Eintracht Frankfurt - 1.FC Nürnberg

This is the first from two duels between both teams and it is an important one as most of the battles gives a real sign what team can go through. It was almost in every battle the same thing, the team who won the first game was in advantage before the second game and did the job then. Also in many battles won the team from 1.Bundesliga against 2.Bundesliga in two matches but sometimes surprises happened of course. Both do not like each other much and the fans are big rivals therefore we can only hope that this is an silent game between both but the atmosphere can be very hot anyway. Maybe Nürnberg wants the revenge for 99 where they got relegated due to a 1-2 against Freiburg at home and Frankfurt had to win high against Kaiserslautern what was the case with 5-1. This time can be turned things around for FCN. Also the financial aspect is very important for both, Frankfurt has to move the budget down in case of relegation while Nürnberg is in a need of additional money according to their difficult financial situation. If they can not reach the goal promotion they must sell some of their top players.

It was very close for Frankfurt above all after they changed the Coach as with Kovac for Veh success was not there and he got only 3 Points from 5 matches what many experts let them be relegated. But they could turn things around and won to Mainz, Darmstadt and Dortmund and got a real final game against Bremen which was lost. But overall they did the job and get the next chance to be in 1.Bundesliga for next Season again. Despite the late goal against them they have to look forward and should be positive to get the job done against Nürnberg.

Compared to the last game in Bremen where they was very defensive minded is Frankfurt expected to be more offensive this time. For this reason some changes are possible above all Huszti should be back in starting eleven after his suspension, he can replace defensive player Ignovski. He plays with Hasebe in central midfield then where he takes offense part and bring more power in their offensive play. In offensive part can Ben Hatira move from the middle to the wing and also up front he can count on two attacker as only on Seferovic as in Bremen. Beside him is Castagnios an option but it would be no surprise if hero Meier starts from beginning on after his long injury time.

It was sure that Nürnberg come in as third after having an incredible run with 18 unbeaten games and of course they had the hope to enter second place and direct promotion but after their winning streak was over he lost 3 of the following 4 matches. This knock them out in the race of place 2 and they have to look forward to be well prepared now to make the aim reality. The self confidence should be there after two wins to St. Pauli and Paderborn in the last League games.

In the last game against bottom side Paderborn gave Coach Weiler some players some rest like Burgstaller, Margreiter and Behrens but all are expected to stand in the starting lineup again today. They are coming to Frankfurt with almost all their players, only Polak, Erras and Mössmer are out and injured for long time now. The rest are ready what gives him a lot to choose but he said already that 9 of the 11 starters are already safe. Only on 2 Positions he is thinking about ….. Very important is the return of veteran Schäfer into the goal because he has more coolness and experience and gave the defensive line more stability as Rakovsky do or did. In front of him are Brecko, Margreiter, Bulthuis and Sepsi safe. In central midfield with Behrens and Möhwald are also two safe but with Petrak and Leipold he has to in back. Maybe he changes here a bit. According to the performance of some players on the wing line Gislason, Blum or Stieber Leibold is the man there of course. One of the mentioned three gets a place in starting lineup because Kerk is not 100% ready and only on bench then. Up front we have the two dangerous players with fighter Burgstaller and Goalgetter Füllkrug.

Eintracht Braunschweig - Fortuna Düsseldorf

It was a long and disappointing Season for Braunschweig so far but in the last games they seems on a good way to bring this to a good end. With two wins in a row they can close the Season with a win today what would be very important for them according to the TV money they get then. If they win they can overcome Kaiserslautern in this ranking and get 500.000 Euro more what is a huge amount for them. Fortuna on the other side made the important step against rival FSV Frankfurt and have now 3 Points advantage to the red zone and also plus 6 goals what is a very save position right now. If they want to be absolutely sure about the remaining in 2.Bundesliga they need one Point but overall the situation is clear and no one doubt that they can be cached form the teams behind. MSV plays RB Leipzig and FSV Frankfurt plays 1860 Munich but FSV has 10 goals difference to Fortuna.

It was a very hard and crazy Season for Braunschweig with a lot of problems above all in their defensive part they had a lot of injured players what made Coach Lieberknecht a lot of work to find always a new lineup in defensive. They had to play some matches without Baffo, Correia, Decarli, Afosu Ayeh and Sauer what would be the case again today. But they were able to handle this in the last games and can look forward to a good end and celebrating with their fans today. The uptrend is seen and they scored 3 goals in both last games what is much for Braunschweig if you take a look on the results. The offensive is working very well at the moment and with Holtmann they have an incredible inform player on the wing. He can make the difference here with his fast actions despite the defensive line is build by a lot of players which is not their part normally. But the guys did a good job and they help the team where they can.

