Bundesliga: Will BVB Continue Their Perfect Start to 2023?
Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg
Borussia Dortmund are back in the top four, and they can be on top of the Bundesliga table this weekend.
They’re currently in fourth with 34 points, which is within arm’s length of table leaders Bayern Munich, who have been dropping points these past few games. Union Berlin and RB Leipzig occupy the second and third spots with 36 and 35 points, respectively.
Edin Terzic’s men are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak to start 2023, but they’re in for a tough test when SC Freiburg visit Signal Iduna Park.
SC Freiburg have 34 points like Borussia Dortmund, but they’re one spot behind them due to goal difference. They have to make up for lost ground if they’re to return to the top four, and beating the hosts is a good first step.
Talking Points
More options available for Borussia Dortmund
Don’t look now, but Borussia Dortmund are making a run for the top spot, and they’re going to be a handful to deal with now that they have a healthier squad.
Edin Terzic can finally count on Marco Reus to be available again, while Gio Reyna has been in good form lately despite not playing last time out.
Sebastien Haller made his starting XI debut against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, and Jude Bellingham made his comeback after serving a one-match suspension against Mainz.
The former Ajax striker played a role in their first goal against Die Werkself, as he dummied Julian Brandt’s cross from the right side, which allowed Karim Adeyemi to finish inside the penalty box in the 33rd minute.
BVB’s second was recorded as an own goal from Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, but Jude Bellingham was a huge reason why it happened in the first place.
The team’s youngest captain led a counterattack, and he should’ve finished in transition, but Tapsoba inadvertently netted Marius Wolf’s cross from the right flank. They would take it, though, since it essentially gave them three valuable points.
Borussia Dortmund should be able to get more positive Bundesliga 2023 results in the next few weeks since they now have a lot of ammunition, which should help them mount a significant title challenge.
SC Freiburg back on track
SC Freiburg boss Christian Streich shouts from the sideline during their Bundesliga match against Frankfurt
SC Freiburg finally got their first win of the year against Augsburg, and they needed it or else they would’ve fallen to sixth place.
Gregoritsch kicked off the scoring with a wonderful finish past Rafal Gikiewicz in the 14th minute after Yannik Keitel teed him up.
Augsburg replied through Mergim Berisha’s penalty in the 29th minute. But straight from the kick-off, Michael Gregoritsch launched a long ball to Ritsu Doan, who dished it to Lucas Holer for his first goal of the season, which gave SC Freiburg back the lead.
And then Philipp Leinhart put the game beyond doubt by heading in a corner from Vincenzo Grifo.
Christian Streich is hoping that this could get them going, as they’re aspiring for European football. After facing BVB, SC Freiburg have winnable matches against VfB Stuttgart, VfL Bochum, and Bayer Leverkusen this month.
History
Borussia Dortmund have been dominant at home against SC Freiburg, as they’ve only lost one of their last 22 league home games against SC Freiburg (W18, D3).
This season, they are also undefeated in six league home games (W5, D1), and they’ve never gone longer without a home loss under Edin Terzic, who’s also unbeaten in his first six home games at the start of 2021.
Meanwhile, SC Freiburg have lost their last two road games in the league, which is as many as they had in their previous 13 matches. Their last road match was a 6-0 result in favour of VfL Wolfsburg, their worst defeat under Christian Streich in the Bundesliga.
BVB beat the Black Forest 3-1 earlier this season in August, as Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Marius Wolf sparked the comeback in the second half to nullify Michael Gregoritsch’s goal in the 35th minute.
The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds favor Borussia Dortmund to win at home, as they’re installed at 1.68, whereas SC Freiburg are pegged at 4.50, and chances for a draw are at 3.95 in the 1X2 market.
With talented attackers from both sides, this might be another high-scoring affair, so we’re looking at Over @ 2.75 at 1.82 and Total Goal 4-6 at 2.85 as viable alternatives.
But in the end, Borussia Dortmund should edge SC Freiburg on Saturday because of their brilliant form at home, although the Black Forest aren’t going down without a fight.
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Bundesliga: Champs Out to Avoid Becoming Draw Specialists at Wolfsburg
VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayern Munich
Look at the Bundesliga table closely and you could be forgiven for thinking there could be a title race this season.
After all, instead of running away with it, defending champions Bayern Munch are only one point clear at the summit, while there are only three points separating them from fifth place.
Yet while a run of three successive draws has seen the Bavarians pegged back, I have a feeling an arrival from Manchester to Munich this week will help provide renewed momentum in their assault on the title, including more Bundesliga 2023 highlights on Sunday afternoon.
Talking Points
Bayern Munich defender Joao Cancelo controls the ball during the DFB Cup Round of 16 match against FSV Mainz
Joao Cancelo’s arrival will certainly have lifted already high spirits in the Bavarian camp with a player of such proven quality boosting their squad as they chase success on many fronts.
Just one point ahead of Union Berlin, themselves fresh from a derby victory over Hertha Berlin, they gained their first victory of the New Year in midweek as they brushed aside Mainz 4-0 in the DFB Cup.
They looked back to their devastating best in that encounter with deadline day signing Cancelo thrown straight into the starting XI and promptly setting up the opening goal for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Jamal Musiala responded to an early-year blip with a goal too.
Cancelo has not been their only recruit in the January window with the club needing to act to replace injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
They have plugged the gap expertly by signing Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Yann Sommer on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Neuer, 36, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing his right leg on a skiing trip, leaving understudy Sven Ulreich as Bayern’s only proven top-level goalkeeper in the senior ranks.
Their arrivals come at a good time with Bayern still without Lucas Hernandez, Sadio Mane, and Noussair Mazraoui, as well as Neuer, who are all unlikely to return to action in the short-term.
Bayern will certainly be meeting a team in form and a former boss too in Niko Kovac whose Wolfsburg team were on a 10-match unbeaten run, including six straight wins before finally slipping up away at Werder Bremen last weekend.
They then lost by the same 2-1 scoreline at Union Berlin in the DFB Cup on Tuesday.
Kovac, who oversaw 65 matches in charge of Bayern, winning a Bundesliga-DFB Cup double in 2019, will have an almost fully fit squad at his disposal with striker Lukas Nmecha (knee) the only absentee and he will be keen to get one over on his former club.
They will have to overturn form and history though as Wolfsburg are winless in 15 matches against Bayern and have only won one of 27 since lifting the 2009 title.
Bayern have won nine of their past 10 meetings, the exception being last season’s 2-2 draw at the Volkswagen Arena when the title was already won.
On that occasion, Josip Stanisic and Robert Lewandowski scored before the home side pegged back the Bavarians through Jonas Wind and Max Kruse.
The earlier fixture last term resulted in a 4-0 victory for the champions as Thomas Muller, Dayot Upamecano, Leroy Sane, and Lewandowski found the net.
Earlier this season, first half goals from Musiala and Muller sealed a 2-0 home success.
Wolfsburg were the opponents when Lewandowski became a record breaker as he scored five goals in nine minutes in 2015.
After their impressive outing on Wednesday night in the German Cup, Bayern will be hopeful they have put their run of draws behind them.
I certainly believe they have which is why I am plumping for an away victory.
I have looked at SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 betting odds which include 1X2 Bayern @ 1.58 and Asian Handicap – 1.25 @ 2.20.
Wolfsburg, meanwhile, are on offer 1X2 @ 4.70 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.23.
The draw is available @ 4.50.
A repeat of their 2-2 draw from the corresponding match last season will pay out @ 13.00 with Correct Score.
The last time Bayern went four Bundesliga matches without a win in a single season, Borussia Dortmund were crowned champions (2010/11), and I cannot see that happening again.
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Bundesliga: Emotions at Dortmund and Bayern Mean Business With 10 or 11!
As Bundesliga highlights go, it’s unlikely there will be a more heart-warming scene anywhere all season.
For there really is only one place to start following the 19th week of Bundesliga action.
It arrived in the 51st minute in the contest between Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg and right in front of what is known as the Westfalenstadion’s ‘Yellow Wall’.
At that point hosts Dortmund had just reclaimed the lead against Freiburg, by now reduced to 10 men, when the moment arrived.
It was the moment Sebastien Haller, recently returned after undergoing surgeries and treatment for testicular cancer diagnosed only weeks after he had signed for the club last July, netted his first competitive goal for them.
It was, the striker observed post-match, a ‘message of hope and courage’, one he hoped would inspire cancer patients around the world.
Indeed, before the match and during the half-time break, the club also placed a bulge that symbolized a testicular tumour in the centre circle to raise awareness of the disease.
Given Haller’s track record, more goals can be expected.
He joined Dortmund after a record-breaking season with Ajax, during which he finished on an Eredivisie-leading 21 strikes and also ended up third in the Champions League scoring charts behind Karim Benzema (15) and Robert Lewandowski (13) after scoring 11 times during Ajax’s run to the last 16.
For now, though, as a popular player eases his way to fitness, it was a moment to cherish.
On the footballing front, fans and players of Freiburg – one of the teams of the season so far – can be forgiven for feeling dejected as they were leapfrogged and slipped to sixth in the table.
Wolfsburg boss Niko Kovac during their Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich
Nico Schlotterbeck, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt and Gio Reyna were also on the scoresheet as Dortmund moved up to third against opponents who had Kiliann Sidillia sent off after 17 minutes.
Jordan Pefok powered home an 84th minute winner to secure a fourth straight league win, just six minutes after substitute Marcus Ingvartsen had scored an equaliser for the mid-table battlers from the penalty spot.
Kevin Behrens had earlier put the home side in front just after the half hour mark.
Elsewhere, Bochum did their survival hopes no harm at all as they ran out 5-2 winners against fellow strugglers Hoffenheim to move level on points with them.
Three goals to the good before the break, Takuma Asano netted his first Bundesliga goal since last April as Bochum secured five straight home wins for the first time since 1976.
Bottom club Schalke aren’t giving up without a fight either after battling to a goalless draw at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
After being under the cosh for long spells of the first half, Schalke were much improved in the second period and attacked with a greater sense of adventure which meant the contest was end-to-end.
Neither team could break the deadlock, however, as Schalke held on for a point and a second successive clean sheet.
The match of the weekend, on paper at least, saw champions Bayern Munich travel to Wolfsburg on Sunday teatime.
After a run a run of three successive draws, the Bavarians were out to avoid becoming draw specialists and they did just that to blitz away former boss Niko Kovac whose Wolfsburg team had been on a 10-match unbeaten run, including six straight wins, until last weekend.
The Bundesliga betting odds in favour of the hosts were all but rendered null and void inside the opening 19 minutes.
That’s how long it took Bayern to score three times and return to the summit.
First Kingsley Coman moved inside and curled the ball into the box, seemingly destined for Thomas Müller, but instead it nestled into the net.
Then the Frenchman produced a textbook volley from a super Joao Cancelo delivery to double the advantage.
Two quickly became three as the evergreen Müller – on his record-equalling 427th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern – nonchalantly nodded home a Joshua Kimmich free-kick.
After half an hour, Kovac had seen enough and changed his system, including bringing on Jakub Kaminski who rounded off a fluent attack on the stroke of half-time to pull one back.
The comprehensive scoreline got potentially interesting nine minutes after the restart when Kimmich received a second yellow card and it was Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann’s turn to make changes.
Yet with 10 or 11 men, the champions remained composed and Jamal Musiala showed skill and drive to weave past a host of defenders before firing in the fourth.
Mattias Svanberg pulled one back for the home team, firing home from Lukas Nmecha’s cutback, but the character and class of the champions meant they would not be threatened.
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Bundesliga: BVB Look to Keep Win Streak Going at Werder
Werder Bremen vs Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund have been the form team in the Bundesliga, winning all four games since returning from the winter break as they’ve climbed up to third in the table.
However, BVB’s win streak will be under threat as they travel to Werder Bremen, who are on their own two-game winning run at the moment.
Can Dortmund continue their recent dominance against Werder at the Weserstadion? Read the preview below for more info on this match.
Talking Points
Werder Bremen back on track
Werder Bremen were on the receiving end of some disastrous beatings just before the World Cup break – a 6-1 thrashing against Bayern – and immediately after the break – a shocking 7-1 demolition at the hands of Koln.
But Bremen have gotten back on track with back-to-back wins over Wolfsburg and Stuttgart as they sit comfortably in mid-table.
After his World Cup exploits with Germany, Niclas Fullkrug has returned to Werder picking up where he left off from the first half of the season. He has 3 goals and an assist in the first four games after the break as he continues to lead the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with 13 goals on the season.
Fullkrug’s strike partner Marvin Ducksch has also made a strong start to 2023 with a goal and 2 assists. The 28-year-old now has 4 goals and 5 assists on the season.
Werder Bremen are up to eighth in the Bundesliga table after their recent wins. That’s despite a surprisingly poor home record this season. They have lost five of their 10 games at the Weserstadion, which is tied for the second-most in the division.
Dortmund remain perfect in 2023
Borussia Dortmund were one of the disappointments of the Bundesliga heading in the World Cup break. Their inconsistent form saw them fall way behind leaders Bayern Munich and their Bundesliga 2023 odds of winning the title looked remote.
But while Bayern have suffered a blip since returning, Dortmund have come out with a perfect start to the second half of the season. They have won all four of their games in 2023, scoring 13 goals in the process.
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic is all smiles ahead of their Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich
Meanwhile, fellow summer signing Karim Adeyemi is also finally finding his best form. After a slow start to the season, the 21-year-old has scored in back-to-back Bundesliga games and also set up another goal since the restart.
With Haller now healthy and Adeyemi contributing, Dortmund’s stable of attacking weapons is now looking very deep. With the likes of Jude Bellingham, Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Giovanni Reyna – who has scored in each of his last three league appearances – BVB have plenty of player-makers who can trouble Bremen.
History
Borussia Dortmund have dominated Werder Bremen in recent years. BVB have a commanding 18-4 advantage in terms of wins, with 4 draws.
However, Werder did get a shock 3-2 win in their first meeting against Dortmund this season at Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund were 2-0 up and on course for a comfortable win, but Bremen incredibly scored 3 goals from the 89th minute onwards to complete a stunning comeback win.
That win snapped Dortmund’s three-match winning streak and seven-match unbeaten run against Werder Bremen.
SBOTOP odds have Borussia Dortmund installed as 1.81 to extend their perfect start to 2023 at Werder Bremen, who are priced at 3.75. A draw is 4.00.
It’s tough not to back Borussia Dortmund in this match. They are the form team in the Bundesliga, and with their key players back healthy, they are back to scoring plenty of goals.
Add Werder Bremen’s awful home record to the equation and the most likely result is another BVB victory.
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In the most competitive Bundesliga season for some time things are heating up nicely, and there will be a white hot atmosphere at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday when high-flying Union Berlin come to town.
Urs Fischer’s side has exceeded all expectations this term and they come into the game in second position and on a run of four consecutive league victories, and they have climbed up to within a point of leaders FC Bayern after the champions suffered a post World Cup stutter.
If Bayern’s recent inconsistency continues then the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds will eventually take a shift away from Bavaria and RB Leipzig, currently priced at 11.00 with SBOTOP will be determined to pounce. Marco Rose’s side currently sits in fourth place in the table and four points off the pace, but a win will draw them up alongside Union Berlin in hot pursuit of the leaders.
Union Berlin come into the game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Mainz while Leipzig played out a goalless draw in Cologne. The hosts are strong favourites to win on Saturday but we have a fascinating clash on our hands in Leipzig.
Talking Points
Big-hearted Orban set to miss out
Red Bulls skipper Willi Orban could be missing from this clash as he completes a stem cell donation which will save a life. The all-action centre-back has been a big player in Leipzig’s climb up the table, but his personal priority comes first this week and it is unlikely he will feature against Union Berlin as he is unable to train in the run-up to the donation.
RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban in action with FC Cologne’s Linton Maina
The 30-year-old Hungarian has been a mainstay of the Red Bulls’ rise since his arrival in 2015 and the club and fans are right behind him in his quest to help a stranger. He’ll be welcomed back soon, but Orban will likely join Christopher Nkunku on the absentee list, who is battling back from injury and has just returned to training for the first time since the World Cup.
Nkunku suffered a serious knee injury a day before France’s World Cup campaign began and he hasn’t appeared in training since, until this week. The Union game will be much too early for the 12-goal striker, so the responsibility for goals rests on the shoulders of the returned Timo Werner and experienced Portugal striker Andre Silva.
Meanwhile, Orban’s Hungarian compatriot Dominik Szoboszlai has had an impressive season in midfield. The 22-year-old has made eight assists and will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Berlin’s set piece success
Union’s form in this campaign has been pretty big Bundesliga 2023 news as the league’s surprise package, and much of their success has been built on their prowess at set pieces. The Eisernen have scored a modest 33 goals from 19 games, but only leaders FC Bayern have conceded fewer than Union’s 23. The addition of defender Josip Juranovic in a 10m Euros move from Celtic will strengthen Berlin’s defence further.
Meanwhile, up front, they have scored 12 goals from dead-ball situations, excluding penalties, and eight of those set piece successes gave Union Berlin a win. Suriname attacker Sheraldo Becker has seven goals and four assists to his name and he has a big role to play on Saturday and, particularly in the absence of Leipzig’s defensive lynchpin Orban, set pieces will be a big part of the visitors’ plan.
Union Berlin missed out on the signing of Isco in the January transfer window and that would have been a marquee move, but they responded by just carrying on winning and Fischer will have his team primed to upset die Roten Bullen.
History
These are two relatively new teams to the German elite. Union Berlin won their first promotion to the top flight in 2019, to become the sixth club from the former Eastern Block to join the Bundesliga. Leipzig’s rise has been equally, if not more, startling as they made it to the top division in 2016, just seven years after the club was founded.
They have met 12 times and the Red Bulls have the slightest edge, with six wins to Berlin’s five and there has been one draw. In the return fixture on Matchday 3, the Eisernen won 2-1 as Jordan Pefok and Sheraldo Becker gave them a two-goal lead before Willi Orban scored a late consolation for the Red Bulls.
In fact, each of the last five encounters the game has been decided by the odd goal in three, Berlin triumphing in four league games in a row while Leipzig won 2-1 in the 2022 DFB Pokal Cup.
Both teams are in fine form, the Red Bulls have four wins and two draws from the last six games in all competitions, while Union Berlin have won all six. But Leipzig have been brilliant at home with seven wins and two draws so far at the Red Bull Arena.
Alongside the bang in form Borussia Dortmund, these two teams are the biggest threat to Bayern’s dominance and while the hosts are clear favourites, all three results are nicely in play.
Leipzig are at 1.73 to win and Union Berlin at 4.45 with the draw priced at 3.40, but I’m stumping for another three-goal match and, for a correct score line, the familiar 2-1 to Union Berlin is at 16.84 while 2-1 to Leipzig is at 6.56.
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Bundesliga: Wolves and Red Bulls Set for a Collision Course
VfL Wolfsburg vs RB Leipzig
There will be a battle between two top-four hopefuls at the Volkswagen Arena as VfL Wolfsburg host RB Leipzig this Saturday as part of the 21st matchday program of the Bundesliga.
Time is of the essence for VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig with less than half of the season remaining, and they have a lot of ground to make up if they want to play in Europe next season.
VfL Wolfsburg are now in seventh place with 30 points, while RB Leipzig are in a much better situation in fifth with 36 points.
Last weekend, VfL Wolfsburg were held to a scoreless draw by Schalke on Saturday, while RB Leipzig are coming off a 2-1 loss to Union Berlin on Sunday.
Read on below as SBOTOP offers a sneak peek of what to expect from this high-profile matchup.
But VfL Wolfsburg came crashing back to earth with three straight losses to Werder Bremen, Union Berlin (in the DFB-Pokal), and Bayern Munich before their goalless draw against Schalke.
The Wolves haven’t been clinical enough in the final third, and their top scorers are in a funk. Ridle Baku, Maximillian Arnold, Yannick Gerhardt, Jonas Wind, and Lukas Nmecha have combined for 25 goals so far this season, but none of them found the back of the net during their winless run.
If there’s any consolation for Niko Kovac, it is that he has a full squad to choose from on Saturday, especially with Lukas Nmecha looking fully healed from the patella tendon tear he suffered late last year.
Nmecha has been in and out of VfL Wolfsburg’s starting XI lately, having not played during their game against Schalke, so he should get more run against RB Leipzig.
Nkunku back in training for RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig were once considered a worthy challenger to possibly dethrone Bayern Munich once and for all. But since holding the Bavarians to a 1-1 draw in their encounter last January, the Red Bulls have had a mixed bag of Bundesliga 2023 results (W2, L1, D1).
That’s fine since they did get some valuable points. But with Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund enjoying winning streaks of their own, that has resulted in the Red Bulls falling out of the top four.
Compared to VfL Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig have injuries to deal with in the form of Abdou Diallo (knee), Peter Gulacsi (knee), and Dani Olmo (thigh), and all of them aren’t expected to play on Saturday.
RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku celebrates after scoring a goal in their Champions League group stage game against Celtic
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku is back training with the squad, which will come as great news for the Red Bulls. The young Frenchman had been sidelined due to a knee injury he sustained before the World Cup.
Nkunku can make his comeback against VfL Wolfsburg, which is a perfect warm-up to their gigantic Champions League clash against Manchester City five days later. He is currently the team’s top scorer with 15 goals thus far.
History
VfL Wolfsburg have won only one of their last 11 competitive games against RB Leipzig (D4, L6), and they could now suffer three consecutive losses against them for the first time ever.
The Wolves lost 2-0 on both of their trips to Leipzig in 2022, with their most recent one in August, as Christopher Nkunku recorded a brace.
But in the Bundesliga, the Red Bulls have only won once in their trips to the Volkswagen Arena (1-0 in October 2016), and they’re also winless in their last five road games there (D3, L2).
This season, RB Leipzig have won just three of their 10 Bundesliga road games, last picking up fewer victories away from home at this stage during the 2021-22 season (W1). They are also winless in back-to-back league matches for the first time under head coach Marco Rose.
The Bundesliga 2023 odds predict a tight contest on Saturday night. RB Leipzig were given a slight advantage at 2.16 to win, but VfL Wolfsburg aren’t far behind at 3.25, and a draw is priced at 3.35 in the 1X2 market.
These two clubs have had similar performances these past few weeks, but RB Leipzig’s recent dominance over VfL Wolfsburg is hard to ignore, so we feel that the Red Bulls will get the win here.
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Bundesliga: Foals Out to Foil Bayern in Sommer’s Return
Borussia Monchengladbach vs Bayern Munich
Borussia Monchengladbach have been Bayern Munich’s bogey team in recent years. The Foals are undefeated in their last three matches against Bayern in all competitions, including their first Bundesliga match of this season which saw Yann Sommer produce a record-breaking performance to hold the champions to a draw.
But Sommer will be on the opposite side as he returns to Borussia-Park for the first time when Bayern pay Gladbach a visit this weekend.
The Bavarians are back to their best after their post-break blip, while Gladbach have suffered back-to-back setbacks against relegation-threatened clubs.
Can the Foals defy the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds yet again and deny the defending champions a much-needed away win?
Gladbach took the lead through Nico Elvedi, but they still conceded four goals despite controlling nearly 70 per cent of possession.
Prior to that match, Gladbach were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom side Schalke, which was another shock result. They allowed 19 shots to their visitors and couldn’t get a goal against Schalke’s Bundesliga-worst defence.
Those two poor results have seen Gladbach join both Hertha and Schalke in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table at 10th.
Striker Marcus Thuram, who stayed at Gladbach amid speculation about a potential move during the winter transfer window, has been unable to recapture the form that saw him score 10 goals before the World Cup break.
Captain Lars Stindl, who had 3 goals and an assist in a two-game stretch against Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, has slowed down in the last two games.
Kingsley Coman leading Bayern revival
Bayern Munich are back on track. After drawing three straight games on their return from the winter break, Bayern have won four games in a row in all competitions while scoring 12 goals. That includes their 1-0 win away at Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 clash.
Kingsley Coman celebrates scoring their first goal against Paris Saint-Germain in Champions League
Just like in the 2020 Champions League final against PSG, Kingsley Coman got the winning goal against his old club. The French winger has been producing plenty of Bundesliga 2023 highlights of late, scoring 4 goals in his last 3 games.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann has switched to a back 3 in recent matches, with loan signing Joao Cancelo playing a more advanced wing-back position. This formation produced a 3-0 win against Bochum last time out in the league, and Nagelsmann could decide to stick with the formation against Gladbach.
