Bayern Munich's recovery is about to start
It might not be as close at the top in the Bundesliga as it is in Italy or Spain but it's equally engrossing simply because the 100 per cent leaders are Mainz in what is only the fifth top-flight campaign of their existence, while pre-season odds-on favourites Bayern Munich are 13 points off the pace.
Having lost to table-topping Mainz then second-placed Borussia Dortmund in successive games to fall so far behind, the reigning champions can ill afford another slip on Saturday against Hannover, who are third, as that would leave them eight points shy of the Champions League-paying positions.
Two trends indicate that this will be the week when Louis van Gaal's side return to form though - they haven't lost three league matches in a row since 1998 or been beaten in consecutive home ties since 2001.
In addition, Hannover were defeated at home by promoted St Pauli last time out. The hosts are surprisingly strong favourites at [1.45] however, so consider the half-time draw/full-time Bayern victory at [4.5].
In Saturday's other tasty clashes, Mainz will look to prove the international break hasn't disrupted their rhythm by staying perfect against inconsistent Hamburg at [2.46], Schalke will be confident of finally winning in Gelsenkirchen against managerless Stuttgart, the only club below them, at [2.1] and top-three hopefuls Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen are likely to draw the late kick-off at [3.75].
Sunday's televised game pits Hoffenheim, winless in four, against Borussia Monchengladbach, winless in five, rendering the draw the obvious bet at [4.2]. Over 3.5 goals is the standout punt though at [2.52], as Monchengladbach's three away encounters to date have produced 20 goals.
Koln v Borussia Dortmund, ESPN, Friday, 7.30pm
Hoffenheim v Borussia Monchengladbach, ESPN, Sunday, 4.30pm
Got any thoughts on the upcoming Bundesliga fixtures? Then tell us below...
Published: 14 Oct 2010
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