In the winter break was Kurz the new head coach for Fortuna and they hope to have better times as at least but he was sucked after 7 games without any success. For him Funkel is the man on the sideline an experienced Coach who has the skills in this situation. The start was good with him and a win against Kaiserslautern but the following matches he was also not able to bring this team forward and they got only 2 Points but the last game to rival FSV was won 1-0 and this was maybe the key match and the game where they were saved now.
Despite the win Coach Funkel wants to changes on a lot of position, first one is on the wing where Bellinghausen is out. For him can play Bebou or Bolly but they are also possible as back wing because Mavrias could not convince against FSV again. On the other back wing move Schauerte in the starting lineup after illness where Koch is out then. In offensive they have with Pohjanpalo an attacker back who was missed in last game but Demirbay made the job there. He can move back in the midfield and bring some rotation there too. Fink move back and plays beside Bodzek in central midfield while Gartner is on bench.

Both teams with some problems and missing players today. But overall it is very hard to play in Braunschweig for all the teams because the fans and the atmosphere is great there and push the home side very well. According to the latest run it is more as possible that they can walk on above all the pressure is gone in Düsseldorf. They are almost save, they should only not lose to high ..... What the teams are doing if the pressure is gone saw we yesterday, they sit back and play only on low level. We expect Braunschweig at home to push and bring Fortuna in danger.

PICK: Eintracht Braunschweig AHC -0,25 @ 1,90 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

FC Bayern München - Hannover 96

This is the last home game for Bayern Munich before they can celebrate the championship with their fans. They had an incredible good season despite the third knock out in the champions league semi final in a row. Normally Coach Guardiola was signed to bring this title home to Munich but he was not able to beat a spanish team in three attempts. But overall he had a excellent time in Munich with a lot of success and the new style of play is seen very well. Before the league doors close for him he has to bring his team well prepared on the pitch to celebrate the last home game with an excellent game against relegated Hannover. Also they should hold the concentration high according to the important Cup Final in one week against rival Borussia Dortmund. For this he will count on his strongest lineup and allow his top guys a good rhythm. Also they can play for their striker Lewandowski who has scored 29 goals so far and he wants to break 30 this Season what is an incredible number and never reached in the last years. Also he is the first none German who can reached this special number.

Hannover comes to Munich already relegated and has to play for nothing, only for a good result what was not always the case in the last years if they were there. No they got almost every game a big pounding from Bayern. The play from Munich is to fast for Hannover and they were not able to defend this well. Therefore it is not sure if new Coach Stendel is able to find the right mix and balance for this game also if the motivation is gone. Despite the situation they should try to bring this match to a good end but the pressure can be very high over the 90 minutes and this can be one of the hardest matches for them this Season. In the last 8 matches with Bayern Munich they scored only 2 goals and conceded incredible 31 what says all of the dominance from Bayern. Of course under Stendel they are doing better but this is almost impossible for them to get the job done.

This match is very clear, I am sure that Bayern wants to celebrate with a great win the title. Also with some goals from Lewandowski, therefore they press from beginning on and bring H96 in really danger. The goals will come for sure here as they did in several games before against Hannover and they won always with a high margin. They love to play against this team and they come to an exactly good moment to Munich.

PICK: Bayern München AHC -2,75 @ 1,86 (3 Units / Flat Stake)
Special PICK: Lewandowski to score anytime

1899 Hoffenheim - FC Schalke 04

Statistic:

- This team meet each other 15 times and it is very even so far (5-4-6 for 1899).
- S04 was 7 times in Hoffenheim and they could never win there (0-4-3).
- Against no other club they have such a bad run as in Hoffenheim till now.
- Only the top clubs collected more Points from the last 13 Rounds as Hoffenheim 23.
- With Nagelsmann on the sideline they are much more effective and successful as before.
- 1899 was able to bring 24 Points on their side 2016, 2 more as Schalke did so far.
- Schalke was not able to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 league games.
- The last one was in February to Frankfurt 0-0. Such a run happened at least 2004.