Yann Sommer returns
But of course, the big talking point in this match is the return of goalkeeper Yann Sommer to Borussia-Park to face old club Gladbach. After some early wobbles, Sommer’s performances have improved in recent game and was particularly strong in their win against PSG.
And on the other side of the pitch is his replacement, Swiss compatriot Jonas Omlin. The 29-year-old has not had a great start to life at Gladbach, conceding 9 goals in his first 5 games in the Bundesliga.
History
As mentioned at the top, Borussia Monchengladbach have been a thorn in Bayern’s side over the years. The Foals have won 9 out of their last 28 Bundesliga battles against Bayern, with the Bavarians winning 12.
Gladbach held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in their first meeting of the season back in August. Yann Sommer was the star of that match as he made a Bundesliga-record 19 saves to keep Bayern at bay.
SBOTOP odds have Bayern Munich installed as significant 1.38 favourites to beat Borussia Monchengladbach, who are priced at 6.40 to deliver another shock defeat to the defending champions. A draw is 5.40.
While the Foals have had more than their fair share of success against Bayern in recent years, it’s hard to back them this time around given their current struggles on both ends of the pitch. Despite their midweek match in Paris, I expect Bayern to go into Borussia-Park and get a convincing win over Gladbach to maintain their lead atop the Bundesliga.
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Fifth plays sixth at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday when Leipzig vs Eintracht Frankfurt is the Bundesliga box office entertainment on offer.
Marco Rose’s Leipzig have had their eyes on the top spot since they put together a winning run, but they are currently four points off the pace and, with Borussia Dortmund in impressive form challenging FC Bayern, there are signs that Die Roten Bullen might just fall short.
But there are still 13 rounds to play with twists and turns to come, and a 3-0 win away to Wolfsburg last time out kept RB Leipzig in touch with the leaders while Eintracht are also still in the hunt thanks to a 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen.
Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner has a bit of a pick-up job to do after his team lost a home Champions League tie to Napoli on Tuesday, while Leipzig have their European date still to complete.
Then it’s back to domestic matters and a chance for either team to break into the top four and then maybe, particularly in the case of Leipzig, set their sights a little higher.
Talking Points
Red Bulls ready to settle back in at home
RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates scoring their second goal against Stuttgart during their Bundesliga match
The Bundesliga 2023 betting oddsreckon the hosts should win this one but Leipzig’s recent clash with fellow title hopefuls Union Berlin ended a run of nine games unbeaten at home, so Rose will be keen to ensure his team puts on a strong show against Eintracht. They were caught out by Union Berlin, having led until the hour Leipzig conceded twice in ten minutes and, though they dominated the ball, they failed to break down a resolute Berlin defence.
Star striker Christopher Nkunku was injured on the eve of the World Cup but he made a substitute appearance in the win over Wolfsburg last week and he is in line to make a start on Saturday and I wouldn’t back against him adding to his 12 goals for the campaign.
Hungarian attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been in superb form as a support to the strikers and the 22-year-old will stretch the Eintracht defence with his direct running and superb array of passing. He has already won 28 international caps, scoring six goals, and his 20m Euros switch from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021 made him the most expensive Hungarian of all time.
Timo Werner is back in Leipzig leading the line, after an unsuccessful spell at Chelsea and, with the experienced Emil Forsberg as a flexible forward this is a dangerous front line. The return of Nkunku gives the Red Bulls hope of improving on their fourth-placed finish last year, particularly if they can make their home a fortress once again.
Magical Kolo Muani owes Frankfurt
Eintracht’s French striker Randal Kolo Muani has produced plenty of Bundesliga 2023 highlights this season with ten goals and ten assists so far, and alongside Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada, he has terrified defences up and down the league.
But when Eintracht Frankfurt played their Champions League tie at home to Napoli on Tuesday night it all went wrong for the 24-year-old. At 1-0 down Frankfurt were pressing for an equaliser but, in a moment of madness, Kolo Muani felled Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa with a studs-up challenge and he saw red.
There was no need to even foul the midfielder as the Italians were deep in their own half, but they took advantage and are taking a formidable two-goal advantage back to Naples.
So it looks like the Eagles’ European adventure is just about over, particularly as Kolo Muani is suspended for the second leg, and he now owes his team-mates a big performance in Leipzig.
Eintracht are edging the head-to-headresults with four wins to three. Four of the last five meetings ended in a draw and then Eintracht thumped Red Bull 4-0 in September as Kamada opened the floodgates with an early goal.
In terms of recent form, Leipzig have four wins, one draw and one defeat over the past six games while Frankfurt have won three, drawn one and lost two. And the last time Eintracht were on the road they suffered a 3-0 mauling at the hands of Cologne.
Red Bull are at home to Manchester City in a Wednesday night Champions League clash so the Eagles have a day more to prepare for this clash. But the hosts are at SBOTOPodds of 1.66 to win this game with the draw at 3.73 and Eintracht at 3.88, and I believe the return of Nkunku and home advantage will be enough for the Red Bulls to take all three points.
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Bundesliga: When the Juggernauts Meet the Underdogs Again
Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin
Bayern Munich couldn’t have picked a worse time to face Union Berlin in a battle for the top spot in the Bundesliga table this Sunday.
The reigning champions have come under fire lately because of their lacklustre form, and now they find themselves in a three-way race for this season’s domestic trophy.
After losing to bogey team Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, Bayern Munich remained at 43 points, level with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, who have a winnable match against Hoffenheim tomorrow, and their next visitors, Union Berlin.
Union Berlin could’ve come into this game holding the top berth, but they were held to a goalless draw by bottom feeders Schalke last Sunday.
With so much on the line, continue to read below as SBOTOP offers a preview of this epic clash between title hopefuls.
Sadio Mane might make his return for Bayern Munich
Sadio Mane is reportedly on the verge of his first-team comeback after training with the squad earlier this week. The Senegalese forward is back after three months on the sidelines through injury, so this is huge for the defending champions.
Mane missed Senegal’s World Cup 2022 campaign after suffering a leg injury in their 6-1 win against Werder Bremen. He went under the knife to fix a tendon in his right fibula, and he has been working his way back through a specialised training program since the winter break.
Prior to the injury, Mane had recorded nine goals and four assists across all competitions, which just goes to show how much of an impact he’s already had with the team since joining them last summer.
The return of Mane improves Julian Nagelsmann’s attacking options. And if everything goes well, he should be featured on the bench this weekend.
In other Bundesliga 2023 news, Dayot Upamecano will serve his one-match ban following his red card in their defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, so Matthijs de Ligt should start alongside Benjamin Pavard and Daley Blind at the back.
Noussair Mazraoui is also back in training, just like Sadio Mane. After missing a handful of games due to pericarditis, he’ll be backing up their January signing, Joao Cancelo, while rising star Jamal Musiala is going to celebrate his 20th birthday on the day of the match.
Danilho Doekhi to play a huge role for Union Berlin
Danilho Doekhi has become a regular starter under Urs Fischer, and he’ll have his hands full against the Bavarian giants.
The 24-year-old centre-back arrived in Berlin on a free transfer last summer from Vitesse, and he has been effective at both ends of the pitch for Die Eisernen.
Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi scores a header against Hertha Berlin
Doekhi is one of the main reasons why Union Berlin are one of the best defencive sides in the Bundesliga, as he has done a great job covering for goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow, who, by the way, is undefeated in his two Bundesliga matches against Bayern Munich (W1, D1).
At the same time, Doekhi is the team’s second leading scorer with five goals, with four of his five shots being headers, meaning that he is an aerial threat at set-pieces.
History
Bayern Munich are undefeated against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga (W4, D3), including their 1-1 draw last September as Sheraldo Becker and Joshua Kimmich both scored goals within the 12th to the 15th minute.
Only Oberhausen and Darmstadt have played Bayern Munich more times without ever winning than Union Berlin (8 games).
These two teams are the only unbeaten sides at home this season, so something has to give on Sunday, unless this ends up being another draw.
Furthermore, Bayern Munich and Union Berlin boast two of the league’s best defences, as the former has only conceded 21 times, while the latter is the next-best with only 24.
The Bundesliga 2023 odds for this fixture are pretty much the same as in their previous meeting.
Bayern Munich were heavy favourites with the price of 1.35, but now it has improved to 1.31, while Union Berlin have gone from 8.00 to 7.20, and a draw is from 4.90 to 5.00 in the 1X2 market.
Given their strong history against Die Eisernen, Die Bayern should be able to eke out a win, especially if Sadio Mane contributes in this contest.
A replay of their previous encounter (Correct Score 1-1 at 9.75) is not to be completely ruled out, but we’re sure that we’ll see goals from this one because of their collective quality, making Total Goal 2-3 at 2.10 another viable bet.
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Bundesliga: Rose’s Red Bulls Raring to Derail Dortmund’s Title Dreams
Borussia Dortmund vs RB Leipzig
Borussia Dortmund are back in the Bundesliga title race. The BVB have been perfect to start 2023, which has seen them draw level with champions Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
But they will face by far their toughest test of the new year this weekend as they take on fourth-placed RB Leipzig.
Marco Rose’s side have also been in fine form in 2023, and the former Dortmund boss will be keen to keep that good run going at the expense of his old club.
Talking Points
Dortmund still perfect in 2023
Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga 2023 results have been picture-perfect. They have won each of their first seven league games of the new year as they’ve risen to second in the Bundesliga standings, tied on points with champions Bayern Munich.
Dortmund dominated struggling Hoffenheim in their last outing as they finished with a 25-13 shot advantage. However, they could only score one goal, the first time they’ve done so in eight league games.
Dortmund were without injured forwards Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko, but despite those absentees, they are still loaded with attacking options. Julian Brandt, who scored the winning goal against Hoffenheim, is in fantastic form at the moment, with 5 goals and 2 assists in his last 8 Bundesliga games. Similarly, captain Marco Reus has been stellar, with 2 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus celebrates scoring their third goal during their Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin
Even English teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has been a steady contributor, with a goal and an assist in his last three appearances. The 18-year-old is likely to keep his place on the left wing in Adeyemi’s absence.
Meanwhile, Dortmund’s defence has also improved significantly. They’ve conceded just six goals in their last seven games.
Signal Iduna Park has once again been a fortress for Dortmund this season. They have won eight of their 10 home games (one draw, one loss), including each of their last five, where they have scored an impressive 21 goals.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose, who had a disappointing season at Dortmund last season, has led a strong revival at Leipzig after taking over for Domenico Tedesco. He has won 17 of his 25 games in charge, with five draws and just three defeats.
Rose has achieved that success despite missing star striker Christopher Nkunku for a good part of the season due to injury. Nkunku is finally back, and after coming on as a substitute in each of the last three games, he might finally be ready to start in this big match against BVB. Nkunku had been having another strong season prior to his injury, scoring 12 goals in his first 14 games.
Nkunku could come in to partner Timo Werner, who had a goal and an assist in their 2-1 win over Frankfurt. Attacking midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has been in decent form, as has Emil Forsberg, who has two goals and an assist in his last two league games.
Dani Olmo, who has been out for the last month with a thigh injury, has returned to training this week but is unlikely to be ready just yet.
Encounters between Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig over the last few years have been quite competitive. Dortmund hold a slight 6-5 edge in terms of wins, with two draws.
After a long run of Dortmund dominance – they went on a run of seven games unbeaten against Leipzig, with five wins – Leipzig have turned the tables on BVB. The Red Bulls have won three straight games against Dortmund, including a 3-0 victory at Red Bull Arena in their first meeting this season. Szoboszlai starred in that match as he had a goal and an assist.
The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 betting odds for this match are tight. Despite being in fine form and at home, Dortmund are only slight 2.29 favourites to beat Leipzig, who are priced at 2.65. A draw is 3.50.
The odds reflect how tough a match this is to call. Even though Dortmund have made massive improvements in recent months, the Red Bulls are quite a dangerous foe that has had much success against them of late.
Of course, Marco Rose knows the side well and will be eager to clinch the double over his old club. But he may just have to settle for a draw in what I foresee to be a closely contested battle on his return to Dortmund.
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Bundesliga: Freiburg’s Top Four Charge Continues at Borussia-Park
Borussia Monchengladbach vs SC Freiburg
SC Freiburg can get back into the top four and maybe even into the Bundesliga title conversation when they visit Borussia Monchengladbach at Borussia-Park for one of the marquee German top-flight matches this weekend.
When these two teams met last September, they had to settle for a point. However, much has changed since then.
The visitors are well on their way to making it back to European football, placing fifth in the table with 41 points, which is only five away from league leaders Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, their hosts are clinging to the 10th spot with only 29 points.
But despite the gap between them, the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds predict a tight affair for these two proud sides.
Talking Points
Injuries mounting for Gladbach
The Foals have had a mixed bag of Bundesliga 2023 results, and it doesn’t help that their injury list has grown these past few days.
As they began their preparations for the coming game against SC Freiburg, Borussia Monchengladbach had to train without any of their four first-team goalkeepers, which is clearly not a great sign.
First-choice goalkeeper Jonas Omlin has been holding it down since Yann Sommer left for Bayern Munich last January, and he didn’t train due to a thigh injury, while Jan Olschowsky (thumb), Tobias Sippel (unspecified), and Max Brull (thigh) were all out as well.
Borussia Monchengladbach coach Daniel Farke looks on before their match starts against Bayern Munich
Daniel Farke is sweating on their fitness, and if neither of them is available to play, then he’ll have to choose between academy goalkeepers Ben Zich and Pereira Cardoso to man the sticks.
The Frenchman hasn’t started in their last two games since he has a calf knock, and Alassane Plea will continue to lead the line for the Foals on Saturday. Plea only has two goals so far this season, but he has been great at linking up play with eight assists.
Jonas Hofmann and Lars Stindl will also play key roles in this match. Hofmann has recorded eight goals and seven assists, while Stindl has five goals and six assists.
Hectic month for SC Freiburg
March figures to be a busy time for SC Freiburg because they’re currently competing on three fronts: the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Europa League.
After this encounter against Borussia Monchengladbach, they will face Juventus for the first leg of their Round of 16 Europa League tie the following Thursday, with the second leg set for the following week. Then, in the quarterfinals of the DFB-Pokal, they have a crucial match against Bayern Munich.
SC Freiburg’s last visit to Borussia-Park was a memorable one, as they beat them with a scoreline of 6-0. That win in December 2021 ended a run of 17 away games without a victory against them.
After that result, SC Freiburg and Borussia Monchengladbach had back-to-back draws with an aggregate tally of 3-3.
The Black Forest have scored more German top-flight goals against the Foals than any other side (64), and they’ve picked up the second-most German top-flight points against them (57).
41 points after 22 matchdays is the best tally SC Freiburg have ever had at this stage of a Bundesliga campaign.
The Foals love to host a big-name guest this season, as they’ve already beaten RB Leipzig (3-0), Borussia Dortmund (4-2), and most recently Bayern Munich (3-2). Borussia Monchengladbach have the seventh-best home record this season, claiming 22 points.
The Bundesliga 2023 odds have given the hosts the edge for this upcoming contest, although it’s not that big. Borussia Monchengladbach were installed to win at 2.44, while SC Freiburg were priced at 2.70, and a draw is at 3.15 in the 1X2 market.
Borussia Monchengladbach haven’t defeated SC Freiburg since April 2021, and they’ve been in subpar form recently, so it would be difficult to see them winning this one. SC Freiburg should pick up three points, but they will win this game narrowly.
A replay of their last encounter (Correct Score of 0-0) at 12.50 is unlikely, but you may consider going for Under 3.00 at 1.64 as an alternative bet.
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High flying Union Berlin aim to get back to winning ways this weekend when they host mid-table Koln at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei on Saturday.
Die Eisernen have been the surprise package in the German top flight this season, in just their fourth campaign among the elite they have been challenging at the top and thriving in the Europa League. But a defeat to Bayern last week means Union have fallen three points off the pace and they are looking nervously over their shoulders as the race for the top four spots heats up.
It’s beginning to look like the Bundesliga title will be a shootout between champions FC Bayern and perennial challengers Borussia Dortmund. The gap to Union in third is only one victory, but below the Berlin club sit Red Bull Leipzig, menacingly just a point behind, and Freiburg are on the charge, one more point back in third place.
So this is a game Union really need to win or they could see their grip on a Champions League place loosening. And it won’t be an easy task against a Koln side which, despite coming into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at home to Wolfsburg, has proven it can upset the odds.
Talking Points
Berlin can brush off the Bayern Blizzard
90 brutal minutes in a snowstorm in Munich left Union Berlin bruised and battered as goals from Eric Choupo-Moting, Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala blew the Eisernen away. Windswept defender Robin Knoche said, ‘we had no chance’ and he was right as keeper Frederik Ronnow put in a man of the match performance to keep the score respectable. The heroic stopper even saved one shot with his face!
Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann was generous in his appraisal, saying that Union’s busy schedule, including an impressive win over Ajax during the week made it harder for them: “I think Thursday’s game was still in the Union players’ legs” he said. “Usually their biggest strength is quick transition in attack.”
Union head coach Urs Fischer admitted his team were not at the races and he was right, as they had less than 30 percent possession, and lost the shot counts by 20 to three and nine to nil on target.
It was just about as bad as it can get.
But they can put the nightmare in Munich behind them. Koln coach Steffen Baumgart will have watched the video of Union’s match with Bayern last week, countless times, but he won’t have learned much because it was so out of character.
Die Eisernen have had a week to recover and Koln can expect a backlash. Suriname striker Sheraldo Becker, with seven goals, is top scoring and attacking midfielder
Janik Haberer is another man to watch as we expect Union to dominate and make up for last week’s no show.
The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds rate Union Berlin as fourth favourites for the title and that top four place is still in their sights; a win on Saturday will get them back on track.
Koln is a tough nut to crack
Baumgart is in charge of Koln for his second season having led them to a seventh place finish last term and while Die Geissbocke have been less consistent this season, currently sitting in 12th place and seven points above the relegation zone, they are still capable of living with the best.
FC Koln’s Jonas Hector in action with Bayern Munich’s German midfielder Leroy Sane
Just over a month ago Koln played out a 1-1 draw with FC Bayern and followed that up with three clean sheets, including one against RB Leipzig and a 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Recent reversals against Stuttgart and Wolfsburg have stopped them in their tracks but there is no way Union Berlin will underestimate this task.
Skippered by left back Jonas Hector, who has been at the club since 2012, Koln have a robust defensive and midfield unit but are without a prolific striker, Steffen Tigges and Florian Kainz top scoring with five goals.
History
Union Berlin have had the better of the head to head encounters with eight wins to five, and there have been two draws from the 15 games played over the past 20 years
Union won in Cologne 1-0 in September and they come into the game in better form with three wins, two draws and one defeat, while Koln have had one win, two draws and three defeats over that time.
And Union’s home record has been brilliant with seven wins and three draws while Koln are 1-5-5- away from home.
At SBOTOP odds of 3.40 to win Koln are certainly in the game but, despite the loss to Bayern, Union Berlin’s Bundesliga 2023 results have been far superior and they are genuine Champions League contenders.
1-0 is the most likely score-line at a price of 5.03, and I expect Berlin to finish the weekend in the top three.
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Bundesliga: The Red Bulls and the Foals Lock Horns in Leipzig
RB Leipzig vs Borussia Monchengladbach
RB Leipzig have the last Champions League berth on top of their minds when they host Borussia Monchengladbach for this Saturday’s Bundesliga super clash.
The fourth-placed Red Bulls are coming off a 2-1 loss against the red-hot Borussia Dortmund, and now they’re tied at 42 points apiece with the fifth-seeded SC Freiburg, who have a winnable game against Hoffenheim.
Borussia Monchengladbach have had a mixed bag of Bundesliga 2023 results. They were just held to a goalless draw by SC Freiburg, and they head into this match missing several key players.
SC Freiburg and Mainz are hoping that RB Leipzig will slip up again this weekend to bolster their top four chances, but the SBOTOP odds have the Red Bulls as the huge favourites over the Foals.
Talking Points
Leipzig have depth to cope with injuries
Christopher Nkunku just couldn’t get a break as he limped off the pitch once again in RB Leipzig’s 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
The Frenchman made his first start on Friday since returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for three months, but he only played for 83 minutes due to a strained thigh.
He is now listed as doubtful against the Foals and also against the Sky Blues for the second leg of their Champions League tie on Tuesday, and manager Marco Rose indicated that Nkunku is set for “another spell on the sidelines.”
Nkunku is RB Leipzig’s only double-digit scorer this season, with 15 goals and two assists. With him injured once more, Timo Werner, Andre Silva, and Emil Forsberg are expected to pick up the scoring load.
RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner shoots at goal during their match against Borussia Dortmund
Werner, Silva, and Forsberg have 21 goals and 10 assists between them this year. Forsberg was the team’s latest scorer, as he recorded the only goal at Dortmund last Friday.
RB Leipzig also confirmed that Xaver Schlager is out for a long time because he underwent surgery for his torn ankle ligament. Marco Rose is hoping to have Dani Olmo 100-per cent healthy so that he’ll take Schlager’s spot in midfield.
Gladbach compromised at the back
The Foals won’t have their first-choice goalkeeper in Jonas Omlin since he hasn’t fully recovered from his thigh injury. In turn, Tobias Sippel will continue to man the goalpost this weekend.
Omlin is not the only one on their injured list, as he joins fellow defenders Tony Jantschke (knee), Jan Olschowsky (stomach), and Julian Weigl (ankle) on the sidelines too.
Nico Elvedi and Kou Itakura will remain their first-choice centre-backs, while Stefan Lainer has nailed the right-back spot. However, they’ll be without Ramy Bensebaini, who was sent off in their draw against SC Freiburg.
Bensebaini’s absence means that Luca Netz will get his shot at a starting role for Borussia Monchengladbach. If the 19-year-old full-back does well, it would help the Foals in their long-term plans since Bensebaini is expected to leave the club anyway this summer to join Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer.
Borussia Monchengladbach have won their last two Bundesliga games against RB Leipzig at home. They won 3-0 in the reverse fixture last September, when Jonas Hofmann recorded a brace and Ramy Bensebaini added one for good measure.
Since losing 3-0 to the Foals, the Red Bulls have enjoyed a 12-game undefeated run (W8, D4), but they have lost two of their last four Bundesliga games and could now suffer back-to-back losses for the first time this season.
However, the Foals have won none of their last six Bundesliga games against RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena (D3, L3), conceding 14 goals during these six matches and never securing a clean sheet.
RB Leipzig (26) have been one of the Bundesliga’s best clubs at home this season, with only Borussia Dortmund (28) having collected more points. They have only ever recorded more points from their first 11 home league games in 2016-17 and 2020-21 (28 each).
The Bundesliga 2023 odds predict that RB Leipzig will win on Saturday, as they’re installed at 1.40, while Borussia Monchengladbach are the underdogs at 5.60, and a draw is at 4.80 in the 1×2 market.
Borussia Monchengladbach managed to beat RB Leipzig handily in their last meeting. However, a lot has changed since September 2022, and we feel that the Red Bulls are more equipped to take three points on Saturday. Since 2021, goals have come in bunches between these two sides, so you can’t go wrong going for Over 3.00 at 1.90 or Total Goal 4-6 at 2.63 as alternatives.
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Union Berlin don’t have much time to rest as they’re scheduled to visit VfL Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena two days after their six-goal thriller against Union Saint-Gilliose in their Europa League Round of 16 tie.
Die Eisernen are hoping to stay alive in the Bundesliga title race. They were on top of the table not too long ago, but because of their recent Bundesliga 2023 results, as well as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s strong runs, they have fallen to third place with 44 points.
VfL Wolfsburg, on the other hand, are aiming to sneak into the European picture. They’re currently in eighth place with 34 points, so now is the time for them to string together another good run of results.
Continue to read below as SBOTOP provides a preview for this contest.
When Kovac took over, VfL Wolfsburg went on a 10-game undefeated run that included six consecutive victories. But since losing to Union Berlin in the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 at the start of February, the Wolves have had growing pains, winning only once in their last five games.
The Wolves have improved in the final third, scoring four goals in their last two games, but it’s their defence that will be put to the test on Saturday, as Maximilian Arnold, Maxence Lacroix, and Bartol Franjic are not available.
Arnold is Wolfsburg’s captain, operating as their No. 6, while Lacroix has been their top centre-back option this term, and Franjic is another young and energetic defender.
On the other side of the pitch, Omar Marmoush is expected to lead the line once more, but he hasn’t scored since late January in their 5-0 demolition of Hertha Berlin, which is a concern.
Union Berlin boss Urs Fischer during an interview before their recent Europa League match
Die Eisernen are currently competing on three fronts so their schedule is hectic, although they wouldn’t have it any other way.
