Bundesliga Betting: Ribery return should mean goals but not necessarily three points for Bayern

German Football / Razhan Miran / 26 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

Razhan Miran discusses whether Bremen's demolition of Bayern amounts to title-winning form or was merely a flash in the pan. The defending champions will welcome Franck Ribery back into the team this weekend but a win at Hannover is no gimme.

Bayern two, Bremen five. Seeing it in writing seems almost as ridiculous as the game itself. Was this a freak result, or are Bremen preparing for a surge up the table? They are home to the ever impressive Hoffenheim on Saturday, and will hope to build on last weekend's shock result. Bremen were brilliant at the Allianz, but Klinsmann will be well aware that Bayern were unacceptably poor, and from the outset seemed disinterested.

A confidence crisis has ensued at Bayern, and Klinsmann will have to employ all his charm to get some of the bigger characters in the dressing room back on his side. An away trip to Hannover seems like a reasonably straightforward fixture, however further embarrassment for Bayern may be afoot.

Hannover will field a heavily weakened side after being struck down with more than their fair share of injury problems, whilst Bayern have a fully fit squad. After being left out last week, Franck Ribery should see some action at least, and slot in to a familiar 4-4-2, rather than the failing 3-5-2 which Klinsmann stubbornly employed. There will be further changes to the Bayern line up, which could see Bastian Schweinsteiger and Christian Lell dropped amongst others, after inept performances against Bremen. Miroslav Klose's midweek cup goal should also confirm his place in the starting line up alongside Luca Toni, leaving an ever frustrated Lukas Podolski on the sidelines.

At [1.6] Bayern are too short, although should come through this with all three points. If I was to get involved in the Match Odds I'd feel more comfortable laying at that price and having the draw on my side, however the wise money in this fixture is on goals. Over 2.5 Goals at [1.7] is a nice bet, especially with both sides almost certainly looking for a strong start to the game. Over 3.5 Goals at around [2.64] may prove equally as shrewd.

So in answer to my earlier question with regards to Bremen's title challenge, I still believe they do not possess the squad or the consistency to be crowned champions. Bremen's performance at the Allianz reminded me of another thrashing in Munich many moons ago. England's demolishing of Germany, which saw them 5-1 winners, regardless of the fact that they only had five chances. Bremen were just as clinical and although deserved the win, the margin was certainly exaggerated.

Bremen are likely to be without Per Mertesacker against Hoffenheim on Saturday, with Sebastian Prodl set to replace him. Hoffenheim have no major absentees themselves, and welcome back Luiz Gustavo who should slot back into the team. Bremen will be aware that it is vitally important to follow up last weekend's exploits with another win on Saturday, however at [1.5] are a criminally short price. My market of choice for this fixture is the Asian Handicap, and a lay of W Bremen -1.0 at about [1.8] is where my money is going. Hoffenheim are strong at the back, and should keep this a relatively low scoring fixture. Should Bremen win by the single goal, then you still get your money back, which I believe is a wise move.

Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Hamburg play hosts to Monchengladbach, which will see plenty of goals, so the Over 3.5 at [2.7] should prove to be a nice investment. Leverkusen are away to Bochum, and at [2.22] are a great back. They should be odds on, and on current form you would have to be mad to bet against them. And finally, Schalke go away to FC Koln in the Friday evening game, and with pressure on them to maintain top spot they may buckle, which is why at [1.84] are a lay for me.