With Nagelsmann as head coach 1899 has found the right man to lead this team despite his young age. He has a lot of power although the experience is not there but he is working hard and has some good skills in his training work. The team is doing by far a better second half of the Season as to begin where they got only 13 Points, under Nagelsmann they were able to be 5. in the second part of the season. This says all and the team is following him very well what is seen in success. They are already save and they can go out and play relaxed but with a lot of passion and celebrate with their fans the last game of the Season. They have all their key players ready, so no excuses here.

It was an average Season for Schalke so far but they have reach one of their goals already. They are sure for an international spot so far. Although they wanted much more above all the Champions League was their big aim but they missed this target. They can be happy with this above all after some weak performances they do the job. All is possible for them form place 5 to 7. With a draw they maybe climb one place up as Mainz and Hertha which both above them are playing each other. It could be important to get one of the places above them as they do not have to start so early in qualification for Euro League. With Goretzka they miss one midfield player who started recently but he can be replaced from Geis this time.

Both teams should be very even in their class at the moment and 1899 at home can always be a difficult team to play although they play for nothing. Nevertheless Nagelsmann is ambitious and he wants to win this one of course. S04 has something to play for and must be take the active part in this game what can be dangerous for them above all if Hoffenheim brings their fast offensive players in running. This can hurt them badly. We love the matchup and the HC on our side here.

PICK: 1899 Hoffenheim AHC +0,25 @ 1,95 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

VfL Wolfsburg - VfB Stuttgart

The Season is already gone for Wolfsburg but they have not won in the last 3 home games what put them under additional pressure for this game despite they play for nothing. This can not be their real target to reach a midfield place. Both manager Allofs and Coach Hecking are not pleased with the outcome and the Season, all the players have to improve their level and ask themselves what they can do better for the next Season. After coming in as second last Season they had a huge downtrend this Season above all away from home they won not much and this was maybe the reason why they missed an international spot. At home they lost only 3 matches so far and they had some really strong games there what should make it possible to get a win in the last game. All players are monitored if they are the right one for Wolfsburg next Season. Coach Hecking and Manager Allofs put the level high and they want to see a good performance and also a win.

After 39 years in Bundesliga the worst case is almost there for VfB Stuttgart. They had a good run after Kramny took over and pushed VfB on the right way but the last games were all without any fire above all the big miss in midfield with fighter Die is a big blow for them. Some other important players are not fully fit and plays with slight injuries what help the team not much. Therefore the results are all against them and only with a win they can have some hope to reach place 16 and two relegation matches against the 3 rd from 2.Bundesliga. But for this Bremen must lose otherwise Stuttgart has no chance anymore, although if Bremen plays draw and Stuttgart win with a very high margin they can overcome Bremen but this is almost impossible. So only a lose from Bremen hold them in the race. A very hard scenario for Stuttgart and what the fans are thinking about was seen in the last home game where they attack the pitch after the match was over. Also they attacked some of the players. The nerves are not the best there anyway and how should they be handled from the players on the pitch additional. Stuttgart travels to Wolfsburg with almost full squad only Sunjic suspended, Serey Die injured and Großkreutz injured again are not ready. 

The pressure is clear on Stuttgart’s side and Wolfsburg can sit back and play a normal game at home what is maybe their preferred style if they can play on counter with their fast offensive players. If Stuttgart has to open in the end of the game it can be that Wolfsburg overcome them easy. I have my doubts that Stuttgart can celebrate the same wonder as last Season when they won the important game against Paderborn and was saved then. This time we have to say good bye for a traditional BL team.

PICK: VfL Wolfsburg AHC 0 @ 1,78 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Saturday 1.Bundesliga update

Werder Bremen - Eintracht Frankfurt

- Frankfurt lost only 1 of the last 11 matches against Werder, at Round 31 0-1 last Season.
- They are 6-4-1 in this period against Bremen and of course want to continue the run.
- Frankfurt needs only a draw here while Bremen has to win if they want to overcome Frankfurt.
- If Stuttgart does not win in Wolfsburg both Bremen and Frankfurt can not be relegated directly.
- This is only the case because Stuttgart -23, Bremen -16 and Frankfurt -17 goals.
- It is almost the same run from Frankfurt since they managed the biggest surprise 98/98.
- They won 98/99 also the last 4 matches and got saved .... 3 in a row they have already managed.
- Bremen kept the first clean sheet this Season and collected 7 Points out of the last 4 games.