They weren’t in this position a few years ago when they were just promoted to Germany’s top tier, so this means that they have come a long way since then.
Union Berlin are fresh from a 3-3 draw against Union Saint-Gilloise in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie, which probably took a lot out of them.
Josip Juranovic, Robin Knoche, and Sven Michel all found the back of the net in the said game, and they are going to play heavy minutes once again.
Like VfL Wolfsburg, Union Berlin’s forwards Kevin Behrens and Sheraldo Becker have yet to score in more than a month now, so Urs Fischer is hoping that they’ll regain the scoring form for them to end their winless drought.
History
The Wolves have beaten Die Eisernen in three consecutive Bundesliga home games (1-0, 3-0, and 1-0). Union Berlin have also yet to score away at VfL Wolfsburg, making them the second team, alongside Ingolstadt, that the Wolves have faced in the German top-flight without ever conceding.
But so far this season, Union Berlin have already defeated VfL Wolfsburg twice.
Urs Fischer’s side won 2-1 in their reverse Bundesliga fixture, as Theoson Siebatcheu and Sheraldo Becker scored. And last month, Union Berlin eliminated VfL Wolfsburg in the DFB-Pokal Round of 16 with a 2-1 tally, as Robin Knoche and Kevin Behrens netted for Die Eisernen while Luca Waldschmidt scored for the Wolves.
Yannick Gerhardt is set to make his 200th appearance for them. The German midfielder joined the Wolves from Koln back in 2016.
The Bundesliga 2023 odds predict a tight contest between VfL Wolfsburg and Union Berlin. The hosts were given a slight advantage at 2.25, while the visitors were installed at 2.94, and a draw was at 3.15 in the 1X2 market.
Despite beating the Wolves twice already this season, Die Eisernen are expected to have a hard time at the Volkswagen Arena this weekend, although they can break their losing streak against them this Saturday. Picking a winner from this game may be a tough choice, but we’re sure that we’re going to see goals from this contest, making Total Goal 2-3 at 1.92 your best bet.
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But Borussia Dortmund’s title charge hit a snag when they were held last weekend, so they’re looking to bounce back when Koln visit them this Saturday.
Following their 2-2 draw against Schalke, Borussia Dortmund remain in second place with 50 points, only trailing by two behind defending champions Bayern Munich.
Their visitors, Koln, meanwhile, are in poor form as they’ve fallen to 12th place with 27 points. It’s been a tough stretch for the Billy Goats because they’ve had bad Bundesliga 2023 results this past month.
Talking Points
BVB’s unheralded stars taking the spotlight
Julian Brandt is becoming one of the most sought-after names in the transfer market because he is in the form of his life right now.
Typically known as a winger, the 26-year-old went out of his comfort zone, playing as either an attacking midfielder or central midfielder. And making the shift has been the right move since Brandt is now the team’s leading scorer so far with nine goals and five assists.
Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Brandt walks off the pitch to be substituted after sustaining an injury
Brandt was sidelined in their draw against Schalke due to a hamstring injury, which was a big miss for Borussia Dortmund. BVB are hoping that he’ll be available this Saturday.
A report from 90min claims that Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Napoli have watched Brandt closely this season, but Borussia Dortmund are determined to give him a new deal before his current contract expires in 2024.
Another BVB player who’s making noise in the transfer market is Raphael Guerreiro. The Portuguese wing-back is their top playmaker this season with eight assists, and he also has four goals.
While much of the attention goes to Jude Bellingham, Koln may have to keep an eye on Julian Brandt and Raphael Guerreiro, as both are genuine threats in the final third as well as in the middle of the pitch.
Koln struggling for goals
Koln’s lack of scoring is a concern because of the attacking talent Steffen Baumgart has at his disposal.
Since their 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last February, the Billy Goats haven’t scored in four consecutive games, which has resulted in three losses and one draw.
Steffen Tigges is leading the team in scoring with six goals, but he has yet to find the back of the net since their 7-1 blowout of Werder Bremen last January.
Koln have proven that they’re a tough nut to crack because of their robust midfield and defencive unit, but the lack of a prolific forward is going to be the main reason why they won’t make it back to the top half of the table.
History
Koln caught Borussia Dortmund by surprise when they beat them 3-2 in their reverse fixture last October.
It was a game that featured four different goal scorers. Florian Kainz, Steffen Tigges, and Dejan Ljubicic scored for Koln, while Julian Brandt netted for BVB, and there was an own goal by Benno Schmitz.
BVB have won just one of their last five Bundesliga matches against Koln (D2, L2). But since the start of the 1991-92 season, Borussia Dortmund have lost just one of 22 Bundesliga home matches against Koln (a 2-1 defeat in November 2020).
And the Yellow Wall have won each of their last six Bundesliga home games, while the Billy Goats are winless in their last nine Bundesliga away games (D4, L5) for the first time since 2017.
The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds have Borussia Dortmund as the favourites to win this contest, as they’re installed at 1.43, while Koln are priced at 6.00, and a draw is at 4.20 in the 1X2 market.
Bayern Munich will probably keep tabs on this match because if Borussia Dortmund win, they’ll be behind their Yellow Wall rivals, at least in the meantime.
A win for Koln, meanwhile, would ruin Borussia Dortmund’s plans. However, it’s hard to see them doing so since BVB have been virtually unbeatable against the Billy Goats at Signal Iduna Park.
It’s also worth noting that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will face off on the next matchday, which will be on April 2.
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Bundesliga: BVB Back on Top, But Can They Finish the Job?
Borussia Dortmund are back at the Bundesliga summit after 25 matchdays, but the real question is: can they stay there until the end of the 2022-23 season?
Their recent form suggests that they have a great chance of doing so, especially since they’re still the only undefeated team in the German top-flight this year. As a result, the Bundesliga 2023 odds have slightly swung in their favour.
Meanwhile, if you zoom in at the bottom of the table, you’ll see that the relegation battle is heating up, as four teams are desperate to get out of there.
Hoffenheim are safe for now in 15th, but they only have a slender lead over the likes of Hertha Berlin, Schalke, and VfB Stuttgart.
Without further ado, read on as SBOTOP updates you on the most recent Bundesliga 2023 news.
With the victory over Koln, Borussia Dortmund have now won nine and drawn once in their 10 league games in 2023.
The fact that Borussia Dortmund beat Koln 6-1 on Sunday to move to the top of the Bundesliga standings shows that Koln’s struggles are real.
The Yellow Wall went on a scoring spree, with goals from Raphael Guerreiro, Sebastien Haller, Marco Reus, and youngster Donyell Malen. Davie Seike netted the consolation goal for the Billy Goats to make sure that this wasn’t a clean sheet for BVB.
Borussia Dortmund are now in control of their destiny, and they can bring home two trophies if they stay unbeaten throughout the rest of this season.
On April 2, Borussia Dortmund will head to the Allianz Arena for another Der Klassiker match against Bayern Munich. BVB managed to hold the defending champions to a 2-2 draw in their previous meeting, so getting another positive result against them is quite possible.
Other than the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund can also win this season’s DFB-Pokal. However, they’re in for another big test as they’ll take on RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals, four days after the Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.
The hope for Edin Terzic’s side is that no one will pick up an injury during the international break, as several players from his squad were called up.
Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, Tom Rothe, and Marius Wolf will be representing Germany. Jude Bellingham, Thomas Meunier, Raphael Guerreiro, Julian Ryerson, Donyell Malen, Gio Reyna, Sebastien Haller, and Soumaila Coulibaly are also called up by England, Belgium, Portugal, Norway, Netherlands, USA, Ivory Coast, and France, respectively.
Bayern Munich have a lot to reflect on
Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann during the Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich are in a pickle after ceding the top spot to Borussia Dortmund following their 2-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on Monday.
Joshua Kimmich scored the first goal for the Bavarians, but Die Werkself mounted a huge comeback via two penalties.
Referee Tobias Steiler booked Amine Adli twice for diving. But the yellow cards were rescinded both times, as the VAR showed that Adli was fouled by Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano inside the box during those two key sequences.
Exequiel Palacios converted the two penalties to complete the comeback for Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen have now won three straight games. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s three-game winning streak was halted at an inopportune time.
Bayern Munich’s overall form this season has been confusing for their fans. On one night, they would lose to a struggling team like Augsburg, but they would beat PSG in the Champions League Round of 16.
Are the Bavarians taking the Bundesliga for granted because they are the 10-time defending champions? Maybe. Either way, this international break will give Julian Nagelsmann and co. time to reflect on their priorities this year.
Now or never for teams in the drop zone
VfB Stuttgart are at the bottom with 20 points, which is a huge fall from their ninth-place finish two seasons ago. Schalke and Hertha Berlin occupy the other spots with 21 points, although the latter is in much better form.
Hoffenheim saw their four-game losing streak end on Saturday when they defeated Hertha Berlin, but they’ll be without one of their top scorers, Munas Dabbur, since he was given a red card.
Die Kraichgauer were dreaming of the Champions League when they were fourth in the table after matchday 10, but they went on an unwanted club record 14-match winless run before last weekend.
Bundesliga: Tuchel Takes on Bayern Challenge After Shock Nagelsmann Sack
The Bundesliga has been abuzz during the international break after defending champion Bayern Munich sacked Julian Nagelsmann and brought in Thomas Tuchel as his replacement.
But while Tuchel has been officially unveiled as the new Bayern boss, some of Bayern’s stars – namely, starting midfielders Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka – are still coming to grips with Nagelsmann’s shock departure.
Meanwhile, Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund are dealing with injuries to key players ahead of their massive Der Klassiker against Bayern this weekend.
Read on below as SBOTOP catches you up on all of the biggest Bundesliga news and updates during the international break.
Thomas Tuchel has been named the new manager of Bayern Munich after Julian Nagelsmann’s shock dismissal.
The move comes on the heels of Bayern’s 2-1 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen just before the international break, which saw them overtaken by rivals Borussia Dortmund for top spot in the Bundesliga.
Tuchel admitted that the speed of his move to Munich caught him by surprise as there was no prior indication of Bayern’s interest.
“Things went quickly. The timing was surprising, I didn’t expect it and there was no contact beforehand. I assumed that I would continue my career abroad. The first interview was on Tuesday evening,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel takes charge of Bayern at a crucial stage of their season. His first match in charge will be against former club Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker. And just 10 days later, he will face off against Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, whom he famously beat in the Champions League final back in 2021.
But Tuchel believes he has a squad that is more than capable of competing with the Premier League champions.
“Bayern have a squad that would play for the title in the Premier League, in quality and depth. In England and Paris, they rate Bayern extremely highly. Nobody wants to play against Bayern Munich. The size, the strength of the club is undisputed,” Tuchel said.
Bayern midfielders come to Nagelsmann’s defence
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka looks dejected after Bayer Leverkusen scored a goal in their Bundesliga clash this March
The sacking of Julian Nagelsmann caught many people by surprise, not least the actual Bayern Munich players.
“I would be lying if I said the last few days hadn’t affected me. It was extremely difficult. We’ve had a very close relationship with Julian. I probably saw him more than my family. It was a shock,” Goretzka said.
Kimmich also shot down suggestions that Nagelsmann was fired due to conflict with the Bayern players.
“We won only 5 games out of 10. But I can say that he didn’t lose the dressing room. I’ve already been through a few coaching changes – there was nothing to indicate internally that he lost the dressing room or that players are unhappy. We all were surprised.”
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic both pointed to the team’s decline in development since January as the main reason for their decision to make the head coaching change.
Dortmund injury concerns piling up ahead of Der Klassiker
While Bayern will have to prepare for Der Klassiker with a new coach, Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund have some injury concerns to deal with ahead of the huge top-of-the-table clash.
Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck had to pull out of the Germany side after he picked up a thigh injury late in their 2-0 win in their international friendly against Peru.
Those two could yet feature against Bayern, but if not, Dortmund’s Bundesliga 2023 betting odds for that match will take a massive hit, especially with teenagers Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Youssoufa Moukoko also both set to miss out due to injury.
But there is some positive Bundesliga 2023 news for BVB, as Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are both expected to be back for the big game after spending time on the sidelines.
Brandt is BVB’s leading Bundesliga scorer with eight goals, while Adeyemi had scored in each of his last three Bundesliga games before his injury.
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Bundesliga: Tuchel Faces His Former Side in Bayern Debut
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Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich are set to host Borussia Dortmund for the 133rd edition of the Der Klassiker this Saturday at the Allianz Arena.
Borussia Dortmund have yet to lose a match this year, and they now control their destiny. However, Edin Terzic’s men only hold a one-point lead in the Bundesliga standings, so this is the time for them to make a statement on the road.
It’s easier said than done against Bayern Munich, though, as they’ve won in these types of games before. And leading the way for the defending champions is a familiar face for the visitors.
Thomas Tuchel said that he is prepared for his new job and will make his Bayern Munich debut. He has participated in previous Der Klassikers while coaching BVB, but this time he is on the opposing team.
Talking Points
Tuchel the midseason specialist?
With their 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign in jeopardy, Bayern Munich made the drastic move to replace Julian Nagelsmann with Thomas Tuchel with the hope that the latter can replicate the success he had at Chelsea when he joined them two years ago.
When Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in the middle of the 2020-21 season, the Blues went on to reach the FA Cup final, where they would eventually lose to Leicester City, and they beat Manchester City in the Champions League final.
More trophies and finals appearances came for him and Chelsea, but everything changed when Todd Boehly bought Chelsea at the beginning of this season. Boehly and Tuchel didn’t have a great working relationship, so Tuchel took a hiatus from coaching after he was fired.
Tuchel had only begun working with Bayern Munich on Monday, so he has little time to fully implement his ideas with the group. But being the great tactician that he is, Tuchel should be up to the task.
Bayern Munich only have Lucas Hernandez (knee) and Manuel Neuer (leg) as long-term absentees, but they’re sweating on the fitness of wunderkind Jamal Musiala, who had to withdraw from the Germany national team due to a thigh injury.
Even with their stacked deck, the Bavarians would certainly miss Musiala if he’s out for this contest, as he’s the team’s second-best scorer and top playmaker with 11 goals and 10 assists.
Borussia Dortmund’s strength in numbers
The main reason why Borussia Dortmund are in pole position is because they are a much deeper team this season compared to before.
Despite having zero double-digit scorers so far, they have 17 different players who have opened their scoring account this season, giving Edin Terzic the luxury to choose who can start against the defending champions as he sees fit.
Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic gives instructions to his players during their Champions League training
Julian Brandt and Raphael Guerreiro have been the unsung heroes for this team. But in the end, they can only go as far as Jude Bellingham takes them.
Bellingham is a hot commodity in the transfer market, and for good reason, as he’s been one of the best midfielders in the world today.
He has recorded eight goals, five assists, 26 chances created, and 29 key interceptions. The English international is also in the top percentile for accurate passes.
For the first time in a long while, Borussia Dortmund are now the hunted rather than the hunter.
History
Borussia Dortmund held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw last October in what was arguably the best Bundesliga match this season.
When Anthony Modeste scored the late equaliser during added time, Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn was visibly upset because his team wasted two valuable points.
Before the 2-2 draw, Bayern Munich had beaten Borussia Dortmund eight straight times across all competitions. BVB have also lost their last eight Bundesliga matches away at Bayern Munich.
In their Bundesliga history, BVB only had one longer losing streak away from home: against Werder Bremen from 1979 to 1989 (L10).
But in terms of recent form, Borussia Dortmund have the edge because they’ve yet to lose this year (W9, D1), while Bayern Munich have only won five of their 10 Bundesliga games in 2023 (D3, L2).
The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds favour Bayern Munich to win at home for this super Saturday clash, as they’re installed at 1.45, while Borussia Dortmund are surprisingly priced low at 5.20, and a draw is at 4.50 in the 1X2 market.
As it has been in their reverse fixture, we expect a close battle filled with Bundesliga 2023 highlights. But in the end, we think that Thomas Tuchel will get a victory on his very first day on the Bayern Munich job.
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Bundesliga: Winning Start for Tuchel as Outcome Never in Doubt
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Bayern Munich 4-2 Borussia Dortmund
Ahead of this teatime clash, I thought back to a classic quote from former England striker, now television presenter, Gary Lineker in 1990.
It was shortly after Germany defeated England in a penalty shoot-out in the World Cup semi-final that year when he ruefully uttered: ‘Football is a simple game – 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.’
That was exactly the thought I had before this top-of-the-table Bundesliga match – ‘Der Klassiker’ as some now refer to it, Germany’s equivalent to Spain’s El Clasico.
That is because this SBOTOP writer believes that, pretty much whatever the line-up, whatever the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds, Bayern Munich will nearly always prevail – if not over every 90 minutes than in the overall title race.
And now, it seems, that approach is being followed by the manager.
Certainly, in Thomas Tuchel’s first match since succeeding the unfortunate Julian Nagelsmann (who had done little wrong), the outcome was never in doubt.
Borussia Dortmund fans can be forgiven for feeling upset, possibly angry, and somewhat disheartened after seeing another of their former alumni turning up in rival colours – the only difference for Tuchel is that he didn’t go straight across the divide.
Trailing his former club by a point at the top of the standings before kick-off, Tuchel said: ‘It’s not the time for big changes in systems or tactics’, suggesting pragmatism will define his early weeks in the job.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel looks on before their match starts against Borussia Dortmund
The short-term priority may be to strengthen a defence that had kept just two clean sheets in its past 10 games, suggesting the three-man defence he employed during his Chelsea tenure would be repeated, so there was no surprise when he named a back three featuring France internationals Benjamin Pavard and Dayot Upamecano alongside Matthijs de Ligt.
For Dortmund, yet to lose a match in 2023, this was the time for Edin Terzic’s men to deliver Bundesliga 2023 highlights and make a statement on the road.
They had destroyed Cologne last time out and their main news saw Julian Brandt return after two games out with a thigh strain, while Karim Adeyemi was back in the squad following injury and named on the bench.
However, the truth was they never looked like being at Bayern’s level.
The contest was over long before half-time and even two late goals for the visitors could not hide the fact they were well beaten.
Indeed, no other Bayern coach has seen his side score three goals as quickly in his Bundesliga debut for the Bavarians as Tuchel as the hosts netted three times without reply inside the opening 23 minutes.
The opener was bizarre and one goalkeeper Gregor Kobel will want to forget.
As Leroy Sane chased a long ball from Upamecano, the shot-stopper rushed out of his goal and completely miskicked his clearance, the ball taking a slight deflection off his leg and continuing into the empty net.
De Ligt met a Joshua Kimmich corner with a bullet header shortly afterwards and directed the ball into the path of Thomas Muller who doubled the hosts’ lead.
The experienced marksman then converted again after Kobel parried away a Sane effort.
Five minutes after the restart, Sane was again the provider as his inviting ball was converted by the alert Kingsley Coman.
The fact Emre Can netted a 72nd-minute consolation from the penalty spot before lively substitute Donyell Malen pulled another back in the final minute was irrelevant.
Dortmund may disagree after such a promising run but Bayern always beat them when it matters and are favourites to win an 11th Bundesliga title in a row.
Bayern have not lost at home to Dortmund in the Bundesliga since April 2014 – winning their last nine.
Until today, Dortmund had claimed 10 more points than Bayern across 10 Bundesliga matches in 2023, whilst scoring a league-high 30 goals in that time.
What’s next?
It’s the German Cup quarter-finals next for Bayern who face Freiburg on Tuesday (April 4) at home before travelling to the same opponents in the Bundesliga next Saturday.
Dortmund also have two big games in the seven days ahead.
They meet Leipzig in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night, in a repeat of the 2021 final, before hosting Union Berlin next Saturday in the league.
Freiburg and Union Berlin make up the top four in the Bundesliga.
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Well, he’s made the near-perfect start to life in the Bundesliga, leading FC Bayern to a 4-2 win in Der Klassiker to put the Bavarians back in charge of the title race, and now Thomas Tuchel can settle into his new job.
The sacking of Julian Nagelsmann dominated the Bundesliga 2023 news last week and he has now been linked with a Premier League club. Following the departure of Antonio Conte from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Nagelsmann emerged as a front-runner in the UK press. But maybe Chelsea, who have just sacked Graham Potter, will be interested in the 35-year-old coach… and that would be an interesting twist.
The Blues should never have potted Tuchel in the first place after he delivered a Champions League win in his first season at Stamford Bridge but they did, and Chelsea’s loss may well turn out to be Die Bayern’s gain. It certainly looks that way after the Bavarians tore apart an in-form Borussia Dortmund as a Thomas Muller brace, an own goal from Gregor Kobel and a strike from Kingsley Coman saw them race into a 4-0 lead before Emre Can and Donyell Malen scored BVB’s late consolations.
Thomas Muller celebrates his third goal for Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund
He’s already delivered a huge three points but what will Tuchel bring to his new role? The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds say he will win the title now that his team has retaken top spot, and they have a Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City coming up. I wonder how Pep Guardiola will deal with the fact that the man who masterminded the Sky Blues’ defeat in the 2021 final will be in the opposition dugout?
He knows he will face a coach with superb tactical knowledge and innovative training techniques. And Tuchel has long been an admirer of Guardiola, once pausing a documentary on the Spaniard for two hours, so that he and his players could study Barcelona’s passing patterns. And when Guardiola was boss at Bayern, he discussed tactics with Tuchel in a four-hour session.
As Dortmund boss Tuchel used a 4-2-3-1 formation which created overloads in space between the lines of the opposition, but he is flexible, using over ten formations during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. He emphasises the importance of psychological strength and critical thinking in his players, but his teams almost always use gegenpressing, a tactic where, after losing the ball, his players attempt to win it back straight away rather than settling back into formation.
When he was at Chelsea he was known for his rapid squad rotation, making 39 changes to his first 11 in ten games early in 2021. But all of his players knew that possession took precedence in the Premier League focusing on passing retention in the lead-up to big games. But he showed when Chelsea beat Manchester City to win the Champions League that he will happily concede possession and defend deeply against exceptional teams and use the pace in his team to hit them on the break.
Die Bayern are at SBOTOP odds of 1.12 to win the title, with Borussia Dortmund at 5.00, so they are now back in pole position, and the Bavarians’ task in the Champions League looks a little more achievable now.
Will Tuchel go back for Havertz?
Some of Bayern’s players, including midfield duo Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, were stunned by the sacking of Nagelsmann; and Tuchel has work to do to give them confidence that they will still be listened to, and continue to be part of the best team in Germany. But there will inevitably be chatter around the likelihood of him returning to a previous club for player reinforcements. And rumours have begun to surface in the UK media that Tuchel might pay a visit to Stamford Bridge, with Kai Havertz a possible target.
The Germany international has proved he can be a brilliant player, but he has struggled for form this term, often played out of position as a lone striker, following the departure of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. Havertz has only scored seven goals in 27 appearances for the Blues who are already pretty much out of the top-four race, sitting 11th in the Premier League table. And when the 23-year-old was asked by the German press if he might rejoin Tuchel at Bayern he certainly didn’t rule the prospect out, saying: “Bayern are a huge club that it’s hard to say no to as a German player, but my personal goal has always been to play abroad at some point.
“I had a very good relationship with him and am grateful for everything. You never know what will happen in football. Everything can happen very quickly. Never say never.”
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Second plays third at the Signal Iduna Stadium on Saturday in a huge game where the winner will stay in touch with league leaders FC Bayern. This Bundesliga match is the pick of the action in Germany’s top-flight this weekend.
Most fans would expect BVB to be in the chasing pack, but then we’d be looking for RB Leipzig and maybe Bayer Leverkusen. But it’s Union Berlin who have been the surprise package this term and look capable of staying the course.
Edin Terzic’s Dortmund come into the game on the back of a 4-2 defeat in Der Klassiker, and that put them two points behind the Bavarians, while Union Berlin recorded back-to-back home wins with a 3-0 victory over Stuttgart to stay two points further back.
Urs Fischer has led Die Eisernen to their best campaign since arriving in the top-flight in 2019 and, while Dortmund are strong favourites, the pre-match Bundesliga 2023 betting odds give the visitors a fighting chance.
Talking Points
Schlotterbeck out for Borussia
Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck celebrates scoring their first goal against Schalke 04
BVB’s loss to FC Bayern, newly coached by Thomas Tuchel, saw the SBOTOP odds on a Dortmund title drift to 5.00. They had slipped off the summit, but Die Schwarzgelben suffered another blow when centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck limped off at halftime with a torn muscle.
The 23-year-old is likely to be out for a few weeks with the experienced Mats Hummels set to step in, and Terzic is hopeful he may have some more reinforcements arriving soon.
