Julian Nagelsmann and the gang now lead by a two-point margin in the Bundesliga, and while that may not be the biggest lead, they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down
Saturday 18 March
Augsburg 27/20 | Draw 23/10 | Schalke 2/1 (14:30)
Augsburg were on course to complete an unheard-of double over Bayern Munich when they opened the scoring as early as the second minute last time out but succumbed to a crushing 5-3 defeat. The WWK Arena now welcomes 17th-placed Schalke, who are showing great signs of avoiding relegation, recently securing a seven-match unbeaten run. It will be hard for Schalke to put a dent in Augsburg’s great home record, so back the home team Draw No Bet.
Bochum 24/5 | Draw 10/3 | RB Leipzig 52/100 (14:30)
Thomas Letsch’s Bochum had lost four in a row without finding the back of the net before their 2-0 victory over Cologne. The Blues were offered an early chance to correct the wrongs in the form of a 9th-minute penalty converted by Kevin Stoger – the attacking midfielder’s third goal contribution of the season. While goals are hard to come by for Bochum, RB Leipzig are the complete opposite. Die Roten Bullen have scored the second most goals of any Bundesliga team. Christopher Nkunku on 17 alongside Timo Werner on 13 make up the bulk of the numbers. Back Leipzig by a hefty scoreline.
Hoffenheim 21/20 | Draw 5/2 | Hertha Berlin 12/5 (14:30)
Hoffenheim have yet to win a fixture since mid-October currently riding an eight-match losing streak. Hertha Berlin is not the most consistent team but have showed fight since the turn of the year, and a win here is huge in terms of the relegation battle. Back Hertha.
Stuttgart 6/5 | Draw 23/10 | Wolfsburg 9/4 (14:30)
Wolfsburg were looking to keep their Europa League aspirations alive against a wobbly Union Berlin last time out, and a draw was all they could muster. Die Wolfe take on arguably equally tough opponents in Stuttgart who are scrapping it out at the bottom of the table, but there’s no denying the unity the away team possess now. Get on the away side.
Borussia Dortmund 4/9 | Draw 4/1 | Cologne 5/1 (17:30)
The 100th Revierderby ended in a 2-2 draw for Borussia Dortmund that would add salt to the wounds of BVB. Dropping out of the Champions League in midweek, and now two points adrift rivals Bayern Munich in the pursuit of a title – a win is of the utmost importance. Steffen Baumgart’s Cologne failed to score in a fourth successive fixture after losing 2-0 in front of their home crowd, and the fans are getting antsy as the Billy Goats edge closer to a relegation battle. Back Borussia Dortmund to get back to winning ways in all multiples.
Sunday 19 March
Union Berlin 7/5 | Draw 21/20 | Eintracht Frankfurt 2/1 (14:30)
Union’s title charge is dwindling by the gameweek, and the international break couldn’t come any sooner. It goes without saying that Union are a more formidable side on home soil, and the last time these two met in a similar setting, the home side walked away 2-0 victors – back the Union.
Bayer Leverkusen 7/2 | Draw 15/4 | Bayern Munich 4/7 (16:30)
Bayern Munich have a knack of finding the opposition weakness and exploiting it. Against Augsburg, four of the now log leaders’ five goals came from natural fullbacks. Leverkusen always seem to attempt going toe-to-toe with Munich, and on occasion it works out in their favour. However, the overwhelming head-to-head occurrence is over 2.5 goals, and for value over 3.5 has occurred six out of their last 10 meetings – odds at 1/1.
Mainz 11/10 | Draw 23/10 | Freiburg 12/5 (18:30)
After going ahead early, and conceding halfway through the fixture, Freiburg showed great grit to pull through 2-1 the victors on the 89th minute last time out, but Mainz’ recent home record of a four-match winning run is hard to ignore. The home side look extremely likely to earn another win at the MEWA Arena.