FSV Mainz 05 - Hertha BSC Berlin

- For FSV a draw would be enough to be directly qualified for the Euro League.
- On the other side Hertha need a win to overcome Mainz and do the same job.
- In the last 7 matches between these two clubs in Mainz, Hertha had the better outcome (3-3-1).
- This is the weakest number from Mainz against a team who played at least 2 times there.
- Hertha lost all their last 4 road games and showed a big downtrend recently.
- Hertha was always better in the first half of the Season and in second half they are much weaker.
- Berlin lost 5 of their last 6 last Season games. The only win was 2012 with 3-1 to 1899.
- In BL history lost Berlin 10 of their last 13 matches of the Season (2-1-10).


Borussia Dortmund - 1.FC Köln

- Cologne was able to get 7 of 9 possible Points against Dortmund from the last 3 games.
- Coach Stöger is actual unbeaten against Dortmund so far.
- Before this run they lost all 8 matches to Dortmund.
- But in Dortmund is Cologne waiting since 25 years for a win. The last one was 1991 2-1.
- Since this win they lost 14 times and got 2 draws what is not the best outcome so far.
- Also they are waiting since 440 minutes to score a goal in Dortmund.
- Cologne has the change to win both matches against BvB this Season. They are the only one then.
- FC is playing his best Season since 2000/01 when they managed 45 Points, 42 now.
- Dortmund won 18 of their 20 BL home matches and scored 57 goals, an average from 2,9.
- The last team who was able to win in Dortmund was Bayern in April 2015 with 1-0.

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)

1.FC Nürnberg - RB Leipzig

Both teams showed their strength this Season already although both had some problems to begin. But match after match they were able to bring more more stability in their play and results as well. Both are one of the better playing sides in this 2.Bundesliga and showed this in the first meeting between them already. Of course it was a big advantage for Leipzig that Nürnberg got a player sent off early in the match and they could scored 3 times while Nürnberg was very close for a big comeback but in the end they managed only a 2-3 lose. This time they want more and with a win they can bring Leipzig in danger and huge pressure as well as with 53 Points they can be very close to the leader Leipzig 56 then. The last lost game for Nürnberg who are unbeaten in 16 was against Leipzig.

The "Club" is one of the strongest home teams in the league and has not lost a single match at home. They are running from success to success there and won 4 of the last 5 matches. Of course some of them were a big luck like Fürth and Kaiserslautern due to late goals but nevertheless only the result count. This is one of the biggest reason why they are close to promote, the home power. Also the offensive is one of the best and with Burgstaller and Füllkrug they have two guys under the top 10 Goalgetter in their rows.
But it is not all well in Nürnberg above all after the training accident from youngster Erras. This guy was something like a mascot because since he stands in the starting lineup they never lost a game this Season. With him the great run began. But after his big knee injury under the week he will be out for the rest of the Season. A big blow for Coach Weiler and the team as well but he must find the right replacement for this excellent guy. Many expect Petrak beside Behrens in midfield while veteran Polak sit on bench again. In central back they have to replace Bulthuis suspended, the first alternative can be Hovland here.

This is one of the most important games in club history for Leipzig. They lead the league with 6 Points against Nürnberg and with a win they can open the gap to 9 Points what is almost impossible to bring them in danger then. This can be a big step to get promoted and arrive where they always want to be in 1.Bundesliga. The motivation should be very high and the self confidence is there anyway.
It looks all so good but they have a lot of problems fighting with illness under the week. A lot of players including the Coach were ill. All players like Gulasci, Poulsen, Selke, Kaiser were all not able to train. If Gulasci can not start Coltorti is back from injury and can return into the goal immediatley so on this position not a problem at all. Also the ill players from last week Halstenberg, Ilsanker and Sabitzer should be in starting lineup immediately again. For them must on bench Quaschner, Nukan and Demme who is suspended anyway. The most important thing is if Kaiser, Poulsen and Selke are not ready for RB it can be hard because all three are in good form above all Kaisers and Poulsen.

Union Berlin - Eintracht Braunschweig

Both teams were named as promotion candidates before the Season but the truth is much different right now. Union was able to collect a few Points lately what put them away from drop zone with 33 Points actually. On the other side Braunschweig were not able to get much in 2016 and this is a big  isappointment for them right now. They are suffering a lot and are not pleased with their current form anyway. The mood is not the best according to the latest results additionally. 8 Rounds before the end the Season is almost gone for both despite they need still some Points to be absolutely safe.
It is absolutely to see that Union has a lot of problems to bring stability in their performances. From week to week are absolutely unstable. Good home games followed weak away performances.