“We hope that Gio Reyna and Thomas Meunier can join us again,” he said in the run up to a midweek DFB Pokal tie against Leipzig. “We’ll have to decide today after the final training session. For Sebastien Haller there is also a small question mark after he took a knock in Munich.”
Striker Reyna missed Der Klassiker with a virus and he has just made cameo appearances in the previous two games, while Meunier is trying to shake off a back problem.
Dortmund have the manpower to revive their title challenge. A 6-1 victory over Koln lifted BVB to the summit just before the international break as Marco Reus and Seb Haller scored a brace each. And with midfield pair Julian Brandt – with eight goals from 24 games – and Jude Bellingham in fine form, there is a good argument to say they can recover from the defeat to Bayern.
Union’s warriors won’t give in easily
But Borussia will have a huge challenge on Saturday when Die Eisernen rock up with an experienced band of campaigners in their ranks. 28-year-old Sheraldo Becker- with eight goals and four assists – is the standout player, but Fischer has ensured he has leaders all over the pitch.
His team is captained by 36-year-old Christopher Trimmel, a Union man through and through with 259 appearances over nine campaigns. He was instrumental in the team’s rise to the Bundesliga, and now he can lead them into the Champions League.
Trimmel is backed up by 29-year-old vice-captain Rani Khedira, who is a powerful force in midfield, while experienced forward Kevin Behrens scored the second against Stuttgart.
Behrens will always give defences a hard game alongside Guadeloupe utility player Jerome Roussillon who, at 30 years of age, still has the capacity to create Bundesliga 2023 highlights.
Die Eisernen suffered a 2-0 setback in their DFB Pokal tie away to Frankfurt on Tuesday night, as Randal Kolo Muani scored a 93-second brace, but they matched Eintracht for much of the game and will be ready to go again in Dortmund on Saturday.
The head-to-heads favour Die Schwarzgelben with eight wins to three, though Union Berlin won the return match 2-0 as Janik Haberer scored a brace to take Die Eisernen four points clear at the top of the table after 10 rounds of the campaign.
BVB’s recent form is a little patchy with three wins, one draw, and two defeats from the last six games, while Berlin won two, drawn three, and lost one before the DFB Pokal loss on Tuesday.
Crucially, the Signal Iduna Park has been a fortress for Terzic’s men with 10 wins, one draw, and one defeat this season.
The hosts are at 1.58 to win this “clash of the chasers” with Union Berlin at 4.17 to upset the odds, and the draw is at 3.97.
With the Yellow Wall behind them, BVB can be an irresistible force, while Die Eisernen fear no one and would love to leapfrog their hosts into second place.
I’m backing BVB to win a high-scoring game.
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Bundesliga: Can Lightning Strike Twice in the Black Forest?
SC Freiburg vs Bayern Munich
A top four Bundesliga clash and a repeat of a match-up which has just caused a stunning result in the German Cup quarter-finals – there’s no doubting what the match of the day will be in the top flight this weekend.
Bundesliga highlights have generally been hard to come by for Freiburg whenever they have faced the giants of Bayern Munich.
Yet now, after winning at Munich in the cup, can lightning strike twice as they welcome the champions to Stade Europa-Park on Easter Saturday afternoon?
Talking Points
Thomas Tuchel during his first game as the head coach of Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund
The top four-chasers from the Black Forest will certainly have their dander up after they stunned the Bavarians on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half stoppage-time penalty from Lucas Höler.
In a shock defeat for the Bundesliga leaders, Hoeler sent keeper Yann Sommer the wrong way to book their spot in the last four.
Although underdogs, Freiburg have become a popular side among supporters of other teams – often seen as the quaint outfit from the Black Forest in an enchanted corner of Germany who never really posed a threat.
However, that is changing as they prove you can progress your way to the top of the game and upset the apple cart.
If they achieve such a shock for a second time in less than a week, they would receive acclaim far beyond Germany and add another twist in the 2022/23 title race.
History
Freiburg may be flying but they just cannot beat Bayern in the league.
Earlier this season, for example, they were blitzed by the Bavarians as Serge Gnabry, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Leroy Sane, Sadio Mane and Marcel Sabitzer were on target in a 5-0 victory.
Then there was this match-up last term when a late show proved key.
After Leon Goretzka and Nils Petersen traded goals, Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Sabitzer found the net in the last 17 minutes to seal a 4-1 win.
After their cup triumph, can Freiburg now stem the tide of defeats in the league?
It is clear they will want to make amends for a disappointing home draw with Hertha last weekend, while Bayern may have one eye on their forthcoming Champions League quarter-final.
Yet the desire to impress a new manager will surely ensure avoid any complacency.
Bayern are firmly backed with the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds – 1X2 @ 1.44 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.31, a distance from the hosts 1X2 @ 6.00 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.16.
Goals have been plentiful in meetings between the sides and the odds reflect that, including Over 3.25 @ 2.17, Total Goal 0-1 @ 5.00, 2-3 @ 2.13 and 4-6 @ 2.72.
For those optimistic this could be a good time to play Bayern, then it is worth considering Double Chance Freiburg or Draw @ 2.51 and 1X2 Draw @ 4.10.
A repeat of last season’s 4-1 away win is on offer @ 17.50.
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It’s as you were at the top of the Bundesliga after Easter weekend – although it’s quite different at the bottom.
Certainly, the race for the title can probably now be considered a two-horse race – although this SBOTOP writer nailed his colours to the mast sometime ago – but the battle for Europe and the bid to beat the drop remains too close to call.
Let’s start at the summit where German champions Bayern Munich remain two points clear but only after they were pushed all the way by spirited Freiburg for the second time in five days.
That broke the deadlock and proved to be sufficient, although Leroy Sane should have made it two shortly afterwards when he chipped over the bar when clean through.
With seven games remaining, Borussia Dortmund have not given up hope.
They remain hot on Bayern’s heels after bouncing back from defeat in ‘Der Klassiker’ with a hard fought success over third place Union Berlin.
A winner 11 minutes from time from 18 year-old substitute Youssoufa Moukoko saw them edge home – this after Donyell Malen’s 28th minute opener had been cancelled out by Kevin Behrens just past the hour mark.
Freiburg drop out of the top four because Leipzig narrowly saw off basement battlers Hertha Berlin.
Just behind them Bayer Leverkusen warmed up for their Europa League quarter-final by defeating last year’s winners of the competition, Eintracht Frankfurt, to leapfrog them into sixth place the table – the final qualifying berth for next year’s tournament.
It was a fifth straight league win for Xabi Alonso’s side with Amine Adli, Moussa Diaby and Sardar Azmoun on the scoresheet at the BayArena in what was described as a ‘counter-attacking masterclass’.
Leverkusen were in 17th spot when Alonso was appointed last October.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt are without a win in their last eight Bundesliga away games (drawn four, lost four) – their longest wait since February-May 2018 under Niko Kovac.
The Bundesliga highlights weren’t just consigned to the top end of the table, of course.
Stuttgart moved off the bottom and out of drop zone with a win at fellow strugglers Bochum as goals from Hiroki Ito, Josha Vagnoman and Serhou Guirassy earned them a potentially crucial victory.
Prior to Wednesday’s German Cup quarter-final win against Nuremberg, Stuttgart had been without a win in five Bundesliga games, losing four.
Sebastian Hoeneß’s arrival seems to have given them a bounce and the new manager would have been delighted when Japanese defender Ito swept home the opening goal with his left-foot after 14 minutes.
Bochum equalised 13 minutes after the restart but two goals in three minutes immediately afterwards won the day.
First Guirassy turned home from close range. Then Vagnoman headed home after Manuel Riemann flapped at a cross.
A late Philipp Hofmann goal was not enough to rescue a point for the hosts.
The final word of the weekend has to be from Easter Saturday’s draw between Mainz and Werder Bremen.
Talk about drama. Talk about a final flurry!
For 84 minutes of this encounter, these sides were evenly matched and could not break the deadlock.
Then we were treated to a four-goal finale.
Ludovic Ajorque was in the right place at the right time to hammer the ball home for Mainz but their joy was short-lived as Jens Stage levelled almost instantly as he converted a Mitchell Weiser cross.
Into the third minute of stoppage time and teenager Nelson Weiper restored the hosts’ lead and that seemed that.
Niclas Fullkrug in action playing for Werder Bremen during their match against Union Berlin
It did not prove to be the winner, however, as Niclas Füllkrug broke Mainz hearts, turning in a back-heeled pass from Mitchell Weiser for a share of the spoils.
Füllkrug is their top scorer with 16 so far for a Bremen team which already has more points (32 after 27 games) on the board than it did in the whole of its most recent campaign in the Bundesliga (31, 2020/21).
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Tuchel now turns his attention back to the Bundesliga, where a tricky test against Hoffenheim awaits at the Allianz Arena.
Hoffenheim have won three games in a row to claw themselves out of the relegation zone. But the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds will be overwhelmingly against them as they visit the reigning champions, who have not lost at home this season.
Talking Points
Bayern suffer early setbacks under Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel’s stint as Bayern Munich boss is off to a decent start in the Bundesliga. They’ve won two out of two and retain a two-point lead over Borussia Dortmund.
However, Tuchel’s side have been tripped up twice in cup competitions. After suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat to Freiburg in the DFB-Pokal, Bayern were crushed 3-0 by Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Bayern were once again without starting striker Eric Choupo-Moting, who has now missed the last two games with a knee injury. Tuchel again started Serge Gnabry up front ahead of Sadio Mane and Thomas Muller, who were both on the bench.
Tuchel is expected to make a few changes to his lineup ahead of the crucial second leg against City. The likes of Mane, Muller, and Joao Cancelo are likely to step in against Hoffenheim after only coming on as substitutes against City.
Bayern have been absolutely brilliant at home in the Bundesliga. They are unbeaten at Allianz Arena in 13 games, with 9 wins and 4 draws. In fact, their only home defeat of the season came in the cup tie against Freiburg.
They have been especially dominant of late. They have won their last four home games, scoring 15 goals during that stretch.
Hoffenheim rising from relegation trouble
Hoffenheim are suddenly headed for safety. After losing his first five games in charge – a part of their disastrous 14-match winless run – coach Pellegrino Matarazzo has led Die Kraichgauer to three wins on the bounce to lift the club up to 14th in the table, five points clear of the relegation play-off.
Although, it should be noted that Hoffenheim’s opponents in their three-game win streak haven’t been the strongest; two of their wins came against the bottom two, Hertha Berlin and Schalke, while the other was against an out-of-form Werder Bremen. But Matarazzo’s men should still be high on confidence after those important Bundesliga 2023 results.
Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric celebrates with teammates after scoring against Hertha BSC in the Bundesliga
Speaking of confidence, strikers Andrej Kramaric, Christoph Baumgartner and Ihlas Bebou should be full of it as they’ve found the scoresheet in recent games. Kramaric has scored four goals in his last five games for club and country, Baumgartner has two goals and two assists in his last four, while Bebou has scored two in his last three.
Hoffenheim had gone on a horrific run of six straight away defeats in the Bundesliga, which was finally snapped with their 2-1 win at Werder Bremen.
History
Bayern Munich have dominated Hoffenheim over the years. They have a massive 18-4 advantage in wins, with six draws.
Hoffenheim had a bit of success against Bayern recently, with all four of those wins coming between 2017 and 2020.
But Bayern have regained control of this matchup. They are unbeaten in their last four matches against Hoffenheim, with three wins. That includes their first meeting of the season, a 2-0 win at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena with goals from Jamal Musiala and Choupo-Moting.
SBOTOP odds have Bayern Munich installed as massive 1.17 favourites over Hoffenheim, who are priced at 9.75. A draw is 7.00.
Bayern Munich will no doubt be motivated to bounce back at home after their heavy defeat to Manchester City. But just how willing are they to exert themselves against Hoffenheim, especially with the second leg of their Champions League tie coming up in just a few days’ time?
My guess is, not much. While Bayern have more than enough quality to come away comfortable winners, it might not be the high-scoring match that they have had in recent home games.
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Borussia Dortmund missed a chance to draw level with FC Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga table on Saturday as they were held 3-3 by relegation-threatened VfB Stuttgart.
When Silas Katompa Mvumpa guided home his 97th-minute leveller it was a hammer blow to Die Schwarzgelben’s title dreams who, with six games left to play, are only two points behind the Bavarians; but head coach Edin Terzic will see this as a lost opportunity having watched his team surrender a two-goal lead against ten men. Things were going well for the visitors when Sebastien Haller and Donyell Malen made it 2-0 in the first half, before Stuttgart went down to ten before the break when defender Konstantinos Mavropanos picked up his second yellow card.
The score remained at 2-0 until the 78th minute when Tanguy Coulibaly’s deflected effort hit the net and BVB lost their nerve, conceding a second to Josha Vagnoman with five minutes remaining. Dortmund thought they’d won it when Gio Reyna restored their lead on 92 minutes but Silas popped up to pile on the late agony.
There will be twists and turns to come in the title run-in and, here at SBOTOP we’ll be there every step of the way; but the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds are now firmly behind the reigning champions.
Mane’s Mad Year in Munich
But not everything is sweetness and light in Munich following reports that Mane punched his team-mate Leroy Sane in the aftermath of Die Bayern’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week. The Senegalese star was missing from the line-up when FC Bayern drew 1-1 with Hoffenheim and it remains to be seen whether he will reappear in the near future. This latest drama comes at a time when his former club Liverpool is struggling in the Premier League and Mane may be regretting his move to Bavaria, as the Anfield fans surely are.
He made a bright enough start at Munich but an injury in November meant he missed the World Cup in Qatar and Mane was sidelined for three months, undergoing surgery on his right fibula. He returned to action in March but this latest drama has seen him fined and suspended by the club, which has a mountain to climb in their Champions League second leg.
When Thomas Tuchel arrived in Munich to be the new head coach I’m sure he didn’t expect to be sorting out a fight between two of his stars…but that’s football!
Werner shows Chelsea how to score
Another player who may be missed in the Premier League is former Chelsea striker Timo Werner who, while his former team scored its first goal in five games in a 2-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion, struck twice in four minutes to give Leipzig a 3-2 win over FC Augsburg. With the score at 1-1, half an hour into the game, Werner scored with a clinical finish when he met a cross from Benjamin Henrichs. And his second, on 35 minutes, was a screamer as he took a pass from Kevin Kampl just outside the penalty area and hammered his shot high into the top right corner, leaving the Augsburg keeper clutching at air. The visitors nicked a late consolation but Red Bull hung on for a vital win.
Timo Werner of RB Leipzig during their away match against Hertha BSC
He struggled for consistency at Stamford Bridge, but Werner is a class striker who is one of the best marksmen in the business when his confidence is high. And it was a much-needed three points for Leipzig who climbed to third place, on 51 points and four clear of SC Freiburg in fifth. Fourth-placed Union Berlin are in action on Sunday, as are Freiburg, and the chase for the top four is hotting up.
But for now Werner and Leipzig can enjoy their weekend.
Hertha in Crisis
In other Bundesliga 2023 news Hertha Berlin’s place among the German elite is looking in grave danger after they slumped to a fourth defeat in a six-match winless run. But this loss to Schalke could turn out to be a mortal blow. Not only did the Berliners get slapped 5-2 but their opponents started the game bottom of the table and have now handed that unwanted honour over to Hertha.
The founding members of the German Football Association with a 75,000 capacity-stadium really look out of place in the second tier. They are twice Bundesliga winners, five times runners up and three times DFB Pokal winners. But you can’t live in the past and Hertha Berlin are now two points behind the play-off spot of 16th and four behind Bochum in 15th.
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Thomas Tuchel takes his FC Bayern to Mainz for the Bundesliga match of the weekend, but his trip to the Rhine could turn out to be a choppy one.
The former Chelsea boss has only been in the job a few weeks and he is already facing some tough questions, despite his side sitting at the top of the table with a two-goal cushion over Borussia Dortmund. Last week, when the Bavarians dropped two points at home to Hoffenheim, Dortmund fluffed their chance to draw level, surrendering a 2-0 lead to ten-man Stuttgart.
Following that drama the latest Bundesliga 2023 betting odds still have ultimate faith in FC Bayern winning an 11th consecutive title, but BVB can’t be ruled out at SBOTOP a price of 4.50.
Die Nulfunfer finished eighth last term and have been mainstays in the top flight since 2009, and they sit eighth again with six games of the campaign to complete. After a strong run of Bundesliga 2023 results, they are just two points behind sixth-placed Bayer Leverkusen and have their eyes on a Europa League place.
Managed by Bo Svensson and with a passionate crowd at the Mewa Arena, which has become a fortress in recent weeks, Mainz are on an unbeaten run of nine and five on home soil, so this is a stern test of Bayern’s title aspirations.
Talking Points
Bayern’s stutter could become serious
The sacking of former head coach Julian Nagelsmann came as something of a surprise and the Bayern board handled it badly. So they needed a solid start from new man Tuchel, but there have already been some unhelpful ups and downs. Since his arrival in Bavaria his team has bowed out of the DFB Pokal, losing SC Freiburg, and Die Bayern have only a slim chance of making it to the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday when they face Manchester City at home, with a 3-0 first leg deficit to make up.
With Sadio Mane banned for a dressing room spat with Leroy Sane, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting out injured all is not well off the field either, and reports emerging from the German media suggest the club is preparing to sell Mane and the out-of-form Serge Gnabry in the summer. In terms of attack the league leaders rely heavily on the young shoulders of Jamal Musiala while veteran striker Thomas Muller must be missing his old mate Robert Lewandowski.
Tuchel is a fine coach and a deep thinker, and he needs to find a solution to Bayern’s malaise soon, or the decline could gather some momentum at precisely the wrong time of the league campaign.
Mainz fear nobody
They have drawn four of their last six games but take a look at their two victories, a 1-0 home win over TSG Hoffenheim, the team Bayern failed to beat last weekend, and a hugely impressive 3-0 victory away to Red Bull Leipzig, and you see that Mainz simply love to take on the big guns.
Mainz head coach Bo Svensson coaching during their Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund
With Jonathan Burkardt out injured, striker Marcus Ingvartsen has stepped up with nine goals, while Karin Onisowo has nine goals and Jae Sung Lee has seven goals and three assists. Danish striker Ingvartsen seems to have found a home in Mainz since his transfer from Union Berlin and his improved form has seen him win a cap for his country, while Korean winger Sung is an experienced campaigner who can play equally well on the flank or behind the main striker.
Mainz don’t have big names but they do have players who will stand toe-to-toe with anyone. Ingvartsen opened the scoring in the win over Leipzig and while they conceded possession at the Red Bull Arena, Die Nulfunfer won the shot counts by 19 to 12 and seven to three on target.
Try to find another team with match stats like that in Leipzig!
History
FC Bayern have won 29 of the last 39 encounters with Mainz, and the hosts may still be smarting from the last two meetings, a 6-2 thumping in the league last October and a 4-0 reversal at the Mewa Arena in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 in February.
In terms of recent form the hosts are looking stronger with two wins and four draws from the last six games, while the Bavarians have won two, drawn one and lost three (before their meeting with Manchester City on Wednesday).
Mainz at 4.64 and the draw at 3.88 make this fixture far from a walkover and there is some merit in the Double Chance Mainz or Draw at 2.28. We need to see a turnaround in form from Bayern for them to win this game and I’m not sure they will have enough to beat a team which will be right up for the challenge… and has a sniff of revenge in mind.
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Bundesliga: Bayer Will Test Union’s Champions League Credentials
Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen
Third faces sixth in the Bundesliga match of the weekend as Union Berlin aim to cement their top four place when they host Bayer Leverkusen, a team which has its own European goals.
Under the guidance of Urs Fischer Die Eisernen are on course to improve on their fifth place finish last term and qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Bayer finished third last season and, coached by Xabi Alonso, still hold ambitions to climb into the top four but, six points adrift and with just five games remaining time is running out.
Bundesliga: Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen could be a game which defines Bayer’s campaign and that makes them a dangerous opponent, but Union know they can tick off another week if they come through unscathed. Bayer come into the game on the back of an impressive 2-0 win at home to Red Bull Leipzig while Union Berlin won 1-0 away to Borussia Monchengladbach.
The SBOTOP odds suggest Union will hold on to their top four place and Bayer Leverkusen will miss out, but if Alonso can mastermind an away win the race will be blown wide open.
Die Eisernen headed to Dortmund early in April and went down to a 2-1 defeat to BVB, and that part of a run of three away matches in four, having lost the previous week in Frankfurt to go out of the DFB Pokal. They have been very strong at home and steadied the ship with a 1-1 draw with Bochum before heading to Borussia Monchengladbach last week. They came away with a win but it was hard work and Union will be delighted to be in front of their home fans again.
With nine goals Sheraldo Becker is top scoring while making five assists and it was his strike which gave Die Eisernen a 16th win of the season when they edged out Die Fohlen. At the start of the campaign Union would have been happy with another top half finish but their aspirations have risen. Gladbach forward Jonas Hoffman was complimentary after his team’s defeat saying: “To be up there after 29 rounds and mixing it at the top does not happen by accident, but then you’ve earned it.” Borussia had over 60 per cent possession and more shots on target but Union have an inner steel which has so often carried them through.
And at home they are a tough team to face, beating both Frankfurt and Stuttgart in recent weeks and, in a tight 22,000 capacity stadium, the atmosphere will be hostile.
Bayer on the up
1. FC Union Berlin’s Sheraldo Becker scores their first goal vs VfB Stuttgart
They are away from home and trailing their hosts in the league; but the pre-match Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen betting odds rate Bayer as marginal favourites to win this six pointer, which makes some sense as they have improved greatly in recent weeks and are on an unbeaten run of 13 matches in all competitions. Leverkusen put in a superb performance last week to see off top four rivals Red Bull Leipzig, thanks to goals from Adam Hlozek and Nadiem Amiri and Die Werkself made it to the Europa League semi-finals, thanks to a thumping 4-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise to make it 5-2 on aggregate.
French forward Moussa Diaby opened the scoring in the Europa clash and he is top scoring in the league with nine goals, while flying wing back Jeremie Frimpong was also on the score sheet. He has eight goals and five assists in the league and the young Dutch star has emerged as a summer target for Manchester United. In the meantime Union Berlin need to work out how to stop him.
History
Die Werkself have enjoyed the better of their brief relationship with Die Eisernen, winning six of the previous ten meetings, drawing three and losing just once. In the return match Leverkusen ran riot, winning 5-0 as Diaby scored a quick fire double in the second half.
While the previous Union Berlin vs Bayer Leverkusen results don’t provide much encouragement to Union they will relish the chance for some revenge and are unbeaten at home this season, winning nine and drawing five.
In terms of recent form it’s back to Bayer who have picked up four wins and two draws from the last six games while Union Berlin have won three, draw one and lost two.
At 2.40 to win Die Werkself have the edge while Union are at 2.69 and the draw is 2.92; and this game really could go either way. I suspect Bayer may extend their unbeaten run while Union protect their home record. We’re going to see a tight one, a 1-1 draw or a narrow victory either way.
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Bundesliga: Bayern Set for Big Summer Striker Search
This upcoming summer is set to be a big one for Bayern Munich. Their Bundesliga dominance is under serious threat this season as they were unable to adequately replace top striker Robert Lewandowski, and they plan to fix that glaring hole in the offseason.
And Bayern also have some more work to do to strengthen their squad as their recent signings are growing unhappy with their lack of playing time.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s search for a potential Jude Bellingham replacement continues, and RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach could also be parting with their in-demand midfielders.
Read on below as SBOTOP breaks down the biggest Bundesliga transfer storylines ahead of the summer window.
Bayern Munich preparing for summer striker search
Bayern Munich have a big mission this summer, and that is to land a top striker. They thought that the Sadio Mane signing would be enough to replace goal machine Robert Lewandowski, but that move has not worked out for the Bavarians, whose Bundesliga 2023 odds of retaining their title are not great at the moment.
Bayern have been linked with big-name strikers such as Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, as well as two top striker prospects in Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
While Kane is by far the most established and proven goalscorer of the four, he is also the oldest by a significant margin and will not come cheap should Tottenham decide to sell.
Osimhen has perhaps the highest upside, but he also has the highest price tag – Napoli are reportedly seeking €150 million for the striker – and the stiffest competition.
Hojlund is a promising prospect who has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, but the 20-year-old is nowhere near as prolific and is still a considerable risk.
Finally, there is Randal Kolo Muani. The 24-year-old French forward has had a fantastic breakout season at Frankfurt, with 13 goals and 10 assists in the Bundesliga. Bayern great Uli Hoeness and Thomas Tuchel are reportedly big fans of the Frenchman, who can fit in a more fluid forward line.
