German Football / Razhan Miran / 25 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Razhan Miran continues his unenviable task of trying to predict what will happen next in the Bundesliga this weekend.

"Bayern come into this one in fantastic form, having won five straight games since Arjen Robben’s introduction into the team. They go into this one as favourites; however this is certainly the sterner test they have faced so far under Louis Van Gaal. "

Dortmund v Schalke

The Ruhr derby is the highlight this weekend in the Bundesliga, with under-pressure Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp still looking for his first three points of the season. Dortmund defeated Bundesliga 2 outfit Karlsruhe 3-0 in the cup midweek. They will however find Felix Magath's Schalke a different proposition.

Schalke suffered a disappointing defeat last week, losing 2-1 at home to an erratic Wolfsburg. That would have hurt Magath, who will look ahead to this derby against bitter rivals Dortmund as an ideal way to bounce back. He is set to continue with his defensive style that Schalke have been accustomed to in recent seasons, with star player Jeffereson Farfan the likely source of goals.

This fixture ended 3-3 last season, with Dortmund fighting back from three down after a dream start for Schalke. Alexander Frei was the hero that day with a last minute penalty saving the home team's blushes, but I can't see this one being anywhere near as exciting with Klopp's future hanging by a thread, and Magath's 7-2-1 formation.

Recommendation:

Back the under 2.5 goals @ [2.04], and Schalke +0&+0.5 on the Asian handicap @ [1.78].

Hamburg v Bayern Munich

Ze Roberto faces his old side this weekend in this cracking fixture which pits up the league leaders against the title favourites. Bruno Labaddia's side have hit a dip in form since losing Jose Guerrero to injury, but will have to improve in front of goal if they are to mount a serious challenge.

Bayern come into this one in fantastic form, having won five straight games since Arjen Robben's introduction into the team. They go into this one as favourites; however this is certainly the sterner test they have faced so far under Louis Van Gaal.

They lost this fixture last year, and were in fact thoroughly outplayed by Martin Jol's side, who were a fantastic side at their best. Ivica Olic was a key figure for Hamburg in that match but he finds himself in a Bayern shirt this time, adding some extra flavour to a tantalising tie.

Recommendations:

Back both teams to score @ [1.6], and over 3.5 goals @ [2.7].

Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin

I am still in shock at Hertha Berlin's disastrous home performance last Sunday, as they were crushed 5-0 at the Olympiastadion. I cannot imagine what Lucien Favre must have been thinking as he watched his side, who of course came so close to the title last year, torn apart by a newly promoted outfit who have been given a seeing to by most top flight teams thus far.

There is clearly something wrong at Hertha at the moment, and there is a feeling that new management may be inevitable. Hoffenheim on the other hand are flying once more, especially after their superb come back at Monchengladbach last week.

Hertha are all over the place right now with their miserable season compounded by a midweek defeat to Bundesliga two side 1860 Munich in the cup. Although I believe Favre will get it right eventually, this fixture has come a little too soon for any real hope of success. Hoffenheim are a team full of confidence at the minute and should take all three points with relative ease.

Back the 2-0 and 3-0 correct scores @ [8.8] and [13.0] respectively, and Hoffenheim clean sheet @ [2.5].

Tags: Arjen robben, Bayern Munich fixtures, Bundesliga betting, German football matches