen 0-2-3.
- But Hertha was able to score in the last 13 BL games in Leverkusen at least 1 goal !!!
- Leverkusen is playing their weakest Season in BL History since 2005/06.
- But if History repeats they are on a good way in second half of the Season ... ended 5th.


Real great encounter with two top teams, i like the match up here and it can be that this match produce some goals as well. Both teams have the offensive power and should be able to get the job done. Above all Bellarabi is a big hope for Leverkusen today and he should help to get the offensive play running. OVER can be a good choice, also if you hold back a bit and get on for OVER 2 in running after 10-15 minutes. This should be possible because both scored only 2 in 16 matches in the first 15 minutes ..... both teams scored more goal in second half ..... this means we get good options in running.

BL Update 21.01.17

FC Augsburg - 1899 Hoffenheim

Both teams have some players out but should be ok for the squad. Midfield head of FCA will start despite a slight injury and should help to start well. On 1899 sides some players with problems like Bicakcic, Schär and Toljan ..... replacements are there, of course.
From the last 5 matches 1899 won 4, only 1 defeat but they do not like the opening games after the winter break at all. They wait since 7 matches for a win at this time (0-3-4) while Augsburg never lost a match to begin after the winter break. Also 1899 is unbeaten in 16 matches what makes it more and more possible that they are set to lose sooner or later. If I have to choose, HOME win !!!


SV Darmstadt 98 - Bor. M'Gladbach

Both teams start with a new Coach and they have to do a lot of work to bring the team back on track. Both are involved of relegation battle but SVD more. They need this win immediately if they want to have some hope, on the other side Gladbach is dreaming from other places as at the moment but the way up is very hard and an international spot seems to be not possible this Season. Gladbach won 4 of the 5 matches against SVD and has overall the better squad. Darmstadt is more a fighting team but they miss a lot of last Seasons power. New signing Sam is the biggest hope for them now but he is doubtful according the news with illness. With 9 defeats in a row Darmstadt looks really harmless before the winter break, if Frings can changes this against the experienced Hecking, we will see. UNDER can be a good choice here.


VfL Wolfsburg - Hamburger SV

Both teams had a lot of problems before the break but they showed also that they are able to get things running. Wolfsburg had a good end with two wins and also Hamburg with 3. This should be continued if they want to stay away from relegation trouble. In all the last 10 matches Wolfsburg could not be beaten from Hamburg (5-5-0). Last time this happened was 2011 in their own stadium. In all the 40 matches between these two sides there was never a 0-0 what give us a lot of hope for some goals. If this match see an early goal this match can be wide open as in this derby no one wants to lose. Additional Wolfsburg has to recover from their bad home performance with only 5 Points and 5 goals scored.

Werder Bremen - Borussia Dortmund

Interesting game here above all if you take a look at the squad. Bremen with some problems but also Dortmund. Bremen has not available Bargfrede, Grillitsch, Hajrovic and Junuzovic what is a big blow above all because many of these guys are normally in starting lineup if they are fit. On the other side Dortmund has no real striker left as with Aubameyang they have their top striker at the African Nations Cup and second striker Ramos would be sold in the next days to China. Therefore they have to change the system a bit and plays maybe with Schürrle or Götze up front. This is not the best way but they have to try it because of the mentioned situation. Also with Bürki and Bender they miss some but should be not the biggest problem at all. Some other players face some slight injuries as well but Coach Tuchel sit them on bench maybe. Important would be that defending chief Sokratis starts as the defensive without him is very shaky. He recover from injury and should be in starting lineup immediately.

- This encounter take place 96 times already and it was a very even one with 40-16-40.
- In the last matches Bremen could only win 1 of the last 10 and Dortmund showed their class.
- Bremen is without a lose in the last 5 BL games (2-3-0). The best run since 2 years now.
- Also they scored in all their last 15 BL games, this is the longest run in the league right now.
- At home they scored in the last 20 matches what is incredible good, of course.
- Dortmund was always down in the last 7 matches and they have to come from behind.
- They managed to lose only 1 of these games (2-4-1).
- Both teams have some problems in first half, what can be very important for OVER betting in 2nd.
- Bremen scored only 40% of their goals in 1st half while Dortmund had more problems 31,45%.
- BvB was not able to score a single goal between minute 31-45.
- Dortmund is very good in second half where they scored 24 goals .......

Normally this should be a very easy game for Dortmund but after the break you never know and the problems of both sides are there too. Bremen at home a good team also without the absent players and can push a lot with the fans in the back ..... AHC+1 looks tempting but if you prefer a safe bet you should wait until half time and take the OVER then. It can be easy money if they hold on with the goals in first half ..........