However, the 24-year-old is also unlikely to come cheap, and it remains to be seen if he is the consistent goalscorer that Bayern seemingly need.
Unhappy Bayern newcomers among potential departures
Aside from Sadio Mane, Bayern Munich could also be parting ways with several of their other recent signings, the former Ajax trio of Daley Blind, Ryan Gravenberch, and Noussair Mazraoui.
Blind, who has only featured five times in all competitions after his arrival in January, is reportedly set to leave Bayern in the summer.
Several top clubs are also monitoring the situation of Noussair Mazraoui, who, like Gravenberch, has had limited opportunities after his move from Ajax. A number of Premier League clubs as well as Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan are reportedly keeping tabs on a potential move for the Moroccan full-back.
Dortmund seeking solution to Bellingham situation
Jude Bellingham looks set to make big Bundesliga 2023 news as he is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer. That leaves BVB with a massive task of finding another capable midfielder should the England international depart.
And it appears Dortmund are eyeing another English midfielder in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher as Bellingham’s potential replacement.
Gallagher has not had the best season back at the Blues, with just two goals and one assist in 28 Premier League appearances. But he is just a season removed from a terrific loan spell with Crystal Palace, where he had eight goals and three assists in 34 appearances.
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada in action with Union Berlin’s Paul Jaeckel in DFB-Pokal
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Daichi Kamada, who is available on a free transfer in the summer, has also been mentioned as a potential Dortmund target. The two sides were reportedly close to a verbal agreement back in February, but more recent reports suggest there is no Dortmund deal and that a move to Spain is still possible.
Midfield duo Dani Olmo, Florian Neuhaus in demand
Two of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga in RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus are attracting interest from some big clubs.
Olmo has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona, while Neuhaus has emerged as a target for Premier League clubs Liverpool and Arsenal, among others.
Leipzig and Olmo are in discussions on a contract extension which, if he rejects, would likely cause Leipzig to sell him in the summer.
Neuhaus is in a similar situation as he is entering the final year of his deal at Gladbach. The Foals are already set to lose star striker Marcus Thuram on a free transfer this summer, and they will be keen to cash in on Neuhaus if they cannot come to terms on a contract extension.
Victor Boniface wanted by Bundesliga trio
Victor Osimhen is not the only in-demand Nigerian striker this summer. Another Victor, Victor Boniface, is reportedly on the radar of a trio of Bundesliga clubs, Union Berlin, RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt. The Union St. Gilloise striker has been starring in this season’s Europa League. The 22-year-old is the competition’s co-leading scorer with six goals, three of which came against Bundesliga sides Union Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen.
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Bundesliga: Leipzig Look to Leapfrog Freiburg in Fight for Fourth
SC Freiburg vs RB Leipzig
Freiburg and RB Leipzig are set to face off for the second time in the space of a few days. Their first meeting did not go too well for Freiburg, who were on the receiving end of a 5-1 thrashing at home in their DFB-Pokal final rematch.
Freiburg will now be fearful of suffering a similar fate as they go up against the rampaging Red Bulls again, this time in the Bundesliga.
A win would see Leipzig leapfrog Freiburg and improve their Bundesliga 2023 odds of claiming the fourth and final Champions League spot, so the stakes remain sky high.
Talking Points
Freiburg completely fold in cup final rematch
Freiburg came into their DFB-Pokal semi-final against Leipzig in fine form, with three Bundesliga wins in a row. However, that form was nowhere to be found as they were completely outclassed in a humiliating 5-1 hammering at home.
Freiburg were hit for four goals in the first half as they failed to show their trademark defensive solidity. The loss was only Freiburg’s fourth in all competitions this season; their other three came against Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Bayern Munich.
Christian Streich will be disappointed with what he saw from his side, who have looked so strong for most of the campaign. Perhaps they are finally showing the effects of a long season – they had also made a deep run in the Europa League – while not having a deep enough squad.
Streich has a few options in terms of changes. Leading scorer Vincenzo Grifo, Ronald Sallai, and Yannik Keitel, who all came on as substitutes in the cup tie, could be inserted into the starting lineup to shake things up.
But for the most part, Streich will be hoping to see a response from his side after their humiliating home defeat, especially with a coveted spot in the Champions League very much on the line.
Dani Olmo was hands down the star of the show for Leipzig as he got the opening goal and set up the next three in a dominant first-half performance. The game was a reminder that Olmo, who has been once again hampered by injuries this season, remains a special talent.
It was an offensive explosion for the Red Bulls, who had scored five goals in their previous seven away games in all competitions.
RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku celebrates their fourth goal with teammate Amadou Haidara
And there was more good news for Leipzig as Christopher Nkunku also got on the scoresheet for the second game in a row, a sign that the Frenchman is finally getting back to top form.
Olmo and Nkunku were both subbed off with half and hour to go against Freiburg, so they should be relatively fresh for their weekend rematch.
Moreover, Leipzig have more attacking options that they can turn to, with Emil Forsberg and Andre Silva to create some Bundesliga 2023 highlights off the bench.
Defender Josko Gvardiol was handed a straight red card against Freiburg, which will see him miss the final, but he will be available for their league meeting.
History
Leipzig’s win over Freiburg in the cup has extended their unbeaten run over the Breisgau-Brasilianer to eight straight games (5 wins, 3 draws).
Moreover, they have now won three in a row against Freiburg, although one of them was a penalty shootout win in last year’s DFB-Pokal.
SBOTOP odds have Leipzig installed as 1.92 favourites to claim yet another victory over Freiburg, who are priced at 3.35 to win at home. A draw is 3.55.
The Red Bulls showed in their comprehensive cup win just how vast the gulf in talent between the two sides is. With Olmo in outstanding form and Nkunku getting back to his best,
Freiburg simply had no answers. Freiburg will likely go out and fight a bit harder to avoid another home humiliation, but with a Champions League spot on the line, it’s hard to see anything other than another Leipzig win.
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Bundesliga: Taming the Wolves Will be Timely for BVB
Borussia Dortmund vs VfL Wolfsburg
Anything less than a win feels like a missed opportunity for Borussia Dortmund at this point, and that was the case when they were held to a draw by VfL Bochum and when Bayern Munich defeated Hertha Berlin last time out.
Trailing by one point behind Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund are raring to get back in the driver’s seat in the intensifying Bundesliga title race, and a victory over VfL Wolfsburg will surely help them a ton.
VfL Wolfsburg will give Borussia Dortmund a huge run for their money, and they are also in must-win mode. Niko Kovac’s men are currently in seventh place with 46 points, and a win here would put them past Bayer Leverkusen for sixth place.
Read on below for the SBOTOP preview of this exciting match.
Talking points
Malen enjoying his best spell at BVB
Since joining BVB in the summer of 2021, Donyell Malen has been asked to fill the considerable void left by Manchester United-bound Jadon Sancho. The transition for him was difficult, as it took him a while, but it has been worth the wait.
He has hit a purple patch of form, and it couldn’t come at a better time for Borussia Dortmund. The Dutch winger has collected seven goals this season, but five of those have come in April alone.
Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen celebrates scoring their fourth goal against Eintracht Frankfurt in Bundesliga
Malen can play either as a centre-forward or as a winger, but it seems that he is at his best when he’s playing the latter. He and Karim Adeyemi have formed a lethal partnership on the opposite flanks, with Sebastien Haller acting as their target man in the middle.
BVB are rich in attacking talent, which is a great problem to have if you’re head coach Edin Terzic. When either one of Malen, Adeyemi, or Haller is underperforming, he can call on the likes of Gio Reyna, Youssoufa Moukoko, Anthony Modeste, or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
And with Jude Bellingham, Julian Brandt, and Marco Reus as their midfield options, BVB are regulars in the Bundesliga 2023 highlights reel.
But the backline is what’s concerning for BVB since centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck (thigh) and full-back Thomas Meunier (groin) remain sidelined. Niklas Sule and Julian Ryerson are going to be slotted into the starting XI as a result.
With four matchdays remaining, BVB must take care of business by trying to win all of their remaining games while hoping that Bayern Munich will slip up too.
VfL Wolfsburg missing key players
Even if they’ve overcome their growing pains, the odds are stacked against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday because they come into this game undermanned.
Wolves’ top centre-back Maxence Lacroix is ruled out for the rest of the campaign because of shoulder surgery, while Lukas Nmecha and Paulo Otavio join him in the treatment room.
But Micky van de Ven is set to return after serving his one-game suspension last week, so he will replace Lacroix at defence. Top scorers Yannick Gerhardt and Jonas Wind, with six goals each, will continue to lead up front for VfL Wolfsburg.
VfL Wolfsburg have lost eight of their last nine meetings with Borussia Dortmund (W1), and they have taken just three points from their last 15 Bundesliga matchups.
The Wolves ended their drought against BVB in their reverse fixture last November when they won 2-0 at home, thanks to goals from Micky van de Ven and Lukas Nmecha. Their previous positive result against the Yellow Wall was a goalless draw back in the 2017-18 season during matchday no. 18.
And Niko Kovac’s men are on a three-game unbeaten run with two wins and one draw.
However, Borussia Dortmund have been the Bundesliga’s best home team this season with 12 wins, one draw, and one loss. BVB haven’t lost a match at home since August 2022 against Werder Bremen.
Borussia Dortmund were installed by the Bundesliga 2023 odds as the big favourites to win this Sunday clash. The hosts were priced at 1.47 to win, while VfL Wolfsburg are at 5.20, and a draw is at 4.40 in the 1X2 market.
While Borussia Dortmund have had their inconsistencies lately, they are still a superior team to that of VfL Wolfsburg, so they should be able to pick up all three points at home this weekend. Once they have a fast start, BVB are guaranteed to pick up points, and that has often been the case this past month. So, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 at 2.03 is the best bet on offer.
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Surprises Aplenty in Bundesliga as Top Four and Relegation Battle Hot Up
When Argentine World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister scored a 99th minute penalty for Brighton on Thursday night, my thought was that must be the latest penalty winner we will see all season.
My forecast lasted just 24 hours.
For then an even more dramatic goal arrived and one which could prove crucial in the Bundesliga.
90 +12 was the time when Maris Bulter converted from 12 yards to give Schalke a last-gasp 3-2 win at Mainz to lift them out of the drop zone and a massive confidence boost.
It was a second successive win for Thomas Reis’ men.
His appointment at the end of October brought improved perseverance for the team, which was never more evident than when they twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Friday night’s clash with Mainz appeared also destined for a draw when they were twice pegged back after taking the lead, but Bulter held his nerve deep into stoppage time to netted from the spot.
Schalke 04’s Marius Bulter celebrates scoring their fourth goal vs Hertha Berlin
Their main concern now is that just one of their remaining three games are at home, with all three of them against teams pushing for Europe and the title.
It is in their hands though!
Fellow strugglers Hoffenheim also caused a surprise as a masterful first half display saw off Eintracht Frankfurt.
Christoph Baumgartner opened the scoring after just eight minutes and Andrej Kramaric and Ihlas Bebou then got in on the act at the end of an eventful half. Stanley Nsoki’s red card soon after the restart gave Frankfurt hope, with Mario Gotze duly reducing the arrears.
Yet Oliver Baumann kept Randal Kolo Muani and Rafael Borre at bay to seal the points for the 10-man hosts and leave Frankfurt, last season’s Europa League winners, five points adrift of the top six and the European spots.
There was more drama, and more Bundesliga highlights, in the Rhine Derby.
Bayer Leverkusen may well have had one eye on their forthcoming Europa League semi-final against Roma but that should not detract from
Unbeaten in 14 competitive matches at kick-off, Leverkusen enjoyed the better start and were very much on top when the visitors took a surprise lead as Selke ghosted into space behind Jonathan Tah to guide Florian Kainz’s cross into the net.
Unfazed, Xabi Alonso’s side continued on the front foot and equalised just before the half-hour mark when Amine Adli swept in Moussa Diaby’s pass to complete a lightning-fast counter-attack.
Parity did not last long, though, as Selke doubled his tally as he got ahead of a marker to covert a right-wing cross from Jan Thielmann.
The race for the top four is also heating up and is closer than ever after the weekend action.
Relegation-threatened Augsburg pulled off a fine success over Union Berlin after Dion Beljo scored the only goal of the game seven minutes after the restart.
Union do stay in the top four on goal difference, however, after Leipzig leapfrogged them and the fine achievers of Freiburg with a win over the latter.
Again it was tight, again there was just one goal in it.
This time it was substitute Kevin Kampl who broke the deadlock 17 minutes from time.
There was a stroke of fortune as his pass was intercepted and bounced back into his path before he showed great composure to lob goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
The Slovenia international went almost three years without a Bundesliga goal, but now has two in three weeks!
In a rematch of last season’s German Cup Final, and following Leipzig’s 5-1 thrashing of the same team in the cup semi-finals in midweek, how Freiburg (who knocked out Bayern Munich in the previous round) must be sick of the sight of the Red Bulls.
Second half goals from Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane saw Bayern beat Werder Bremen to move four points clear at the top of the standings.
Gnabry finished past Werder goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka from close range following a Jamal Musiala ball.
Noussair Mazraoui then set up Sane who slotted into the far corner.
Although Niklas Schmidt scored a late consolation for Werder, firing a long-range strike into the top corner, victory sees Bayern secure Champions League qualification with three games to spare.
Second place Dortmund can close the gap at the top to a point on Sunday.
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Bundesliga: Bayern Set to Face a Desperate Schalke
Bayern Munich vs Schalke
League leaders FC Bayern host 15th placed FC Schalke 04 in a vitally important clash for both Bundesliga teams, and one which can help to shape the outcomes at both ends of the table.
This title race is now a two-way fight according to the latest Bundesliga 2023 betting oddswith FC Bayern priced at 1.26 and Borussia Dortmund, one point behind with three games to play, right in there at 3.65.
RB Leipzig can still mathematically do it, but eight points adrift we need to see a freakish set of Bundesliga 2023 resultsto see the title land in Leipzig.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the table, Schalke 04 are in the last safe place, two points ahead of VfB Stuttgart and VfL Bochum, and two behind TSG Hoffenheim.
A point would be a fantastic boost for the visitors, while anything other than a victory could be disastrous for FC Bayern.
BVB have a home game against Borussia Monchengladbach and, having just spanked Wolfsburg 6-0, they are in no mood to give up the chase.
Talking Points
Tuchel can steer Bayern over the line
Munich seemed to go through a period of madness in March when they sacked Julian Nagelsmann, one of the most highly rated coaches in the game.
And then there was unrest in the boardroom and among the squad, where Sadio Mane was suspended after a fight with Leroy Sane in the aftermath of Champions League defeat to Manchester City.
In steps, Thomas Tuchel to try to restore some order and, with three games remaining the title is in the Bavarians’ hands. Tuchel had been on Bayern’s radar for some time.
His tactical awareness, along with his innovative coaching and clear reading of the game gives his team every chance of winning all three matches against Schalke, RB Leipzig, and Koln. He has raised the game of some players already, notably wing-back Benjamin Pavard, who is super dependable in defence and creative in attack.
But while the team has scored the most goals in the Bundesliga, the Bavarians will be on the hunt for a striker in the summer. CEO Oliver Kahn recently revealed how hard the club tried to sign Erling Haaland in 2022 and, since the departure of Robert Lewandowski they are without a 25-plus goals man.
Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry are top scoring with 11 each, with Gnabry netting in Bayern’s 2-1 win away to Bremen. Bayern do have firepower with the goals spread around and sometimes that can be harder to defend against than a prolific marksman.
Promoted as champions from Bundesliga 2 Schalke, Die Knappen came into the campaign with financial concerns and an outflow of players. And after a series of humiliating defeats, head coach Frank Kramer was sacked to be replaced by Thomas Reis.
The new boss set about organising the team from the back and, while his first game ended in a 2-0 loss to Freiburg, Schalke’s seventh defeat in a row, the signs were already there.
Schalke went into the World Cup break bottom with only nine points, but they started the second half of the campaign in dogged form, playing out four 0-0 draws in succession – a Bundesliga record.
Now with 31 points and three games to play, Die Knappen have a real chance of survival. They come into the match on the back of two wins, both with late, late goals and that’s a knack which is so valuable for a battling team.
Last week, they picked up a 3-2 win away to Mainz as Marius Butler converted a penalty in the 102nd minute. The 30-year-old striker is one of the players who stayed at Schalke following promotion and he’s top scoring with 11 goals.
The previous week, Schalke trailed Werder Bremen from the 18th minute but fought back through Sepp van den Berg on 81 minutes before Dominick Drexler fired home a 92nd minute winner.
This team doesn’t know when it’s beaten.
History
Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry celebrates scoring vs Schalke 04 last November 2022
With 42 wins to 12 and a 2-0 victory in the return match, as Gnabry and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were on target, FC Bayern were well ahead in their encounters with Die Knappen.
Schalke’s recent form has been good enough to pull them away from trouble with three wins and three draws from the last six outings, while Bayern’s two wins, two draws, and two defeats is a little sub standard for the Bavarians.
But Bayern are unbeaten at home this campaign with 10 wins and five draws and they are unbeaten against Schalke in the last 11 meetings.
Bayern are at a price of 1.88 with the -2.50 handicap, but I think it will be difficult to beat Schalke by more than two goals.I do believe the hosts should triumph though, and for a correct score line, 3-1 is atSBOTOP odds of 9.26 while 4-2 is at 38.44.
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Bundesliga: BVB are Almost There But Gladbach are in Their Way
Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Monchengladbach
Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich continue to go back and forth in this season’s Bundesliga title race. And with only three matchdays left, every game is a must-win.
Both teams are in no mood to give up the chase, and they won in their previous assignments, as the Bavarian giants defeated Werder Bremen 2-1, while BVB got a timely win against VfL Wolfsburg with a 6-0 scoreline.
Bayern Munich, who currently lead by a single point in the standings, are set to take on Schalke at home on Friday, while Borussia Dortmund host Borussia Monchengladbach at Signal Iduna Park the day after.
Without further ado, continue reading below for the SBOTOP match preview between these two Borussia teams.
Talking Points
BVB can win it all with Bellingham
There’s significant pressure on BVB to perform because they cannot afford to have anything less than a victory in these final few weeks of the 2022–23 campaign, or else Bayern Munich will be the champions once again.
So, even if two of their three remaining games are to be played at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund must take care of business against three beatable teams (Gladbach, Augsburg, and Mainz).
BVB’s 6-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg was their biggest Bundesliga victory since February 2022, when they beat, you guessed it, Borussia Monchengladbach with the same exact scoreline. They have now won 10 consecutive home games, which is a club record within a single season.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham in action with VfL Wolfsburg’s Maximilian Arnold in Bundesliga
Jude Bellingham and Karim Adeyemi scored twice for the Yellow Wall, while Donyell Malen and Sebastien Haller added one apiece. Bellingham is now the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals, and he has five assists.
Bellingham has so many suitors in the transfer market because of his age and his dominance in midfield, but his availability has sometimes been overlooked. So far this season, the English international has played the most Bundesliga minutes of any BVB player (2,603 minutes and counting).
Leading Borussia Dortmund to their first Bundesliga crown since the 2011-12 season is going to be his biggest achievement, and it’s the perfect parting gift from him as he’s likely to leave for Real Madrid this summer, according to reports.
Gladbach are undermanned up front
The prospects of breaching BVB’s backline, which has conceded just once in their last three games, look bleak as Borussia Monchengladbach are set to miss two of their key forwards.
Marcus Thuram may have already played his final game for the Foals, as he’s sidelined with a strained groin, while strike partner Alassane Plea was given a one-match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card against VfL Bochum.
Thuram has recorded 13 goals and five assists, while Plea has two goals and nine assists.
Thuram and Plea won’t be available this weekend; therefore, Jonas Hofmann and team captain Lars Stindl will join 23-year-old Frenchman Nathan Ngoumou in the final third.
Stindl and Hofmann scored the winning goals against VfL Bochum last Saturday. The two of them have combined for 16 goals and 14 assists this campaign.
History
Borussia Dortmund have won 16 of their last 17 Bundesliga home games against Borussia Monchengladbach (L1), including each of their last nine, which is their longest winning streak at home against any current Bundesliga side. During that stretch, BVB scored 49 goals while conceding only nine.
Borussia Monchengladbach have only won one of their last 15 Bundesliga away games this season (D6, L8), which was a 4-1 result against Hoffenheim in January. Overall, the Foals have picked up just nine of their 39 points this season on the road, the second-lowest in the league.
However, the Foals have had BVB’s number in their recent head-to-heads, with three wins in their last four meetings (L1).
During their reverse fixture in November, Daniel Farke’s side won 4-2, where Jonas Hofmann, Ramy Bensebaini, Marcus Thuram, and Manu Kone netted for Gladbach, while Julian Brandt and Nico Schlotterbeck scored the consolation goals for Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga 2023 odds have Borussia Dortmund as the huge favourites to win this pivotal game because they’ll be playing at home. BVB are at 1.24, while Borussia Monchengladbach are the underdogs at 7.00, and a draw is at 6.40 in the 1X2 market.
But based on their recent meetings, we’re not necessarily confident that this is a sure-win for BVB, although we’re confident that this is going to be another cracker of a match full of Bundesliga 2023 highlights, making Over 3.50 at 1.72 a viable option.
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Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Can Bring it Home This Weekend
Bayern Munich vs RB Leipzig
The back-and-forth between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for this year’s Bundesliga title can come to an end this weekend, and the former will win it all once again if certain things fall into place.
With two matchdays left, Bayern Munich are still on top, leading by one point over Borussia Dortmund. If they win against RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund somehow lose to Augsburg, then the Meisterschale will go back to Bavaria.
But if it’s the other way around, then Borussia Dortmund will have a two-point lead heading into the final week.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will take on an RB Leipzig team that is on a three-game winning streak. The Red Bulls are currently in third place with 60 points, and a win here would be a big step towards confirming their Champions League berth next season.
Talking Points
Bayern’s wing duo can put them over the line
Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane reacts during their Bundesliga match against Schalke 04
Since losing against Mainz in late April, Bayern Munich have been on a winning streak, which surely helped in their repeat bid. In their last three games, they have scored 10 goals while only conceding one.
Serge Gnabry ended his goal drought in their 2-0 win against Hertha Berlin following the Mainz loss, and then he scored once against Werder Bremen and two more in their 6-0 victory over Schalke on Saturday.
Gnabry now leads the team in scoring with 15 goals, and he has seven assists. 13 of his 15 total goals are in the Bundesliga, and he is now joint-third in the league’s Golden Boot race this season.
Another player who deserves a shoutout is his fellow German winger, Leroy Sane. Sane scored his 12th goal of the season against Werder Bremen to become the team’s third-leading scorer.
The improvement in form for both Gnabry and Sane couldn’t have come at a better time, as we’re approaching the latter stages of the 2022-23 season. Head coach Thomas Tuchel can rely on these two to deliver, especially with Sadio Mane falling out of his rotation.
Sadio Mane was supposed to be the ideal replacement for Robert Lewandowski when he joined Bayern Munich. However, things have not gone according to plan for the ex-Liverpool man due to injuries and disciplinary issues, including his dust-up with Sane last month.
Mane is rumoured to leave Bayern Munich this summer after joining them last year, but the team wouldn’t mind selling him, especially with Gnabry and Sane creating Bundesliga 2023 highlights.
One last push for RB Leipzig
The Red Bulls couldn’t care less about the ongoing title battle between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. At this point, they would rather focus on securing their top four spot before turning their attention towards their DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt next month.
Clinching their passage to the Champions League while winning the DFB-Pokal would be the perfect ending to Christopher Nkunku’s RB Leipzig career, as he is set to join Chelsea this summer.
Nkunku is the team’s top scorer with 16 goals, with 13 of those in the Bundesliga, making him the joint-third placer in the Golden Boot race alongside Serge Gnabry and Marcus Thuram.
Against Bayern Munich, Nkunku will be joined up front by Timo Werner, while Emil Forsberg and Dominik Szoboszlai are going to play ancillary roles in the attack.
Bayern Munich have had RB Leipzig’s number, as they’ve only lost once in their 16 competitive games so far (W9, D6), with their last loss being a 2-1 away league game in March 2018. Since then, RB Leipzig have yet to win a game in this fixture, their longest winless streak against any particular side.
The Bavarians have scored at least once in their last 56 home Bundesliga matches, and the last team that stopped them from doing so was the Red Bulls in February 2020 in a goalless draw.
The last meeting between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig ended in a 1-1 draw in January. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting put Bayern Munich ahead in the 37th minute, but Marcel Halstenberg scored the equaliser for RB Leipzig 15 minutes after halftime.