It was the same last weekend where they lost to bottom team MSV 1-2 despite leading for long time. If they had much more stability the outcome should have been much better but this was even
not the case. The most problem of this can be the huge injury problems they faced and face at the moment. Although some of the players are back they miss again 6 players with Thiel, Schönheim,
Kroos, Korte, Szkrybski all injured while Parensen is suspended for today’s match.
Interim Coach Hofschneider was away under the week and Bönig managed the training sessions. Nevertheless they have to build a new central back again. But with Leistner and Zejnullahu are two
players back again. Both can be in the starting lineup immediately and help to bring some stability in their defensive play. If Quiring can start is very open because he has some muscle problems to
begin of the week and trained not much. Therefore an alternative is maybe needed.

A lot of trouble and rumors in Braunschweig according too less success after the winter break and also the not done new signings from Manager Arnold. Of course both Coach Lieberknecht and
Arnold are still safe but most of the fans are not very pleased with the work from both. To get more peace the team must get back on track and deliver results what should be very important to get
a better mood and more self confidence for the last matches. Very important can be the first win 2016 but with what personal it is more as open. A lot of changes can be possible compared to the last
game anyway. Against Fürth Lieberknecht changed 6 times what is possible again today. Some of the players are doubtful and some were moved from squad last time, if they return this time is more
as open. So it is very interesting to see on which players he counts this time.

Karlsruher SC - FC Heidenheim

This is an "Baden-Württemberg" Derby where both teams are not far from each other. This derby is not a traditional one as it is not such old with only 5 matches played between these two clubs according to their different club history. KSC could win 2 of these matches while Heidenheim is winless but was able to draw 3 times. Both teams are neighbors in table and both are almost safe. The team from KSC was expecting much more after the winter break but it was not able to close the gap to the top, no they lost more. On the other side Heidenheim is very proud that they play such a good Season and can come to Karlsruhe very relaxed after successful weeks lately.

KSC won 1-0 last weekend but this was not enough to close the gap to the top teams according to their weak outcome with only 9 Points from 6 matches. The main fact that they can not climb up in table was the weak home outcome with only 3 draws against FSV Frankfurt, Braunschweig and Paderborn. They are winless since Round 18 at home but the motivation is not the same as they play for nothing at the moment and stand only in the midfield of the table. It is sure that Kauczinski leaves the club at the end of the Season and his replacement signed a contract this week. They are counting on Thomas Oral who is head coach at FSV Frankfurt at the moment but comes to the next Season.
Before the game against Düsseldorf Kauczinski changed his team 3 times but this time he may count on the same lineup as in last game where they could convince and win anyway. The only problem for them is Sallihi who is doubtful for the game and if he can not start the replacements are Nazarov or Gouaida while quick midfield player Torres miss again. Torres is with 4 goals and 6 assist on of the best offensive player in team from KSC. No one of the team mates has more assists and only Diamantakos scored more with 5.

After winning two times at home in a row after having a very long run without a win they are back on track there. On the road they were unbeaten in 7 of their last 8 games. Only the last game in Leipzig they lost with 1-3 because of only of the huge offensive power form RBL. They are aiming to start a new streak on the road now. According to lastest news and also to the last game there are no changes expected because of the good game and win against St. Pauli 2-0. They have only one guy out injured anyway therefore Coach Schmidt can choose from a lot but he count on a good balanced eleven again. Some options are there with Theuerkauf instead of Titsch-Rivero in midfield or in attack where Morabit and Thomalla harmonized very well against St. Pauli. But also Finne made some self advertising with his goal after he came in. In attack is also Leipertz an option but he can play also on the wing as well. Leipertz (8 goals / 7 assists) and Schnatterer (5 goals / 6 assists) are the most dangerous players from Heidenheim. Both are able to decide a match for them but also Morabit is with his 4 goals an important factor in offensive.

This match can be a very close one but according to the big problems form KSC if they play at home and they do not like to control the game or make the game. They prefer the same style as Heidenheim and this is playing from a compact defense and go for fast counter attacks. This can be key for Heidenheim if KSC opens more and more. Also the motivation should be on Heidenheim's side, they are doing well have a good run and are aiming for more. They know that they play to avoid relegation but his is done already and they can look forward to have one of the best Seasons ever in their 2.BL history. KSC suffers more and more from the lost relegation battle to Hamburg last Season and they are not able to come out from their bad mood.

