German Bundesliga Betting Tips Matchday 9 17-18th October

With the international break over, it’s back to business in Germany as the Bundesliga kicks off again. This week looks like an exciting one with some big games, including Hertha Berlin hosting Monchengladbach and Hannover visiting Dortmund, with all 4 teams in the top 6.

Friday – 7.30pm KO

Hoffenheim v Bayer Leverkusen

This is going to be Hoffenheim’s toughest game so far this season. They managed to scrape a 3-3 draw with Schalke a few weeks ago at home, but I believe that Leverkusen are that one step up from Schalke’s level.

Leverkusen will be spurred on by the fact they can go top with a win here. All the history and form backs up the win for Levekusen here, but we all know that form can sometimes count for nothing. Leverkusen will also be happy with the fact their keeper Bernd Leno has returned to training this week and should be fit to face Hoffenheim, along with their key striker Stefan Kiessling who has had stitches removed from a foot injury he picked up in the last set of fixtures. Since the middle of last season, Leverkusen have been in incredible form, losing only once in the league since March (16 games).

Hoffenheim have also been very good at home, their new approach this season of extremely attacking football will moderately suit both teams but could prove their downfall. Leverkusen are deadly on the counter attack and with the pace of Sam and Son, and the clinical finishing of Kiessling, I really can’t see Hoffenheim stopping Leverkusen from topping the table come Friday night.

BET: Leverkusen win at Evens Bet365

Saturday – 2.30pm KO

Eintracht Braunschweig v Schalke

Something that came as a huge surprise to a lot of people in the last set of fixtures, Braunschweig won their first game of the season in an incredible 2-0 away win at Wolfsburg. Week by week, Braunschweig’s performances have got better and better and their brilliant support certainly helps them week in week out. Schalke have also been very good over the last few weeks, securing decent results including a 1-0 away win at Mainz not too long ago.

Schalke have suffered what could be a major setback this week, with main striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar suffering a blow to his return. They are awaiting the results of more tests to find out the extent of his injury. They could also be missing Kevin Prince Boateng who has a slight knee problem.

I must applaud Braunschweig’s determination and grit, they seem to put their heart and soul into every game they have played this season, but it is no match for Schalke’s superiority.

BET: Schalke -1 asian handicap at 5/4 Bet365

Another game to keep an eye on would be the Dortmund v Hannover game. Both teams love goals and  inplay could be decent here. Over 3.5 goals would be my pre-game bet.