Bayern Munich are the heavy favourites to win this Saturday because they’ll be playing at home. The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds have them winning at 1.51, whereas RB Leipzig are priced at 5.20, and a draw is at 4.10 in the 1X2 market.
A replay of their reverse fixture, Correct Score 1-1, is in the cards with a generous payout of 9.00, but the sure bet here is going for Total Goal 2-3 at 2.27.
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Bundesliga: Title-Chasing BVB Can Pass the Augsburg Test
Augsburg vs Borussia Dortmund
All eyes will be on the game between Augsburg and Borussia Dortmund at the WWK Arena on Sunday, as BVB continue their quest to win a first Bundesliga title in 11 years.
FC Bayern are a point ahead, but the champions face third-placed Red Bull Leipzig on Saturday, and that could be the pivotal match over the last two rounds.
Either way, it looks like the title race is going to the last game of the season and then Dortmund arguably have the easier passage, at home to Mainz while Bayern travel to Cologne.
In fact, if you really fear for Augsburg, then you can get a SBOTOP price of 101.00 on them dropping through the trapdoor. So Borussia fans will hope their opponents are subconsciously planning for the close season.
The hosts come into the game on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Bochum, which would have been a disaster had they been in deeper trouble, while Dortmund slapped Borussia Monchengladbach 5-2, and the visitors will be in the mood for more of the same.
Talking Points
Dortmund hit top form at the right time
Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller celebrates scoring their third goal against Gladbach
Edin Terzic has done a fine job at the helm at the Signal Iduna Park and his team has shown the best form in the league since the turn of the year and, over the past two weeks, they have been simply sensational.
Monchengladbach could have presented a serious challenge to BVB last week, but two goals from Sebastien Haller, and one each from Gio Reyna, Donyell Malen, and Jude Bellingham gave them a 5-2 victory. Haller has scored seven times since his return from cancer treatment and his re-emergence has been a welcome sight for football fans worldwide.
Dortmund had no problem taming the Wolves of Wolfsburg in their previous game, this time scoring six unanswered goals as Karim Adeyemi bagged a brace and Terzic, with no new injuries, has plenty of choice in terms of attacking players.
Bellingham has been a dominant figure just behind the front line, while Reyna has been pushing for a start having put in a series of eye-catching performances from the bench.
He hasn’t started a game since February but Reyna has still provided BVB Bundesliga 2023 highlights since the turn of the year.
The only concern for Die Schwarzgelben is their away form. While BVB are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions, they haven’t won away in six games and now is the time to put that right.
Don’t take Augsburg lightly
They may be almost safe and succumbed to lowly Bochum last week, but Augsburg can be a dangerous customer as high-flying Union Berlin will testify.
Augsburg beat the Champions League chasers in their last home game, as Dion Beljo scored early in the second half. Head coach Enrico Maassen will have his team well-organised to face the big scoring Dortmunders, but he too has some more than useful attacking stars.
Mergim Berisha, with nine goals, and Ermedin Demirovic with eight will lead the hosts’ attack and there could be a role too for Ghanaian striker Kelvin Yeboah.
The 23-year-old climbed off the bench against Bochum and scored his first Bundesliga goal for Augsburg in the 3-2 loss. He’s a lively customer and will surely make an appearance in the hosts are chasing the game.
History
Die Schwarzgelben have dominated the head-to-heads, winning 15 of the last 24 meetings, drawing six, and losing just three.
When the two teams met in January, BVB came out on top of a seven-goal thriller, as Gio Reyna scored the winner with a brilliant volley after the hosts had been pegged back three times.
Dortmund’s young stars were on fire in that game as Bellingham and fellow teenager Jamie Bynoe-Gittens were both on target while Haller made his comeback appearance.
At that point, Terzic’s team were seven points behind Bayern.
In terms of recent form, BVB are much stronger than their hosts with four wins and two draws from the last six games, while Augsburg have won one, drawn two, and lost three in that time.
If you fancy an upset, you can get odds of 5.80 on a home win or 4.74 on a draw, while the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds price an away win at 1.35.
I can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for BVB who will have the added advantage of knowing how Bayern faired in their crunch match at home to Red Bull.
That could be quite a motivator.
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●●●
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By 4-30pm (UK time) on Saturday Borussia Dortmund could be celebrating as the 2023 Bundesliga champions, and all they need to do is to match Bayern Munich’s result.
It sounds simple enough; particularly when Edin Terzic’s side hosts ninth placed Mainz 05, while Thomas Tuchel’s FC Bayern have a difficult visit to Cologne. Mainz have won only once over the past six games while Cologne are upwardly mobile, losing just once in that period. So it looks even better for Die Schwarzgelben; they just need to do their business when Bo Svensson brings Mainz to the Signal Iduna Park.
After a season of chasing the Bavarians the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds are now right behind Die Schwarzgelben at a price of 1.13 to pick up a first title in 11 years, with FC Bayern at 4.70.
Mainz have lost the last four in the league and, when they face the Yellow Wall among a hostile 80,000 crowd in Dortmund, I can’t see them stopping that trend until next season.
Talking Points
BVB’s multiple goal threat
Sebastien Haller in action during Borussia Dortmund’s match against FC Augsburg at WWK Arena
With the finishing line fast approaching Dortmund passed the test against Augsburg last Sunday, winning 3-0 as Sebastien Haller scored a brace and Julian Brandt added an injury time third. Bayern’s clash with Leipzig was the big match of the weekend and it went just as the Dortmund fans would have hoped, certainly after half time. The Bavarians were one up at the break, courtesy of a Serge Gnabry goal but they collapsed in the second half as Red Bull ran out 3-1 winners.
In contrast, Terzic’s men have just got better and better, winning the last three, scoring 13 goals and conceding just twice. Haller has bagged five goals in the three games, two in a 5-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and another in the 6-0 destruction of Wolfsburg. The BVB goal threats are coming from all angles; Jude Bellingham scored twice against Wolfsburg and the in-form Karim Adeyemi also bagged a pair. Following his summer transfer from Red Bull Salzburg Adeyemi struggled to settle but he has been brilliant since the World Cup, scoring six goals and making five assists in 2023, which means he’s been involved in a goal every 64 minutes. He scored a brilliant solo winner in BVB’s Champions League tie with Chelsea and can claim to be faster than Usain Bolt over 30 metres. That kind of pace is frightening for a wing-back and the German international is growing in confidence week on week.
Add into the mix Marco Reus, Donyell Malen and Gio Reyna and this team is never going to be short of goals.
While BVB have exploded into life over the past month their visitors have rather gone to sleep, losing the last four without putting up much of a fight. It’s hard to believe that Svensson’s side beat Bayern Munich 3-1 only a month ago because, since then, they have picked up no points and conceded 13 goals.
The frustrating thing for the Mainz 05 fans it that they are still only five points behind Bayer Leverkusen in sixth, so they had a real chance of European qualification but that has now disappeared without trace. The manner of their defeat last week was particularly galling for the 33,000 who turned up, as Mainz led relegation threatened Stuttgart before folding entirely to lose 4-1, a result which lifted VfB out of the bottom three.
Marcus Ingvartsen scored the hosts’ goal to make it ten for the campaign, but it is difficult to see how he will score against a Dortmund side which has conceded just three goals in five games…and one is unlikely to be enough on Saturday.
History
Dortmund have dominated the head to head Bundesliga 2023 results in this fixture, winning 21 of the last 35 meetings with Mainz, drawing eight and losing six.
BVB won 2-1 in Mainz in January as Reyna scored a late winner which lifted Dortmund up to third in the league table.
And I’m backing them to do the double on Saturday. BVB’s home record of 14 wins, one draw and one defeat is unlikely to be tested by a team which has just been thumped by a relegation candidate.
The SBOTOP odds price Borussia at 1.17 to win with the draw at 7.14 and Mainz at 8.44. Can the visitors get up for this game? I don’t actually think that matters too much because the hosts certainly will be. BVB’s destiny is in their own hands. The alterative to winning could mean an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title for FC Bayern. What more motivation do you need?
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
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= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
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●●●
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By 4-30pm (UK time) on Saturday Borussia Dortmund could be celebrating as the 2023 Bundesliga champions, and all they need to do is to match Bayern Munich’s result.
It sounds simple enough; particularly when Edin Terzic’s side hosts ninth placed Mainz 05, while Thomas Tuchel’s FC Bayern have a difficult visit to Cologne. Mainz have won only once over the past six games while Cologne are upwardly mobile, losing just once in that period. So it looks even better for Die Schwarzgelben; they just need to do their business when Bo Svensson brings Mainz to the Signal Iduna Park.
After a season of chasing the Bavarians the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds are now right behind Die Schwarzgelben at a price of 1.13 to pick up a first title in 11 years, with FC Bayern at 4.70.
Mainz have lost the last four in the league and, when they face the Yellow Wall among a hostile 80,000 crowd in Dortmund, I can’t see them stopping that trend until next season.
Talking Points
BVB’s multiple goal threat
Sebastien Haller in action during Borussia Dortmund’s match against FC Augsburg at WWK Arena
With the finishing line fast approaching Dortmund passed the test against Augsburg last Sunday, winning 3-0 as Sebastien Haller scored a brace and Julian Brandt added an injury time third. Bayern’s clash with Leipzig was the big match of the weekend and it went just as the Dortmund fans would have hoped, certainly after half time. The Bavarians were one up at the break, courtesy of a Serge Gnabry goal but they collapsed in the second half as Red Bull ran out 3-1 winners.
In contrast, Terzic’s men have just got better and better, winning the last three, scoring 13 goals and conceding just twice. Haller has bagged five goals in the three games, two in a 5-2 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and another in the 6-0 destruction of Wolfsburg. The BVB goal threats are coming from all angles; Jude Bellingham scored twice against Wolfsburg and the in-form Karim Adeyemi also bagged a pair. Following his summer transfer from Red Bull Salzburg Adeyemi struggled to settle but he has been brilliant since the World Cup, scoring six goals and making five assists in 2023, which means he’s been involved in a goal every 64 minutes. He scored a brilliant solo winner in BVB’s Champions League tie with Chelsea and can claim to be faster than Usain Bolt over 30 metres. That kind of pace is frightening for a wing-back and the German international is growing in confidence week on week.
Add into the mix Marco Reus, Donyell Malen and Gio Reyna and this team is never going to be short of goals.
While BVB have exploded into life over the past month their visitors have rather gone to sleep, losing the last four without putting up much of a fight. It’s hard to believe that Svensson’s side beat Bayern Munich 3-1 only a month ago because, since then, they have picked up no points and conceded 13 goals.
The frustrating thing for the Mainz 05 fans it that they are still only five points behind Bayer Leverkusen in sixth, so they had a real chance of European qualification but that has now disappeared without trace. The manner of their defeat last week was particularly galling for the 33,000 who turned up, as Mainz led relegation threatened Stuttgart before folding entirely to lose 4-1, a result which lifted VfB out of the bottom three.
Marcus Ingvartsen scored the hosts’ goal to make it ten for the campaign, but it is difficult to see how he will score against a Dortmund side which has conceded just three goals in five games…and one is unlikely to be enough on Saturday.
History
Dortmund have dominated the head to head Bundesliga 2023 results in this fixture, winning 21 of the last 35 meetings with Mainz, drawing eight and losing six.
BVB won 2-1 in Mainz in January as Reyna scored a late winner which lifted Dortmund up to third in the league table.
And I’m backing them to do the double on Saturday. BVB’s home record of 14 wins, one draw and one defeat is unlikely to be tested by a team which has just been thumped by a relegation candidate.
The SBOTOP odds price Borussia at 1.17 to win with the draw at 7.14 and Mainz at 8.44. Can the visitors get up for this game? I don’t actually think that matters too much because the hosts certainly will be. BVB’s destiny is in their own hands. The alterative to winning could mean an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title for FC Bayern. What more motivation do you need?
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
= €10 (CONFIDENT)
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
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The final day of the Bundesliga season and the usual questions were being asked.
Would you need a second screen or even a third and fourth to follow all the action?
Perhaps the title race on the big TV, relegation on the laptop, Champions League spots on the tablet and Europa League places on your phone?
There was the potential for more Bundesliga highlights than you could shake a stick at.
The scenario was simple – Borussia Dortmund knew victory at home to Mainz would mean a first Bundesliga title in 11 years,
That would mean even a Bayern Munich success at Cologne would not be enough to secure an 11th straight title win for the Bavarians.
Union Berlin were in the box seat for the fourth and final Champions League spot (RB Leipzig are in third) and knew they would clinch it with victory at home to Werder Bremen (mission accomplished) – that is, unless Freiburg went goal crazy at Eintracht Frankfurt (they didn’t).
Talking of Leipzig, Schalke’s solitary season back in the top flight would come to an end unless they won there and hoped both Stuttgart and VFL Bochum slipped up.
While Stuttgart could be forgiven for thinking Hoffenheim, now safe from the drop, would ease up, Bochum could hold no such hopes against Bayer Leverkusen, themselves clinging on for the sixth and final Europa League spot with Wolfsburg – at home to rock bottom Hertha Berlin – right on their heels. Amazingly, both lost as Leverkusen hung onto sixth spot.
Kehl was captain of the side which won the title in 2012, then managed by Jurgen Klopp, and the prevailing decade has since seen the club lose many of its leading talents, often directly to their rivals which has dominated German football.
This was too good an opportunity to miss.
Before anyone reminds me, this position was very unexpected to me.
Bayern had not lost at home to Dortmund in the Bundesliga since April 2014 – winning their last nine – and the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds made them firm favourites.
Yet I reckoned without something else.
A collective will and a character which has seen them recover from setbacks.
Dortmund went top following a 10-game unbeaten start to 2023, including nine wins.
When they were comfortably beaten in Munich, they returned to winning ways against then third-placed Union.
They then looked to be heading level on points with Bayern, until surrendering 2-0 and 3-2 leads in a dramatic encounter with relegation-threatened 10-man VfB Stuttgart.
Still though, they have shown a resolve to bounce back and surprise defeats for Bayern, at Mainz and last week at home to Leipzig, has ensured they have taken advantage.
Chasing a 12th successive win at home, Dortmund were also meeting opponents who were, in the words of their own coach, going to enjoy themselves – probably the last thing Bayern wanted to hear.
Bayern Munich players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Bundesliga
This was the moment for Edin Terzic and his men; Dortmund’s day of destiny; and they were not found wanting.
I doubt anyone would have thought this at the start of the season.
This was Dortmund post Erling Haaland, the Norwegian whose goals (62 in 67 league games] were not even enough to fire them to title success.
This was Dortmund who started the campaign with his replacement, Sebastien Haller, being diagnosed with testicular cancer in July.
That he has managed to return to professional football is a truly wonderful story in itself.
That he has returned following six months of surgeries and chemotherapy and has contributed seven goals in his past nine games for the club is the stuff of dreams which needed a dream ending.
It didn’t get it.
Dortmund has won their last 11 Bundesliga games at home but when they needed a 12th to equal their club-record run, they were found wanting.
2-0 down after 24 minutes and with a missed penalty to boot, they showed character to claw back and drew level courtesy of Nicklas Sule’s 96th minute strike.
Yet an 89th minute winner from Jamal Musiala gave Bayern victory at Cologne and goal difference did the rest.
Moments later, Bayern partied like there was no tomorrow; like the serial champions they are.
Meanwhile, Dortmund players slumped to the turf as they became the first team since 2000 to lead the table at the start of the final day but not enjoy the ultimate success.
Scarcely believable and a moment this club could take years to get over.
Bayern are champions again!
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CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Bundesliga 2023 is drawing to a close folks and, as the tears flow in Dortmund following BVB’s heartbreaking fall at the final hurdle, the celebrations are underway in Munich once again.
Bayern Munich won a record 11th consecutive title against the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds because Borussia Dortmund choked in front of their own fans, as they failed to beat Mainz, who arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Bayern did the business in Cologne, with Jamal Musiala winning the title in the 89th minute.
It was an incredible climax to a fantastic campaign in which some newer names emerged as heroes alongside the biggest stars. The departure of Robert Lewandowski to Spain and Erling Haaland to England left an opportunity for some lesser known players to make their names in pursuit of the Golden Boot.
So, in the aftermath of triumph in Munich and disaster in Dortmund, the SBOTOP team has taken a look at some of the players who have had a better campaign than they dared to hope for.
Niclas Fullkrug – Werder Bremen
In Werder Bremen’s first campaign back in the top-flight, they have secured survival narrowly and will play among the elite again next term. And they owe much of their success to experienced striker Niclas Fullkrug.
The 30-year-old forward scored 19 goals in 2021/22 to lead Werder to promotion and he’s taken the step up to the top-flight impressively.
With one week to go, he is joint top of the Bundesliga scoring charts alongside RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku on 16 goals, and his exploits this season earned him international recognition at the Qatar World Cup as the oldest player to make his Germany debut in 20 years.
Fullkrug scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Spain, and he has bagged six goals in six internationals. At 6’2”, he is a natural alternative to Bayern’s Thomas Muller and the Werder man fully deserves his late recognition.
Vincenzo Grifo – SC Freiburg
Union Berlin’s Christopher Trimmel in action with SC Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo during a Bundesliga game
With 15 goals to his name, Freiburg’s striker Vincenzo Grifo is still in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot, and he too has won international recognition with Italy.
And like Fullkrug, he’s 30 years of age. An intelligent, creative midfielder, Grifo has played at Hoffenheim and with Borussia Monchengladbach, but he is at his happiest in Freiburg.
A free-kick expert, he has also scored four goals in nine appearances for the Azzurri, and he has consistently top scored for Freiburg. But this is his best season to date, and he is now the highest-scoring Italian in Bundesliga history, surpassing Luca Toni’s 38 goals for Bayern Munich.
SC Freiburg missed out on a top four place, recently slipping up in a match with RB Leipzig. But they have qualified for the Europa League, and Grifo is ready to shine again on the European stage.
Sheraldo Becker – Union Berlin
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories has been the performance of Union Berlin and the club’s Champions League qualification, finishing the season above Freiburg in fourth place.
And with 11 goals and seven assists, winger Sheraldo Becker has had a fine campaign. The Suriname star signed for Union Berlin in 2019 when they reached the Bundesliga and now, aged 28, he is in the prime of his career.
Becker made an explosive start to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring four goals and making two assists in four matches in August, winning him the Bundesliga Player of the Month award. That set the tone for his and Berlin’s season and, as the wins kept on coming, his pace, vision, and delivery attracted the attention of teams around Europe.
Becker was linked with a January move to Everton, but he stayed loyal to Union and has been rewarded with Champions League football.
He was involved in three of Die Eisernen’s goals in a crucial 4-1 win over Freiburg on matchday 33, and that confirmed Becker’s status as a fan-favourite in Berlin.
2021 new boys Bochum have survived again by finishing in 14th place, and they owe much of their successful campaign to experienced keeper Manuel Riemann. Even though his team conceded more than any other (72), the Bochum stopper has saved 134 shots, more than any other Bundesliga keeper.
As the club’s vice captain and a stalwart at Bochum since 2015 and at 34 years of age, he has a few seasons left in him, and he finished this campaign with a clean sheet as Der Blau secured their safety with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Bundesliga 2023 is drawing to a close folks and, as the tears flow in Dortmund following BVB’s heartbreaking fall at the final hurdle, the celebrations are underway in Munich once again.
Bayern Munich won a record 11th consecutive title against the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds because Borussia Dortmund choked in front of their own fans, as they failed to beat Mainz, who arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Bayern did the business in Cologne, with Jamal Musiala winning the title in the 89th minute.
It was an incredible climax to a fantastic campaign in which some newer names emerged as heroes alongside the biggest stars. The departure of Robert Lewandowski to Spain and Erling Haaland to England left an opportunity for some lesser known players to make their names in pursuit of the Golden Boot.
So, in the aftermath of triumph in Munich and disaster in Dortmund, the SBOTOP team has taken a look at some of the players who have had a better campaign than they dared to hope for.
Niclas Fullkrug – Werder Bremen
In Werder Bremen’s first campaign back in the top-flight, they have secured survival narrowly and will play among the elite again next term. And they owe much of their success to experienced striker Niclas Fullkrug.
The 30-year-old forward scored 19 goals in 2021/22 to lead Werder to promotion and he’s taken the step up to the top-flight impressively.
With one week to go, he is joint top of the Bundesliga scoring charts alongside RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku on 16 goals, and his exploits this season earned him international recognition at the Qatar World Cup as the oldest player to make his Germany debut in 20 years.
Fullkrug scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Spain, and he has bagged six goals in six internationals. At 6’2”, he is a natural alternative to Bayern’s Thomas Muller and the Werder man fully deserves his late recognition.
Vincenzo Grifo – SC Freiburg
Union Berlin’s Christopher Trimmel in action with SC Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo during a Bundesliga game
With 15 goals to his name, Freiburg’s striker Vincenzo Grifo is still in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot, and he too has won international recognition with Italy.
And like Fullkrug, he’s 30 years of age. An intelligent, creative midfielder, Grifo has played at Hoffenheim and with Borussia Monchengladbach, but he is at his happiest in Freiburg.
A free-kick expert, he has also scored four goals in nine appearances for the Azzurri, and he has consistently top scored for Freiburg. But this is his best season to date, and he is now the highest-scoring Italian in Bundesliga history, surpassing Luca Toni’s 38 goals for Bayern Munich.
SC Freiburg missed out on a top four place, recently slipping up in a match with RB Leipzig. But they have qualified for the Europa League, and Grifo is ready to shine again on the European stage.
Sheraldo Becker – Union Berlin
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories has been the performance of Union Berlin and the club’s Champions League qualification, finishing the season above Freiburg in fourth place.
And with 11 goals and seven assists, winger Sheraldo Becker has had a fine campaign. The Suriname star signed for Union Berlin in 2019 when they reached the Bundesliga and now, aged 28, he is in the prime of his career.
Becker made an explosive start to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring four goals and making two assists in four matches in August, winning him the Bundesliga Player of the Month award. That set the tone for his and Berlin’s season and, as the wins kept on coming, his pace, vision, and delivery attracted the attention of teams around Europe.
Becker was linked with a January move to Everton, but he stayed loyal to Union and has been rewarded with Champions League football.
He was involved in three of Die Eisernen’s goals in a crucial 4-1 win over Freiburg on matchday 33, and that confirmed Becker’s status as a fan-favourite in Berlin.
2021 new boys Bochum have survived again by finishing in 14th place, and they owe much of their successful campaign to experienced keeper Manuel Riemann. Even though his team conceded more than any other (72), the Bochum stopper has saved 134 shots, more than any other Bundesliga keeper.
As the club’s vice captain and a stalwart at Bochum since 2015 and at 34 years of age, he has a few seasons left in him, and he finished this campaign with a clean sheet as Der Blau secured their safety with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
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CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Bundesliga: Now That was a Good Season for These Standouts
Bundesliga 2023 is drawing to a close folks and, as the tears flow in Dortmund following BVB’s heartbreaking fall at the final hurdle, the celebrations are underway in Munich once again.
Bayern Munich won a record 11th consecutive title against the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds because Borussia Dortmund choked in front of their own fans, as they failed to beat Mainz, who arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Bayern did the business in Cologne, with Jamal Musiala winning the title in the 89th minute.
It was an incredible climax to a fantastic campaign in which some newer names emerged as heroes alongside the biggest stars. The departure of Robert Lewandowski to Spain and Erling Haaland to England left an opportunity for some lesser known players to make their names in pursuit of the Golden Boot.
So, in the aftermath of triumph in Munich and disaster in Dortmund, the SBOTOP team has taken a look at some of the players who have had a better campaign than they dared to hope for.
Niclas Fullkrug – Werder Bremen
In Werder Bremen’s first campaign back in the top-flight, they have secured survival narrowly and will play among the elite again next term. And they owe much of their success to experienced striker Niclas Fullkrug.
The 30-year-old forward scored 19 goals in 2021/22 to lead Werder to promotion and he’s taken the step up to the top-flight impressively.
With one week to go, he is joint top of the Bundesliga scoring charts alongside RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku on 16 goals, and his exploits this season earned him international recognition at the Qatar World Cup as the oldest player to make his Germany debut in 20 years.
Fullkrug scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Spain, and he has bagged six goals in six internationals. At 6’2”, he is a natural alternative to Bayern’s Thomas Muller and the Werder man fully deserves his late recognition.
Vincenzo Grifo – SC Freiburg
Union Berlin’s Christopher Trimmel in action with SC Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo during a Bundesliga game
With 15 goals to his name, Freiburg’s striker Vincenzo Grifo is still in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot, and he too has won international recognition with Italy.