PICK: FC Heidenheim AHC +0,25 @ 2,01 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

1899 Hoffenheim - VfL Wolfsburg

After newcomer Nagelsmann took over in Hoffenheim the team is much more flexible and have a lot of options more. The youngster is a tactical fox and he knows how to play the only problem
his idea are not always realizable for the players on the pitch. But overall they have a much better play as to former Coaches like Gisdol and Stevens. They are a offensive minded team and under
Nagelsmann they were always able to score but on the other side they concede in all games as well. Despite this he does not want to change anything. He works on some more tactical options and
that his team is getting more clinical in front of the goal.

VW-Town is coming to Sinsheim with some success in their bag, they won the important encounter to Gladbach 2-1 and also the CL game against Gent 1-0. This maybe give them a lot of self onfidence back for the upcoming weeks and the fight for an international spot. At the moment they are a bit behind but with a win here they can bring them in a better position maybe. And additional hold the pressure on the teams above high. Although they had a lot of problems on the road they were able to overcome Hannover 4-0 at least. Against the next bottom team they hope to do the same but they know also that they face a much better opponent here. For this reason they have to bring all their power on the pitch to get the job done. With Draxler, Schürrle and Kruse they have 3 players up
front which all showed an uptrend in their form what can help to replace important long term injured key striker Dost.

We have two teams here which have to play for a lot, 1899 against relegation Wolfsburg for an international spot. Both teams have their strength more in offense as in defensive therefore we are very sure for goals here. Both offensive lines are able to score above all with such a big potential both have in their rows while both defensive lines are always able to produce mistakes. The goal line should be a good choice here.

PICK: OVER 3 @ 2,01 (3 Units / Flat Stake)

Arminia Bielefeld - 1.FC Nürnberg

It is as always in the past weeks, Nürnberg can put some pressure on second placed team Freiburg with a win what was always possible recently. They are coming to Bielefeld with an excellent run of 15 unbeaten matches and of course they want to continue this run. The home team was almost far away from any trouble after winning 2-1 against MSV Duisburg to begin of the year but had a lot of problems to get a result lately. And after the teams behind them collecting some Points they are only 5 Points ahead of the danger zone. Both teams can not allow a gift above all Nürnberg is in a must win situation if they want to hold the pressure high while Bielefeld maybe can life with a draw here.

It was a bit disappointing for Bielefeld not to get the win in Bochum after got a doubtful penalty against them in added time. Bochum scored with this penalty the equalizer but overall the reaction from Bielefeld was there after 2 defeats in a row. Overall they can life with the result although the win has brought them in a much better position as now. One of their key players Klos was out 10 minutes before the end according to some muscle problems. He could not train to begin of the week so far but all are very positive that he can start against Nürnberg. This would be very important for the team as he can not be replaced equal.
The next not available player is Schütz who got injured against Bochum as well. He can be replaced from Behrendt who was ill last week and return this time into the squad what is a big help for Coach Meier. It is also possible that they field a complete new central midfield with Burmeister and Behrendt. This is only because of the weak performance of Junglas in Bochum and he was substitute at half time and replaced from Burmeister who made a good game then. Also new in starting lineup was Horning in central back who made a good game and is an option again. Salger move on the left wing to replace not in form Schuppan at least. This can happen again, of course.

Of course Nürnberg is still unbeaten in 2016 and won 4 of their 6 matches but they did not so well as to the end of 2015. They had some luck and a lot of problems to win the matches above all against Fürth 2-1 and Kaiserslautern 2-1 they scored very late and both maybe were not absolutely deserved. It is not understood that they walk on so easy at the moment. But overall if you win such matches it is a sign for quality and maybe the actual mentality of the team what can be a big advantage in promotion race.
One of the key facts for Nürnberg is the big injury from keeper Schäfer. He is one of the key players and stands for the good run after he returns into the goal after the weak start into the Season. Now after his big injury they must count on Rakovsky again what is not the safest. With him Nürnberg had a lot of problems last Season and to begin too. Despite the absent from Schäfer they have no real choice and must count and trust him now. This can be a big disadvantage in promotion race for Nürnberg and all hope that the old problems arrive not again.
Compared to the last game they can count on Brecko and Leibold again who both returns form suspension. This means that Coach Weiler changes maybe on two positions more but all the others remain unchanged. Additional to last match they can not count on winning goal scorer Stieber who was sent off with yellow red and is suspended here. Therefore one option less on bench for Coach Weiler.  

PICK: Arminia Bielefeld AHC +0,25 @ 1,74 (3 Units / Flat Stake)