Bundesliga Betting: Beware of men in tights as Bayern march on

German Football / Kevin Hatchard / 05 February 2010 / Leave a Comment

Arjen Robben has been wearing grey longjohns in a bid to protect his delicate leg muscles

"That run has lifted them (Bayern Munich) to second, just two points behind leaders Leverkusen. Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen and Mainz have all been swept aside since the winter break, with Dutch master Arjen Robben (three goals in four matches) turning in some scintillating performances."

Kevin Hatchard is full of praise for Louis Van Gaal's lack of activity in the transfer market which has allowed Bayern to trim down their squad and put together a good string of results, led by the superb Arjen Robben. Plus the best Bundesliga bets this weekend.

Wolfsburg [4.9] vs Bayern Munich [1.78], the draw [4.1]

The Bayern Munich title train continues to gather momentum, with the Bavarian giants winning their last seven Bundesliga matches. That run has lifted them to second, just two points behind leaders Leverkusen. Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen and Mainz have all been swept aside since the winter break, with Dutch master Arjen Robben (three goals in four matches) turning in some scintillating performances.

He has a reputation for being physically brittle, but Bayern have worked hard with him to improve his fitness and that effort appears to be paying off. Bayern have used the latest hi-tech training methods, including giving Robben a pair of grey longjohns.

Perhaps even more impressive is the recent progress off the pitch, with the club dubbed as "FC Hollywood" trying to stay under the radar. Underperforming misfits such as Luca Toni, Edson Braafheid, Breno and Andreas Ottl were jettisoned in the transfer window, and coach Louis van Gaal chose not to add to a squad that was far too populous at the start of the campaign.

Van Gaal's decision not to pursue Ruud Van Nistelrooy highlights this newly-discovered sense of restraint. A high-profile player on big wages approaching the twilight of his career would have been right up Bayern's strasse in recent seasons, but van Gaal chose to concentrate on his existing squad. To that end, the club has agreed new contracts with key performers Daniel Van Buyten, Thomas Muller and Holger Badstuber.

Champions Wolfsburg are in transition, and may well see their title head to the Allianz Arena. Coach Armin Veh lost his job last month after overseeing a spectacular decline, and reserve team boss Lorenz-Gunther Kostner is in caretaker charge. He was unfortunate not to win his first game in charge, as Hamburg scored a last-gasp equalizer in a 1-1 draw.

With strikers Edin Dzeko and Grafite still at the club Wolfsburg will always have an attacking threat, but they have big defensive problems. The loss of Swiss international goalkeeper Diego Benaglio won't help - he'll be sidelined for at least a month after knee surgery.

RECOMMENDATION:

I backed Wolfsburg to pick up a draw last week, but I can't see their shaky defence stopping the Bayern juggernaut. [1.78] isn't great value for an outright Bayern win, so back them to win 2-1 at [8.6] or 3-1 at [14.5].

Bochum [5.9] vs Bayer Leverkusen [1.68], the draw [4.1]

Leaders Bayer Leverkusen are still unbeaten in the league this season, but they can see a resurgent Bayern Munich looming large in the rear view mirror. Jupp Heynckes' side have responded well to the challenge, winning their last four matches and slamming in 13 goals in the process.

Despite this excellent recent form, I think Bayer could come unstuck at Bochum this weekend. Heiko Herrlich's men are just four points above the dropzone, but they are unbeaten in four matches. The 2-2 draw at home to title challengers Schalke was especially gutsy, as Bochum were 2-0 down with eight minutes to go.

Bayer have sometimes failed to pick up away wins against inferior opposition. They drew at relegation zone dwellers Hannover and Hertha Berlin just before the winter break, and they've drawn six of their ten matches on the road.

RECOMMENDATION:

Bayern are putting huge pressure on the leaders, and a trip to Bochum isn't as easy as it looks. Back the draw at [4.1]

Nurnberg [3.7] vs Stuttgart [2.24], the draw [3.45]

I'm starting to develop an unhealthy animosity towards Nurnberg. In each of the last two weeks I've advised you to back against them, and they've scuppered me twice. A team that had hit the net just once in six matches somehow scored three times at Hannover last week - perhaps they pinned my scribblings on the dressing room wall.

Despite this revival Nurnberg are still second bottom, and I expect them to lose at home to a Stuttgart side who are flying under Christian Gross. Die Roten have won their last four matches, and last week they won 4-1 against a Borussia Dortmund side who had gone 12 matches unbeaten.

RECOMMENDATION:

It's time for us to get our own back on Nurnberg - back Stuttgart to win at [2.24]