And like Fullkrug, he’s 30 years of age. An intelligent, creative midfielder, Grifo has played at Hoffenheim and with Borussia Monchengladbach, but he is at his happiest in Freiburg.
A free-kick expert, he has also scored four goals in nine appearances for the Azzurri, and he has consistently top scored for Freiburg. But this is his best season to date, and he is now the highest-scoring Italian in Bundesliga history, surpassing Luca Toni’s 38 goals for Bayern Munich.
SC Freiburg missed out on a top four place, recently slipping up in a match with RB Leipzig. But they have qualified for the Europa League, and Grifo is ready to shine again on the European stage.
Sheraldo Becker – Union Berlin
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories has been the performance of Union Berlin and the club’s Champions League qualification, finishing the season above Freiburg in fourth place.
And with 11 goals and seven assists, winger Sheraldo Becker has had a fine campaign. The Suriname star signed for Union Berlin in 2019 when they reached the Bundesliga and now, aged 28, he is in the prime of his career.
Becker made an explosive start to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring four goals and making two assists in four matches in August, winning him the Bundesliga Player of the Month award. That set the tone for his and Berlin’s season and, as the wins kept on coming, his pace, vision, and delivery attracted the attention of teams around Europe.
Becker was linked with a January move to Everton, but he stayed loyal to Union and has been rewarded with Champions League football.
He was involved in three of Die Eisernen’s goals in a crucial 4-1 win over Freiburg on matchday 33, and that confirmed Becker’s status as a fan-favourite in Berlin.
2021 new boys Bochum have survived again by finishing in 14th place, and they owe much of their successful campaign to experienced keeper Manuel Riemann. Even though his team conceded more than any other (72), the Bochum stopper has saved 134 shots, more than any other Bundesliga keeper.
As the club’s vice captain and a stalwart at Bochum since 2015 and at 34 years of age, he has a few seasons left in him, and he finished this campaign with a clean sheet as Der Blau secured their safety with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Bundesliga 2023 is drawing to a close folks and, as the tears flow in Dortmund following BVB’s heartbreaking fall at the final hurdle, the celebrations are underway in Munich once again.
Bayern Munich won a record 11th consecutive title against the Bundesliga 2023 betting odds because Borussia Dortmund choked in front of their own fans, as they failed to beat Mainz, who arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats. Meanwhile, Bayern did the business in Cologne, with Jamal Musiala winning the title in the 89th minute.
It was an incredible climax to a fantastic campaign in which some newer names emerged as heroes alongside the biggest stars. The departure of Robert Lewandowski to Spain and Erling Haaland to England left an opportunity for some lesser known players to make their names in pursuit of the Golden Boot.
So, in the aftermath of triumph in Munich and disaster in Dortmund, the SBOTOP team has taken a look at some of the players who have had a better campaign than they dared to hope for.
Niclas Fullkrug – Werder Bremen
In Werder Bremen’s first campaign back in the top-flight, they have secured survival narrowly and will play among the elite again next term. And they owe much of their success to experienced striker Niclas Fullkrug.
The 30-year-old forward scored 19 goals in 2021/22 to lead Werder to promotion and he’s taken the step up to the top-flight impressively.
With one week to go, he is joint top of the Bundesliga scoring charts alongside RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku on 16 goals, and his exploits this season earned him international recognition at the Qatar World Cup as the oldest player to make his Germany debut in 20 years.
Fullkrug scored a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Spain, and he has bagged six goals in six internationals. At 6’2”, he is a natural alternative to Bayern’s Thomas Muller and the Werder man fully deserves his late recognition.
Vincenzo Grifo – SC Freiburg
Union Berlin’s Christopher Trimmel in action with SC Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo during a Bundesliga game
With 15 goals to his name, Freiburg’s striker Vincenzo Grifo is still in with a shout of winning the Golden Boot, and he too has won international recognition with Italy.
And like Fullkrug, he’s 30 years of age. An intelligent, creative midfielder, Grifo has played at Hoffenheim and with Borussia Monchengladbach, but he is at his happiest in Freiburg.
A free-kick expert, he has also scored four goals in nine appearances for the Azzurri, and he has consistently top scored for Freiburg. But this is his best season to date, and he is now the highest-scoring Italian in Bundesliga history, surpassing Luca Toni’s 38 goals for Bayern Munich.
SC Freiburg missed out on a top four place, recently slipping up in a match with RB Leipzig. But they have qualified for the Europa League, and Grifo is ready to shine again on the European stage.
Sheraldo Becker – Union Berlin
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories has been the performance of Union Berlin and the club’s Champions League qualification, finishing the season above Freiburg in fourth place.
And with 11 goals and seven assists, winger Sheraldo Becker has had a fine campaign. The Suriname star signed for Union Berlin in 2019 when they reached the Bundesliga and now, aged 28, he is in the prime of his career.
Becker made an explosive start to the 2022/23 campaign, scoring four goals and making two assists in four matches in August, winning him the Bundesliga Player of the Month award. That set the tone for his and Berlin’s season and, as the wins kept on coming, his pace, vision, and delivery attracted the attention of teams around Europe.
Becker was linked with a January move to Everton, but he stayed loyal to Union and has been rewarded with Champions League football.
He was involved in three of Die Eisernen’s goals in a crucial 4-1 win over Freiburg on matchday 33, and that confirmed Becker’s status as a fan-favourite in Berlin.
2021 new boys Bochum have survived again by finishing in 14th place, and they owe much of their successful campaign to experienced keeper Manuel Riemann. Even though his team conceded more than any other (72), the Bochum stopper has saved 134 shots, more than any other Bundesliga keeper.
As the club’s vice captain and a stalwart at Bochum since 2015 and at 34 years of age, he has a few seasons left in him, and he finished this campaign with a clean sheet as Der Blau secured their safety with a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
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Bayern Munich recently captured their 11thBundesliga title in a row following Borussia Dortmund’s choke job in the final matchday. But even if they’re back on the mountaintop once again, expect the Bavarians to make key changes this summer.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will have to reinforce their squad in the upcoming transfer window and get rid of the dead weight that they currently have to contend for bigger titles other than the Bundesliga.
Other teams like Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig will also need to strengthen if they have plans to finally dethrone Bayern Munich next season.
However, the Bundesliga 2023 odds think that it’s unlikely, especially if they don’t find a way to get rid of or improve their underwhelming players this year.
Without further ado, read on below as SBOTOP lists some of the biggest busts in the 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign.
Sadio Mane – Bayern Munich
Sadio Mane’s debut campaign at Bayern was blighted by injuries to start, and his bust-up with Leroy Sane certainly did him no favours. That was probably the last straw for Thomas Tuchel and co., as Mane has only made six appearances and was discarded further for the decisive matches in their Bundesliga title run.
Mane didn’t even get to play during their title-clinching victory over Koln, as Tuchel installed winger Gnabry at the No. 9. And most recently, there have been reports suggesting that he might be sold this summer.
In his first season in Bavaria, Mane recorded 10 goals and six assists. That is a decent return for many, but not the type you expect for someone who should be taking over as the team’s leading centre-forward.
Joao Cancelo – Bayern Munich
It’s likely that Bayern Munich will not trigger their option to buy Joao Cancelo at the end of his loan spell from Manchester City because paying at least £60 million for someone to warm the bench is never a great idea.
Joao Cancelo and teammates look dejected after Bayern Munich’s 3-1 loss to RB Leipzig
After being frozen out of Pep Guardiola’s rotation, Cancelo joined Bayern Munich on loan in January. He made an instant impact at Bayern Munich when he recorded an assist in his first game there, but the good run of form didn’t last long for the Portuguese full-back.
Cancelo then saw his minutes dwindle when Thomas Tuchel joined the team in April, as he had no place in the coach’s 3-1-4-2 formation.
Since Bayern Munich are fairly stacked in the full-back positions, it would be a surprise if they bought Cancelo from Manchester City. The only way we can see Cancelo back is if they somehow lose either Lucas Hernandez or Benjamin Pavard this summer.
However, the 35-year-old was unable to make a significant impact at Dortmund, scoring just two goals in 26 appearances across all competitions this season. His only memorable goal was his last-minute equaliser against Bayern Munich last October, which is part of the Bundesliga 2023 highlights reel.
Now that he’s behind Sebastien Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko in the pecking order for strikers at Borussia Dortmund, Modeste will certainly seek regular game time elsewhere, and going to Saudi Arabia might be his best bet.
It wasn’t too long ago when Patrik Schick was one of the hottest names in the transfer market, as he was fresh from a prolific 2021-22 campaign where he had 24 goals and three assists in 27 Bundesliga games.
But since then, his form has tailed off, as he has been mostly sidelined due to a myriad of injuries this season.
The Czech striker has been battling a groin injury for months now, although that didn’t stop Bayer Leverkusen from qualifying for Europe this year.
If manager Xabi Alonso has Schick back at 100-per cent soon, Bayer Leverkusen can dream of bigger things next season.
Yussuf Poulsen – RB Leipzig
The 2022-23 campaign is the one to forget for Yussuf Poulsen because it’s his least productive season at RB Leipzig, with two goals and one assist.
Injuries certainly didn’t help Poulsen, as he was in and out of the squad. With the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner scoring double-digit goals, Poulsen fully lost his place in the rotation. Similar to Patrik Schick, Poulsen should work his way back to full fitness next season, as RB Leipzig will have to rely more on him for goals now that Christopher Nkunku is set to leave the club this summer for Chelsea.
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That was the climax but there were plenty of Bundesliga highlights, not just last Saturday but throughout the campaign.
As a result, it was certainly not a straightforward choice for inclusion in my team of the season, but here goes:
Gregor Kobel – Borussia Dortmund
The Swiss shot stopper has had a fine season on the whole and has been a safe pair of hands as the last line of a defence which had a number of standout performers. If Dortmund’s title bid had been successful, no-one would have begrudged him.
Jeremie Frimpong – Bayer Leverkusen
The lightning-fast Dutchman may nominally be a right-back but, in reality, he was here, there and everywhere. That is what I read earlier this week and it is so true.
In fact, he has the stats to prove it, having a direct hand in 15 league goals this season, including eight of his own. He was also a key figure in their run to the Europa League semi-finals.
Raphael Guerreiro– Borussia Dortmund
In his final season at the club, Guerreiro truly delivered.
He topped the divisional assist charts with 12 – plus four goals – from what was originally left-back but also converted into a central midfield rolw. After seven years at the club, he will be missed when he heads to pastures new, possibly Atletico Madrid.
Winning 66 percent of his challenges across the season, the Dortmund defender has officially been the best tackler of the Bundesliga this term. With his determined character and relentless playing style, he has quickly earned a place in the hearts of BVB fans, also making an impact at the other end with four goals and four assists apiece.
Dominik Szoboszlai – RB Leipzig
One of the best talents to come out of Hungary for some time as far as I am aware.
The young Hungarian winger was directly involved in 14 league goals this season, registering eight assists, to help Leipzig claim third place.
Jude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
Going into the final day of the season, the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds suggested he would end as a title winner.
Not so, but it could well have been different if injury had not ruled him out of the last-day clash.
The newly crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season, it is hard to forget here is a player who is aged just 19, yet possesses leadership skills beyond his years.
He started all but three of his team’s 34 Bundesliga fixtures and was even trusted with the captain’s armband on two occasions.
German football’s leading youngster delivered an impressive 12 goals and 10 assists and was voted Bayern’s player of the month four times alone in the first half of the season. He saved his best until last, of course, netting what turned out to be the Bundesliga clincher.
Moussa Diaby – Bayer Leverkusen
His link up with Frimpong was one of the reasons behind Leverkusen’s progress under the management of Xabi Alonso. Nine goals and eight assists made him a natural fit into my selection.
Randal Kolo Muani – Eintracht Frankfurt
Randal Kolo Muani during Eintracht Frankfurt’s DFB-Pokal match against VfB Stuttgart
The ferocious Frankfurt forward has excelled domestically and on the wider stage.
Cast your mind back to little over five months ago and you may recall only a strong save prevented him from scoring the winning goal in a World Cup Final.
Fifteen goals and 11 assists all told meant the French striker was the most prolific player in the division for a team that reached the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first ever time. He could yet cap off a superb season by winning the German Cup as Frankfurt meet Leipzig this weekend.
Niclas Fullkrug – Werder Bremen
The league’s joint top goalscorer as he became the fifth Bremen player to be crowned the Bundesliga’s leading marksman after Rudi Völler (1983), Mario Basler (1995), Ailton (2004) and Miroslav Klose (2006).
That he achieved that feat while playing in a team at the bottom end of the table adds weight to his achievements.
A player whose statistics caught my eye a year ago and the only surviving member of my Bundesliga XI from last season. Nkunku shared the top scorer accolade with Fullkrug and probably would have been out on his own but for a pre-World Cup injury. That meant he only made 25 league appearances over the course of the season, although the France international was not to be denied a share of the Torjägerkanone.
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Certainly, I am not expecting them to recover sufficiently to go as close again next term – I suspect the Bundesliga betting odds will concur in due course.
In addition, two weeks on from the misery they experienced on the final day of the domestic season – being pipped to the title on goal difference by habitual rivals Bayern Munich – they are already being weakened ahead of the next campaign, just as the Bavarians are strengthening.
Déjà vu?
Too true it is. And after a decade of losing their best players – many directly to Bayern – it begs the question, just how much hurt will the boys from the Westfalenstadion have to endure?
Well, saying farewell to German footballer of the year, the talented teenager who created so many of their Bundesliga highlights last term, was no surprise.
His pending arrival at Real Madrid – albeit for a fee which will allow them to invest in quality players – will leave a hole at Dortmund at the same time as Bayern have added to their armoury.
RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer in action against SC Freiburg during their DFB-Pokal match
For in Konrad Laimer, they have snapped up, on a free transfer, an established Bundesliga defensive midfielder from RB Leipzig.
He made 190 appearances for the club after moving from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017 and his departure is also a blow to Leipzig, who finished just five points behind the top two in the league this term.
It hasn’t all been negative for Dortmund, believe it or not.
They have managed to sign the Algerian Ramy Bensebaini from Borussia Monchengladbach, a defender Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl describes as ‘a player in his prime’.
Elsewhere, other clubs have laid down early markers to strengthen their own squads.
Naby Keita is returning to Germany after his five years at Liverpool was hampered by injuries and he has penned a three-year deal with Werder Bremen – a move which could prove one of the deals of the summer if he can stay fit.
On the final day of the season Bremen were beaten by a late goal at Union Berlin which meant the club from the capital has qualified for the Champions League for the first time.
They have strengthened also by agreeing a £6.4 million deal for FC Porto defender Diogo Leite, the centre-back making a permanent move following 28 league appearances on loan.
Another defender, Alex Grimaldo, is also leaving Portugal for Germany and checking in at Bayer Leverkusen, as Xabi Alonso continues his quiet influence at Die Werkself, who acted quickly for the in-demand free agent who was developed by Barcelona as a youngster.
There is much more to come, of course, and the recruits made by newly promoted Darmstadt and Bundesliga debutants Heidenheim are sure to attract great interest too.
The season may now officially be over but Bundesliga interest never breaks for long. PS – The fixture list for next season will be released on June 30!
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Bundesliga: How Will Dortmund Line Up Next Season?
The 2022/23 season almost, almost, delivered the Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund, but a severe case of choking on the final day meant Die Schwarzgelben’s wait goes on.
They last won the German title in 2012, since when they have been runners up to FC Bayern on seven occasions. The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds heavily favoured Dortmund to break the sequence but the Bavarians snatched the 2023 title from BVB’s grip with a 2-1 win away to Cologne on the final day. Even that wouldn’t have been enough had Edin Terzic’s side managed to beat Mainz in their last game, but they drew 2-2 as Niklas Sule scored an equaliser on 96 minutes, leaving only 60 seconds for Dortmund to get a priceless winner.
So they weren’t far away from glory and many of the players who excelled last season will remain for the oncoming campaign; but there will be some tweaks with some big names leaving and, quite possibly, a high profile incoming.
Unless Terzic makes a move for an established defender, I expect the back five to come from his current squad, with keeper Gregor Kobel still with three years left on his contract and an impressive campaign behind him. In front of him, Niklas Sule improved throughout the season and partnered 34 year old Mats Hummels in the latter stages. 23-year-old centre back Nico Schlotterbeck came with a big reputation following his switch from SC Freiburg but he suffered from inconsistency at times, but another year under his belt should see him iron the mistakes out.
The experienced Nico Schulz will be the first choice at left back, while Norwegian right back Julian Ryerson made that position his own after his January transfer from Union Berlin.
Terzic is making room in his squad, particularly in midfield where Jude Belllingham has already gone and he will be joined through the exit door by Mahmoud Dahoud and Raphael Guerreiro. And 20 year old winger Giovanni Reyna is up for sale after an injury plagued campaign and BVB will entertain offers of around 20m Euros for the USA star.
Die Schwarzgelben have been linked with a number of midfielders, the biggest name being that of Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan who is out of contract this summer. The midfielder was a popular player at the Signal Iduna Park before he moved to the Etihad in 2016, where he has scored 44 goals in 188 games and picked up five Premier League titles; and he helped his team win the treble this season, scoring twice in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United and Sky Blues fans would be sorry to see him go. But Gundogan would be welcomed home with open arms by the Yellow Wall fans and is a proven midfield general. Talks are still ongoing in Manchester but if Gundogan does make a move then it might well be back home.
Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring the first goal of Manchester City against Manchester United
With the attacking duo of Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi both supporting BVB’s strikers in scintillating style, Terzic will be in the market for a defensive midfielder. There are reports in the French press that 23-year-old Lyon midfielder Maxence Caqueret is on the Dortmunders’ radar and the France under 21 international would be a good addition. He’s a calm and skillful ball player with good reading of the game and would ideally suit a diamond formation, or a role just behind a flexible Gundogan.
The versatile Marius Wolf looks like he’ll be staying in Dortmund ad he can provide cover at right back or in the midfield.
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories was the return from successful cancer treatment of striker Sebastien Haller and he will surely lead the line again after a brilliant return, scoring nine goals, He would have been a Golden Boot contender should he have played a full campaign Haller will be a shoe in after returning to his very best form in the title run in.
The choice of a number ten alongside Haller falls between the vastly experienced Marc Reus and young Netherlands forward Donyell Malan. Reus has scored 114 goals in 268 games for Die Schwarzgelben and as club captain, he will have a big rile to play. But Terzic will use the 34 year old carefully.
So this is the SBOTOP team’s view of how BVB may well line up on the first day of the 2023/24 campaign. It’s a strong side which will push FC Bayern all the way again…but can they go tat big step further?
Die Scwharzgelben have already lost midfield ace Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and now wide man Raphael Guerreiro has moved to the Bundesliga champions. FC Bayern announced the signing on Friday and the left wingback has moved on a free transfer with a deal which runs to 2026. At 29 years of age the Portugal star is in his prime and will be a huge asset to the Bavarians both in defence and attack. He was the Bundesliga’s top provider last season with 12 assists, two more than Bayern wunderkind Jamal Musiala. And the player had no hesitation when he was offered the chance to move across the Klassiker divide: “When the call came from FC Bayern, I made my decision fast,” he said. “It’s an honour for me to be able to play for this great club. I’m a player who wants the ball – it’s about controlling the game and I want to create chances. That’s the philosophy of FC Bayern.”
He’ll be reunited with his former BVB head coach Thomas Tuchel who will welcome Guerreiro as a player who already understands his training ideas and innovation. He is a versatile player, able to operate on the flank or as a central midfielder and that adds depth to the Bayern squad.
He’s the sixth player to make the switch between Munich and Dortmund over the last decade; and, if Guerreiro makes a fraction of the impact that Robert Lewandowski did when he arrived in Bayern, then he will be a huge success, while his exit from BVB will weaken the challengers. The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds reckon he’s made the right decision.
On the right side of Bayern’s team it’s looking increasingly likely that France star Benjamin Pavard will be on his way out of the club and he’ll have no shortage of offers, and his agent has already talked to Liverpool according to reports in the UK. The discussions have yet to produce a bid for Pavard but it does make sense for the Merseysiders, particularly as Liverpool’s established right back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been re-invented as a central midfield operator. Joe Gomez can stand in at right back but he has been beset by injury and Pavard has been a model of consistency with over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga champions. He’s another versatile player, able to operate at full back or in the centre of defence and that is a benefit which would suit Klopp down to the ground.
Baumgartner is a Bull
Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner in action with Sweden’s Samuel Gustafsson during a Euro 2024 qualifying match
Red Bull Leipzig have announced their first big signing of their summer with the capture of midfielder Christoph Baumgartner from TSG Hoffenheim. Here at SBOTOP we covered the progress of Baumgartner in our recent preview of Austria’s Euro 2024 qualifiers and the 23 year old has become one of the most sought after young stars in the German League. And he has just become Leipzig’s second biggest signing of all time, arriving in Leipzig for a 27m Euros fee. Baumgartner scored seven goals and made seven assists to help Hoffenheim steer clear from danger last season, scoring some crucial goals in the run in, and he could be a like for like replacement for Dominik Szoboszlai should the Hungarian midfielder leave as expected this summer.
Leipzig have already been busy in the market as they prepare for another assault on the Bundesliga title, while hoping to make further inroads into Europe. Before the end of the 2022/23 campaign Die Roten Bullen tied up three deals, bringing in Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Seiwald from sister club Red Bull Salzburg, and recruiting Paderborn keeper Leopold Zingerle as a back up for number one stopper Peter Gulacsi. And in other Bundesliga 2023 news Red Bull Leipzig are also in the market for Liverpool’s 20 year old creative midfielder Fabio Carvalho.
The Portuguese star was short of minutes last season and that has alerted a host of top clubs, with Leipzig at the front of the queue. The Bundesliga giants are reported to have put in a starting offer of £10m but the Reds see that as way off the mark and they view Carvalho as a player for the future; and so would prefer to loan the player out. Red Bull have now switched their approach and a loan deal looks increasingly likely.
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Eleven Bundesliga titles on the bounce for Bayern Munich have re-written the record books…and a run like that will likely never be repeated.
But the Bavarians aren’t finished yet; though they almost were in 2023 as Borussia Dortmund snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on a dramatic last day. That would have been a disaster for Bayern’s latest coach Thomas Tuchel. Nobody wants to be at the helm to oversee a failure after a decade of unrivalled success. And that applies just as much to the 2023/24 campaign.
The pre-season Bundesliga 2023 betting odds reckon it will be Bayern’s title to lose, yet again, and BVB and Red Bull will be the teams in pursuit; and it will be fascinating to see how the champions evolve with a full year of Tuchel in charge. Let’s take a closer look at the challenges and the competition Bayern will face, now and next season.
The Challenges:
Find a Striker
Bayern’s biggest problem last term was their failure to replace the departed Robert Lewandowski after the Bundesliga legend moved to Barcelona. And the signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool did little or nothing the plug the gap. The Senegalese hitman arrived in a deal worth £27m but he had a nightmare, made worse by the recent news that he won the vote on ‘Which outfield player was the biggest disappointment of the season?’ made by 250 Bundesliga players at the end of season awards.
Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane celebrates ahead of successful Bundesliga title defence
Mane won over 40 per cent of the votes but his poor campaign was not all his own fault, in fact he had some terrible luck, picking up a fibula injury in November which kept him out of the World Cup. But he didn’t help himself when he had a dressing room fight with team-mate Leroy Sane in the aftermath of Bayern’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City.
So if Mane isn’t the answer, who is?
Possibly Harry Kane, who has appeared on the Bayern radar recently and he would be a superb replacement for Lewi. The England captain has just one season left on his contract and Tottenham Hotspur might be ready to cash in. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously hard to deal with but Bayern will try to push this deal closer if they believe Kane can help them win in Germany and in the Champions League.
Keep up with Europe’s Elite
For many years Die Bayern have been one of the powerhouses of European football, but the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona are raising the bar in the Champions League. It is obvious that Bayern need to spend heavily to keep up with these, and new entrants such as Newcastle United. New CEO Jan Christian Dreeson insists the club is in sound financial shape, and is capable of managing the rigours of the transfer market.
While Lucas Hernandez looks to be nearing the exit, Bayern are close to securing a deal for Napoli’s highly-rated defender Kim Min-Jae; and Tuchel is watching the situation of Chelsea’s 24-year-old star Mason Mount who is a target for Manchester United. The Bavarians could hijack that deal if the former Blues boss is keen to reunite with the midfielder.
