Bundesliga Betting: Back Bayern this Saturday and for the Bundesliga whilst the layers are feeling generous

German Football / Razhan Miran / 24 October 2008 / Leave a Comment

All the talk in Germany this week has for a change been about Michael Ballack rather than Klinsmann. Speaking of Bayern, their winning streak may well continue this weekend but who else should our money be on, asks Razhan Miran.

German exploits in the European club competitions were wildly overlooked this week, as the nation became enthralled in a heated disagreement between Joachim Low, and Michael Ballack. This was an embarrassing blow to Low's reign as national coach, and he will surely be aware that his captain is a greater asset to Germany than he will ever be.

Low seems to be stuck between a rock and a very hard place indeed. To drop Ballack would be career suicide, but not to react to the Chelsea midfielder's taunts would be a sign of weakness, and not the best way to instil discipline in a team that has already shown little respect for him.

Whilst for the first time this season, the media spotlight has not been focused on Jurgen Klinsmann, Bayern seem to have turned around their dismal form, and may be on the verge of somewhat of a winning streak. And with Wolfsburg the visitors to the Allianz this week, I can see Bayern notching up another three points, and continue their ascendency up the league table.

At the beginning of the season, I believed that Bayern would go on to win the title, not before early setbacks in a difficult opening period however. That turbulent storm that has lingered over the Allianz seems to have passed now, and with Bayern only five points off top spot, the [2.28] available for them to be crowned as Bundesliga champions is worth having a piece of.

Their impressive display against Fiorentina midweek was unfortunately tainted by Phillip Lahm's injury, who is set to be replaced by Christian Lell. Luca Toni is also missing, with Lukas Podolski set to fill the Italian's boots.

It will of course be Felix Magath's return to the Allianz, after an unhappy spell there two years ago, and unfortunately for him, the bad memories in Munich are set to continue on Saturday. Take a Bayern home win at [1.67] whilst the layers are feeling generous, as this is likely to shorten by kick off.

The Friday evening game this week sees Leverkusen play hosts to Koln in what is set to be a passionately contested Rhein derby. Leverkusen coach Bruno Labaddia has come out this week and called for a calm match on Friday, as hostile fans usually push tempers to flare on the pitch. A calm game of football will no doubt favour the home team, as Koln will be well aware.

Tranquillo Barnetta is still out, with Pirmin Schwegler set to deputise as he did last week. Other than that, Bayer will field as strong a team as they have been able to put out this season. Koln are likely to remain unchanged after three successive wins, with Milivoje Novakovic declared fit after a thigh strain.

Although short for a derby, Koln's record at the Bay-Arena is dismal, and with Leverkusen in such stunning form this season, I can only predict a home win. The [1.53] available will pay dividends. If however, you are looking for more tempting odds, the [2.18] on Leverkusen -1.0&-1.5 in the Asian Handicap is an equally wise investment.

The most talked about game this weekend however, is Sunday's clash between Hoffenheim and Hamburg. The top two in the Bundesliga fight for first place, and with Hoffenheim in such sensational form, this will be a tough one to call.

Hamburg will be without Nigel de Jong, Thiago Neves and Marcell Jansen, whilst Hoffenheim have a fully fit squad. This will be an attacking game and with the Hoffenheim front three in breathtaking form, the Over 2.5 Goals at [1.72] is certainly the bet here. I would also back against Hamburg taking all three points, so lay them at [2.72] and put your faith into the Bundesliga rookies. It's about time we took them seriously.