GL

FSV Mainz 05 - Bayern München

We have the next Round of 1.Bundesliga ahead and it will be started with Mainz and Bayern this Friday evening. Although Mainz was playing against Hertha on Sunday they have to play today again. No one know if this is a disadvantage for the small club who had to play a lot of matches recently. How much energy have the players left for the last month? This can be an important question for Coach Schmitt. If they do not want to get the second lose in a row they have to invest a lot and maybe bring more as 100%. The memories are good against Bayern because they beat them in March but can they do this for a second time?

The record is very bad against Munich at home. With only 2 wins they had not much to celebrate but lost already 7 times. Moreover they could not keep a clean sheet in all the matches against giant Bayern. This makes it more and more difficult to get a win but hope should be there according to their hope performances this Season. They were very successful in their Arena and could score in all matches so far at least 2 goals. As mentioned above the memories how to beat Bayern are fresh and there. In all matches against Bayern was Bungert involved if he stand in the starting lineup is doubtful as he fight for a place in central back with Bell. Beside the long term injured players like Muto, Berggreen and Serdar is Gbamin out for the match today according to his red card in last game. He may will be replaced from Frei in midfield. Some changes are possible in offensive too according to give some players a rest. Whom Schmitt allow this is not out yet.

Bayern was not in their best shape what two defeats showed and also the last game in Bundesliga against Leverkusen. It was hard work and a lot of luck too that they got the 3 Points. This let Ancelotti work a bit more relaxed but he has to deliver with his team after Leipzig overcome them in Bundesliga and took the lead. After 39 Rounds Bayern is not the leader in Bundesliga what is a big disaster for this big club. If they do not want to fall behind more and hold the pressure on RB Leipzig high they have to win and win, nothing else. A lot of hope is on key striker Lewandowski who scored twice in his last 3 meetings in Mainz. This is absolutely needed but the polish guy got not the right assists lately and therefore scored less. For this reason Coach Ancelotti plans with two new wings (Ribery / Robben) in the starting lineup. In this case Costa and Müller sit on the bench first. Also Vidal is ready again and should start from beginning on. This can move Kimmich on the bench (but Alonso stays in Munich what makes it possible that he starts again maybe) while Lahm take his normal position on back wing again. In central back is Boateng back from slight injury and also an option for Ancelotti. 

Erzgebirge Aue - 1.FC Nürnberg

This encounter includes two teams which different form. Aue was not able to get more as 3 Points from the last 5 games (4 defeats) while Nürnberg coming in absolutely top shape with collecting 13 Points in the last 5 matches. They have done their work and are back in business after an horrible start. With the next win they can close the gap to the top more and more and with only 2 Points behind they can hope for more. On the other side needs Aue every Point to leave the danger zone. Therefore it can be a hard fight today.

Aue had good performances and invest a lot for their game play but they was not able to reward them for this they did. Therefore they have to less Points and the situation is not the best right now. After good games like to Dresden and KSC they can not continue the way they played and had to bear with some set backs. The last game was also good but they lost 2-6 to 1860 but this was only due to some mistakes from referee who turned this match to the other side. After falling down to relegation place 16 it is very hard to find good words also some problems with their attacker Köpke who could not train the last days and is a big doubt now. He scored already 6 goals and is very hard to replace because none in the squad is a real alternative to him here. Options are Wegner but he was injured for long time and not inform now, Toshev plays no role in Coach Dotchev’s system, in this case midfield player Adler or Nazarov must play in attack and replace Köpke there. All other players are ready, only long term injured players like keeper Männel, Bertram and Kluft. For this reason not many changes are expected as the team did a good job in Munich despite the lost game.

The start was nothing for Nürnberg and their big aims but after winning to Bielefeld they were able to start a good run and won 3 matches without conceding a single goal although the opponents were tough. Only in Cup and the last league match they were stopped. Nevertheless they want to continue the good results and coming closer to the top. The team looks much more balanced as to begin but have to replace some important guys now. Of course with Alushi, Margreitter and Parker are three players back in team training who were injured longer now but should be no option for the match in Aue. Also Erras is working on his comeback while new injured Matavz is out for some weeks now and let Coach Schwartz think a lot who can replace him. Instead of Matavz can Sylvestr or Teuchert play in attack but also Burgstaller is an option in 4-2-3-1 system. Also a 4-4-2 is possible with the named players. Additional not sure is if both missing players Bulthuis and Behrens from Monday can play or not. If the situation is getting better for Schwartz, if not he has to think about. In central midfield can play Leibold or Möhwald, central back Mühl. So he has some options as well.