German Football / Razhan Miran / 18 September 2009 / Leave a comment

Razhan Miran gives us the lowdown on this weekend's Bundesliga matches where last saeson's surprise package Hoffenheim should be opposed.

"I think this will be a close one, and seeing as though the odds are so in favour of the away win, I suggest the value bet of the week is the Hoffenheim lay at 2.4."

Schalke v Wolfsburg

Having not lost a single game at home in the Bundesliga last season, Wolfsburg have already fallen to two home defeats in three, albeit against the current top two. The fortress that was the Volkswagen Arena under Felix Magath seems vulnerable at the moment, and with the worst away record in the top half in their championship year, it is on their travels that they must improve.

Magath, now at Schalke of course, will be well prepared as he welcomes his old club to the Veltins Arena. Having had a week off, his players will feel fresh following their win at Koln last Sunday. Wolfsburg on the other hand had their Champions League debut on Tuesday, with star striker Grafite hitting a hat trick as they got off to an impressive start in Europe's premier competition.

It is clear that Wolfsburg are an attacking side, which explains their poor away form last year. Schalke simply do not have the attacking personnel to dominate possession high up the pitch, so rely on their defensive qualities to keep the opposition out, and hit on the counter attack. Considering fatigue, form, the Magath factor, and the way both teams play, I definitely see a win here for Schalke.

Take Schalke to win at [2.38], which is in my opinion, excellent value.

Monchengladbach v Hoffenheim

Last year's rookies have found their feet early on in this campaign, with both playing well and unlucky not to have racked up some more points. Monchengladbach were unlucky to lose at Nurnberg last week, whereas Hoffenheim comfortably overcame a poor Bochum side.

Gladbach have won both their home fixtures so far this season, and will provide a stern test for Ralf Rangnick's side, who have been struggling for goals thus far. Averaging one goal a game, the return of Vedad Ibisevic has not quite coincided with the goal-fest the fans expected. Surprisingly, it is their back five that has impressed, with Hoffenheim currently boasting the best defence in the league.

I think this will be a close one, and seeing as though the odds are so in favour of the away win, I suggest the value bet of the week is the Hoffenheim lay at [2.4].

Hertha Berlin v Freiburg

After an opening day win, Hertha have fallen to four consecutive defeats. They have all been close, and Lucien Favre will feel hard done by to find his side second bottom. Especially after last season's title challenge, he will want to climb back up the table, and could not have asked for a better tie this weekend.

The Freiburg shock win at Schalke was followed by a dismal two-nil home defeat by Frankfurt, strengthening my beliefs that they will go down. Currently trading in the region of [3.0] in the Bottom Two market, I feel that Hertha will pile further misery on the Bundesliga new boys and take all three points here.

Take the [2.0] on Hertha to win in front of an expectant home crowd at the Olympiastadion.

Recommended:

Back Schalke to beat Wolfsburg @ [2.38]
Lay Hoffenheim against Monchengladbach @ [2.4]

Back Hertha to beat Freiburg @ [2.0]

Tags: Bundesliga odds, Felix Magath, German football, German football odds, Hoffenheim