The Competition:
Borussia Dortmund
After coming so close to winning a first league, title in over a decade Die Schwarzgelben will be desperate to challenge again, and a hurting BVB could be dangerous. Edin Terzic transformed Dortmund from an easy-on-the-eye if underachieving football team to a group of ruthless winners, until they reached the final hurdle.
Dortmund will regroup but they will have to do so without Jude Bellingham and, here at SBOTOP we reported the signing of Raphael Guerreiro which has strengthened Die Bayern while weakening Die Schwarzgelben. But if any team can unearth more talent, BVB have proved time and again that it’s them.
Red Bull Leipzig
DFB Cup winners Leipzig will be a threat again after they came within five points of the top two following an impressive late run of Bundesliga 2023 results. Head coach Marco Rose took over in September and led them to wins over both FC Bayern and BVB.
Leipzig will lose some of their best players this summer with striker Christopher Nkunku seeming heading for Chelsea and defender Josko Gvardiol apparently keen on a move to Premier League champions Manchester City. But they have some serious talent at the club with striker Ben Sesko and midfielder Nicolas Seiwald set to play a big role in 2023.
Red Bull are a serious threat and could be the first new champions of the Bundesliga since Wolfsburg broke the Klassiker dominance in 2009.
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Bundesliga: Can Red Bull Win the 2023/24 Bundesliga?
From the moment they rose to the Bundesliga top-flight in 2016, RB Leipzig have been a force to be reckoned with, going unbeaten in their first 13 league matches in the 2016/17 campaign.
That remains the longest unbeaten streak for a newly promoted side and, seven years on, Die Roten Bullen are challenging at the very top, looking for honors in Europe as well as the German league.
They have been knocking on the door while cultivating some wonderful talents, and manager Marco Rose is expected to continue the club’s rapid progress.
They will start as third favourites to win the title, according to the pre-season Bundesliga 2023 betting odds, and Leipzig have a fighting chance. And I believe there are five reasons to make a case for Rose’s challengers.
Leipzig can attract young talent
Here at SBOTOP, we’ve been watching the European transfer market closely, and Die Roten Bullen have already said goodbye to two of their big name stars with Dominik Szoboszlai following Christopher Nkunku to the Premier League.
Chelsea opened up their transfer window by signing Nkunku for a £53 million fee and, last week, Szoboszlai went to Liverpool for a round £60 million. And centre-back Josko Gvardiol looks like he may be following his teammates to the Premier League with Manchester City inching closer to a €100 million deal.
Christopher Baumgartner in action during their Euro qualifiers match against Sweden
The fact that they can command the thick end of €200 million for three of their young talents shows just what an attractive prospect the club is for up and coming stars.
23-year-old Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has arrived from TSG Hoffenheim along with 6’5” striker Benjamin Sesko (20), who has joined from sister club RB Salzburg also on a five-year deal. This new generation will meet established stars such as Emil Forsberg, Timo Werner, and Andre Silva and, with plenty of cash to spend, Red Bull will continue to invest.
The Bulls have momentum
After a poor start to the 2022/23 campaign, RB Leipzig stormed through the second half of the season and eventually finished third, just five points behind champions FC Bayern.
Marco Rose was drafted in as manager and they suddenly came to life and, at one time, had their eyes on an amazing title charge.
They certainly performed as well as anyone in the second half of the campaign and, while there are some high profile outgoings, plenty of the players who took RB Leipzig to the brink of the top spot still remain.
Leipzig will push hard for some winning Bundesliga 2023 results right from the off, beginning with a testing trip away to Bayer Leverkusen on 19th August.
Rose’s Red Bull pedigree
Marco Rose certainly had the desired effect on his arrival and, at 46 years of age, he has enough experience combined with a youthful outlook to be successful.
He cut his teeth with Mainz 05’s second team before taking over at Lokomotive Leipzig, and then rising through the ranks at RB Salzburg. There, Rose won two Austrian Bundesligas, including a league and cup double in 2019.
He has managed Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga, winning the DFB Pokal in his first season in charge at RB Leipzig.
Rose likes his teams to play at a high tempo, pressing aggressively when out of possession, and switching from defence to attack quickly, much as Jurgen Klopp did at Borussia Dortmund and then at Liverpool to great effect.
Silverware brings confidence
RB Leipzig have twice been Bundesliga runners-up and were twice DFB Pokal finalists. But they have tasted success over the past two campaigns, twice in the cup, winning back-to-back DFB’s.
Winning trophies is a habit which becomes addictive, and managers including the great Jose Mourinho have always targeted silverware, any silverware as early as possible, before moving on to the bigger prizes.
The Leipzig players know how it feels to stand on a champion’s podium, and that is a feeling they want to become a regular experience.
That the Bavarians rather stumbled over the line tells us they are fallible, and that BVB slipped up at the final hurdle tells us that Die Schwarzgelben still don’t have that killer instinct.
Bayern are yet to replace Robert Lewandowski following his transfer to Barcelona and Dortmund have waved goodbye to the influential Jude Bellingham who has gone to Real Madrid.
RB Leipzig are not the finished article, but then their main rivals aren’t perfect either.
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Bundesliga: Bayern Step Up Efforts to Replace Lewi
They won the 2022/23 Bundesliga title but Bayern went into the final day of the campaign as outsiders, which was a position unheard of over the last decade.
A victory over Cologne, thanks to a late, late Jamal Musiala strike, was enough for Thomas Tuchel’s side to beat Borussia Dortmund on goal difference after BVB had been frustrated by Mainz. But why was it so close? Why did the Bavarians only snatch the trophy through the failings of their Klassiker rival?
In a word…Lewandowski.
They never actually replaced their talisman who headed off to Barcelona in the summer of 22, but now that FC Bayern are aiming for a 12th consecutive title, the club owners are determined to fill that gaping hole.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has been the subject of two bids from the Bundesliga champions but they will have to be patient as the England striker is yet to speak to new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. Once those conversations have been held then the situation should become clearer and reports have emerged in the UK that Tottenham have already identified a replacement, should Kane be on his way. Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is on the Spurs radar but, again, nobody is anticipating a speedy resolution until the North London club has spoken to their star man, and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is notoriously difficult to deal with.
If they can reach an agreement the price will be approaching £100m, but Bayern are also looking elsewhere. Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani could be available this summer at a price of around 90m Euros and Bayern, along with Real Madrid, who are looking to replace Karim Benzema, are keeping an eye on the player. The 24 year old France star scored 23 goals and made 17 assists for Frankfurt last term and he is now one of the hottest properties in the league.
The latest Bundesliga 2023 betting odds back a Bayern title; and if they land a top class striker there will be few arguments with that.
Red Bull still searching for new blood
Lens striker Lois Openda during their match against AC Ajaccio
As we reported last week at SBOTOP, Leipzig head coach Marco Rose is looking for re-enforcements in preparation for the new campaign with striker Christopher Nkunku already departed to Chelsea and centre back Josko Gvardiol seemingly bound for Manchester City. To replace Nkunku, Red Bull will have to spend some serious money and they have already had a 43m Euros offer for Lens striker Lois Openda knocked back. This situation has been going on for a while and this is the fourth round of negotiations between the clubs, while Leipzig have apparently agreed personal terms with the player. The Ligue 1 side will try to hold out for a bigger offer, but Red Bull have other alternatives, with Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, who scored 22 goals on loan with Rheims last season, near the top of the Germans’ list.
Rose has also been scouring France for a replacement for Gvardiol and are close to signing Lyon’s 20 year old centre back Castello Lubeka. Talks between Leipzig and Lyon are progressing well for the player who featured 38 times for OL last season and is part of France’s U21 team.
Reus steps down
In other Bundesliga 2023 news there is a change in captaincy at Borussia Dortmund following the announcement that skipper Marco Reus will be handing over the armband after five years of leading Die Schwarzgelben. Reus has been with the club for ten campaigns, scoring 114 goals in 268 appearances and will still be a key part of the squad, assuming he stays in Dortmund. But, at 34 years of age, he is no longer guaranteed a starting place and, in a video message to the fans Reus announced his decision.
His Germany team-mate Niklas Sule appears to be the frontrunner to replace Reus as captain. There is some sadness that Reus could not lead BVB over the line in May and Sule has won the Bundesliga five times, during his spell at FC Bayern, before he moved to the Signal Iduna Park 12 months ago.
At 6ft 5in he is a commanding centre back and, at 27 years of age, Sule is in the prime of his career as well as being a popular figure in the dressing room. He made the surprise move from Munich last summer but has settled well in Dortmund and, with three years left on his contract, he looks to be with BVB for the long haul.
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My Bundesliga Disappointments Are Not Who You’ll Expect!
When asked to predict which team or teams I feel will be the big disappointments in the Bundesliga next season, it would have been easy to opt for the three newly promoted sides.
Sure enough, the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds make Darmstadt 98 and FC Heidenheim, who finished first and second, respectively, to gain automatic promotion, among the joint favourites to go straight back down.
The odds are slightly more favourable for VfB Stuttgart who are no stranger to the top flight and gained promotion via the play-offs.
Now I am not saying I believe both Darmstadt 98 and FC Heidenheim will stay up, but I think one of them may and that may be due to home advantage.
Heidenheim 1846 will be participating in their first-ever Bundesliga campaign (in 177 years of history) after finishing champions of Bundesliga 2 in the most dramatic of fashions.
That meant they secured top spot ahead of Darmstadt on goal difference, much to the delight of their passionate fans, who will be packed into 15,000 capacity Voith-Arena every home match day.
Such a compact arena could potentially make life uncomfortable for more illustrious visitors, especially if the Bundesliga 2 top goal striker, Tim Kleindienst, can repeat his impressive goal-scoring form in the top flight.
Certainly, a lot of responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of the 27 year-old forward, with the hope he can replicate his 25 goals in the Bundesliga.
As for the other new boys, Darmstadt will also be hoping to benefit from home advantage at their tight 17,000 capacity ground as they return to the Bundesliga after a six-year absence.
Either way, it will be interesting to see how they develop at the sharp end of German football.
The sharp end has been where Borussia Dortmund have been at for some time now, creating Bundesliga highlights to savour, including some memorable title triumphs.
The most recent, though, was over a decade ago and that is set to continue.
I read earlier that perhaps we should beware a wounded Dortmund and, after coming so close to snatching the title from Bayern Munich’s grasp, I get it.
Edin Terzic’s team certainly ran roughshod over the opposition at times last term, aided and abetted by the return – from testicular cancer no less – of Sebastien Haller.
Had the Ivorian striker been fit for the whole season, it’s fair to assume Borussia would have been kicking off 2023/24 as defending champions.
Likewise, what if Bundesliga player of the year Jude Bellingham, who has now moved to Real Madrid, had been fit for the season finale.
That is why I believe they will be one of the disappointments next term as their failure to land the title will run deep. Yes, they will make the top four but anyone expecting them to be a serious challenger to Bayern should think again.
Likewise, the other disappointment, by their own recent exalted standards, will be RB Leipzig.
Back-to-back German Cup wins have been terrific but they will now be weakened by the departure of established Bundesliga defensive midfielder Konrad Laimer, snapped up on a free transfer by Bayern.
Laimer has been joined in the departures lounge by Chelsea bound Christopher Nkunku and, possibly, centre back Josko Gvardiol.
Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has also moved.
RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose gives instructions to his players from the sideline during a Bundesliga match
While manager Marco Rose has done a wonderful job and has, in his ranks, talented striker Benjamin Sesko to pick up the goal-scoring mantle with Nicolas Seiwald providing a tailor-made replacement in central midfield for Laimer, it is a big ask to maintain such levels of consistency when you lose your best players – just ask Dortmund over the last decade.
The 23 year-old Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has arrived from TSG Hoffenheim to add to the new faces, alongside established figures such as Emil Forsberg, Timo Werner, and Andre Silva.
As Transfer News Hots Up, Lainer Diagnosis Allows Football to Take Stock
The SBOTOP football betting odds say Bayern Munich, I say Bayern Munich and one suspects even their domestic rivals will agree they will be incredibly difficult to stop if the Bavarians can pull off one of the transfer deals of the summer.
For the German champions are poised to make their next push to sign Harry Kane, with two of their top executives flying to London for talks with the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy.
The situation is not straightforward as it’s been reported Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Kane and willing to outbid anybody for him.
Indeed, PSG’s presence stands to create a market for Kane, even if it is a slightly artificial one, which Levy, known for his obdurate stance, will surely leverage.
Yet the England captain, who has one year remaining on his Spurs contract, wants to go to Bayern if he is allowed to leave this summer and there is an open channel of communication between the two clubs which suggests he may get his wish.
Kane is desperate to win silverware and, if ever a club has had a guarantee of success over the past decade, it is Bayern. They have won 11 Bundesliga titles in a row and usually have a shot at the Champions League. Moreover, it would be a cleaner and less confrontational move for Kane than going to a domestic rival which Levy is unlikely to countenance.
Their Bundesliga triumph on goal difference last term provided a happy ending after a rather rude introduction to the Bayern job for Thomas Tuchel, who only took over from Julian Nagelsmann towards the end of March.
Marcel Sabitzer has joined Borussia Dortmund on permanent deal from football rivals Bayern Munich
Marcel Sabitzer is Borussia Dortmund’s new number 20
However, with a full pre-season of Tuchel school behind them, the 32-time Bundesliga champions may well be a completely different animal in the new campaign.
Despite being told to beware a wounded Dortmund, I have made my views known and think they are going to be well of the pace, even if Marcel Sabitzer appears an astute signing.
The Austrian international has arrived at the Signal Iduna Park from Bayern, where he has been considered surplus to requirements, boasting bundles of Bundesliga experience – 229 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig before signing for Bayern two years ago.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United where he played 18 times, scoring three goals.
As well as racking up 71 international caps, Sabitzer has also netted 34 times and provided 29 assists in 185 Bundesliga games for his former sides since making his debut in the division in 2016.
Overall though, it’s hard to think the way in which Dortmund missed out on the title won’t impact them and they have also said farewell to the German footballer of the year, the talented teenager who created so many of their Bundesliga highlights last term.
There is no underestimating the departure of Jude Bellingham who, at the age of 19, was even entrusted with the captain’s armband on a couple of occasions through the course of the campaign.
If Dortmund are weaker, so are RB Leipzig who have lost established defensive midfielder Konrad Laimer, snapped up by Bayern on a free transfer.
BUNDESLIGA
Werder Bremen
Bayern Munich
1X2 Werder Bremen @ 7.00
Bayern Munchen Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.97
Over 3.50 @ 1.93
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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The 26-year-old, who has joined on a four-year deal, confirmed he would be moving on following their German Cup win.
He made 190 appearances for the club after moving from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017 and his departure is also a blow to Leipzig, who finished just five points behind the top two in the league.
That is just another reason why I feel Bayern, already out in front of both, will not be seriously challenged by either this time – and even more so if they swoop for Kane.
Whatever happens between now and the end of August in the transfer window, a story this week has put football into perspective.
After Borussia Monchengladbach announced defender Stefan Lainer is suffering from lymph node cancer, the German football community rallied behind the Austrian.
Football naturally takes a backseat when news like this is announced.
The Austrian will undergo therapy over the next few months and his club says that, due to the early diagnosis, there is an extremely high chance he will get back to full health, and a normal life including professional sport could still be possible.
Last year Sebastien Haller, Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boetius were all diagnosed with testicular cancer. Lainer has already received similar levels of support from the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and across the football world.
We hope to see him back fit and healthy before too long.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 03-Aug-2023 at 6:11 PM
As Transfer News Hots Up, Lainer Diagnosis Allows Football to Take Stock
The SBOTOP football betting odds say Bayern Munich, I say Bayern Munich and one suspects even their domestic rivals will agree they will be incredibly difficult to stop if the Bavarians can pull off one of the transfer deals of the summer.
For the German champions are poised to make their next push to sign Harry Kane, with two of their top executives flying to London for talks with the Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy.
The situation is not straightforward as it’s been reported Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Kane and willing to outbid anybody for him.
Indeed, PSG’s presence stands to create a market for Kane, even if it is a slightly artificial one, which Levy, known for his obdurate stance, will surely leverage.
Yet the England captain, who has one year remaining on his Spurs contract, wants to go to Bayern if he is allowed to leave this summer and there is an open channel of communication between the two clubs which suggests he may get his wish.
Kane is desperate to win silverware and, if ever a club has had a guarantee of success over the past decade, it is Bayern. They have won 11 Bundesliga titles in a row and usually have a shot at the Champions League. Moreover, it would be a cleaner and less confrontational move for Kane than going to a domestic rival which Levy is unlikely to countenance.
Their Bundesliga triumph on goal difference last term provided a happy ending after a rather rude introduction to the Bayern job for Thomas Tuchel, who only took over from Julian Nagelsmann towards the end of March.
Marcel Sabitzer has joined Borussia Dortmund on permanent deal from football rivals Bayern Munich
Marcel Sabitzer is Borussia Dortmund’s new number 20
However, with a full pre-season of Tuchel school behind them, the 32-time Bundesliga champions may well be a completely different animal in the new campaign.
Despite being told to beware a wounded Dortmund, I have made my views known and think they are going to be well of the pace, even if Marcel Sabitzer appears an astute signing.
The Austrian international has arrived at the Signal Iduna Park from Bayern, where he has been considered surplus to requirements, boasting bundles of Bundesliga experience – 229 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig before signing for Bayern two years ago.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United where he played 18 times, scoring three goals.
As well as racking up 71 international caps, Sabitzer has also netted 34 times and provided 29 assists in 185 Bundesliga games for his former sides since making his debut in the division in 2016.
Overall though, it’s hard to think the way in which Dortmund missed out on the title won’t impact them and they have also said farewell to the German footballer of the year, the talented teenager who created so many of their Bundesliga highlights last term.
There is no underestimating the departure of Jude Bellingham who, at the age of 19, was even entrusted with the captain’s armband on a couple of occasions through the course of the campaign.
If Dortmund are weaker, so are RB Leipzig who have lost established defensive midfielder Konrad Laimer, snapped up by Bayern on a free transfer.
BUNDESLIGA
Werder Bremen
Bayern Munich
1X2 Werder Bremen @ 7.00
Bayern Munchen Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 1.97
Over 3.50 @ 1.93
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
CLICK HERE
The 26-year-old, who has joined on a four-year deal, confirmed he would be moving on following their German Cup win.
He made 190 appearances for the club after moving from Red Bull Salzburg in 2017 and his departure is also a blow to Leipzig, who finished just five points behind the top two in the league.
That is just another reason why I feel Bayern, already out in front of both, will not be seriously challenged by either this time – and even more so if they swoop for Kane.
Whatever happens between now and the end of August in the transfer window, a story this week has put football into perspective.
After Borussia Monchengladbach announced defender Stefan Lainer is suffering from lymph node cancer, the German football community rallied behind the Austrian.
Football naturally takes a backseat when news like this is announced.
The Austrian will undergo therapy over the next few months and his club says that, due to the early diagnosis, there is an extremely high chance he will get back to full health, and a normal life including professional sport could still be possible.
Last year Sebastien Haller, Timo Baumgartl, Marco Richter and Jean-Paul Boetius were all diagnosed with testicular cancer. Lainer has already received similar levels of support from the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and across the football world.
We hope to see him back fit and healthy before too long.
●●●
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 08-Aug-2023 at 3:36 PM
Bundesliga: Bavarian Spotlight is All on Our Harry
Werder Bremen vs Bayern Munich
There’s only one story in Germany right now.
If you don’t believe me, just await the extra media interest in this Bundesliga opener on Friday night.
For the German champions haven’t just swooped for any player; they have recruited the England and Spurs captain; the player who has scored approaching 300 career goals and is at the peak of his career.
Over the past decade, the only other regular prolific frontman considered the best striker in Europe – Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not out & out strikers – has been Robert Lewandowski.
Yes, Bayern retained the title last season but that was as much to do with Borussia Dortmund falling at the final hurdle.
They missed the Pole’s goals as he took his firepower to lead Barcelona to Spanish La Liga glory.
That has now been put right.
Forget that Bayern, with Kane entering the fray as a substitute a matter of hours after flying from London to Germany, were well beaten by RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup.
This is where it begins and I cannot envisage any other team even pushing them close as the Bavarians, incredibly, chase a 12th successive league title.
Talking Points
Niclas Fullkrug finished the Bundesliga last season as the top scorer with 15 goals scored
Niclas Fullkrug in action playing for Werder Bremen against Union berlin
The contrast is stark.
Friday night’s opponents, Werder Bremen, finished in 13th place in the standings last season and have not been at their best over the past year.
That placing meant Ole Werner’s men were only three points clear of a relegation play-off spot, as they won just one and lost eight of their last 12 Bundesliga fixtures to end the campaign dismally.
Returning to competitive action with another loss last week, knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by 3. Liga side Viktoria Koln, was arguably a new low as they conceded three goals in the final 20 minutes, including a stoppage-time strike which consigned them to a 3-2 defeat.
A battle for survival could be on the cards, then, with Bremen again relying on Niclas Fullkrug to fire them to safety – the Germany striker finished last term as the Bundesliga’s joint-top scorer on 15 goals.
Furthermore, their Bundesliga highlights at their Weserstadion home have been few and far between.
They accrued the lowest number of home points in the league last season with 10 home losses and have not defeated Bayern, who have won on each of their last 14 visits, for 15 years.
The stats continue to make grim reading for the hosts given Bayern are unbeaten in their opening Bundesliga match of the season in their last 21 campaigns (their last defeat was in 2001), while Bremen are winless in their last eight opening games of the season in the Bundesliga (their previous victory coming in 2013).
LIGUE 1
MetzMarseille
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Add the stats to the news that the Bavarian giants seem set to hand Kane his Bundesliga debut, and you can see why they are such underdogs.
All in all then, Werder Bremen must have wished for a more straightforward start to the new campaign.
On the other hand, they have nothing to lose.
History
Bayern have won 37 out of the last 56 matches played between the two teams with 10 Bremen victories.
Bayern are unbeaten in their last 31 matches against them in all competitions, with their last defeat against them by a 5-2 margin in 2008.
Overall, Bayern have been beaten 26 times by Bremen in the Bundesliga – only against Borussia Monchengladbach have they a higher tally of losses in the league.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has won his last nine straight matches against these opponents, a streak that stretches back a decade.
Bayern won 6-1 at home last term, courtesy of a Serge Gnabry hat-trick and goals from Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka and Mathys Tel.
Anthony Jung had briefly brought Bremen level.
The return fixture was much closer as Gnabry and Leroy Sane netted in a 2-1 win. Niklas Schmidt replied for the home side.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐⭐
Werder Bremen VS Bayern Munich
August 19, 02:30 (GMT+8)
Bayern First Half Asian Handicap -0.75
@1.96
After reading this article you will not be surprised to see the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds are as one-sided as the recent history of this fixture.
You can back Bayern 1X2 @ 1.26 and Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.16.
The home side are on offer 1X2 @ 6.80 and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.26.
The draw will pay out @ 6.20, while a re-run of the corresponding fixture last season – Correct Score 1-2 – is available @ 8.00.
If they can keep it tight for as long as possible Bremen might start to believe they can hold out but, realistically, it is hard t imagine them evening getting a point in this one.
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⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 18-Aug-2023 at 4:00 PM
Kane and Very Able for Bayern as Transfer Window Closes
The Germans are known for their eye for a bargain but also a level of astuteness that only few footballing nations possess.
They also know quality when they see it and that is why, after another transfer window in which Bundesliga players came and went, the league will remain as eminently watchable as most across Europe.
It will also show that, for all the movers and shakers, one deal has rendered the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds virtually redundant as far as the title race is concerned.
That is because the champions of Germany have secured as good a striker as there is anywhere in the world game and I feel certain he will fire them to a 12th successive title.
With the Bavarian spotlight all on Harry, Bayern Munich are by far the biggest winners in the transfer window.
Yes, they have said farewell to some key men, most surprisingly to me, Benjamin Pavard – a crowd favourite and, more tellingly, a serial winner with Bayern and a world champion with France.
Joao Cancelo has also not returned after being on loan during the second half of last season from Manchester City, while a Dutchman with much promise, Ryan Gravenberch, has been sold – albeit for double the fee they bought him for from Ajax 12 months earlier.
Yet why they should be too troubled given their rivals appear weaker than last term.
Never mind that RB Leipzig were comprehensive winners over Bayern in the German Super Cup a few weeks ago.
They have, amongst others, lost Konrad Laimer to Bayern, Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea and Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City.
UEFA EURO 2024
France
Republic Of Ireland
1X2 France @ 1.26
Over 2.50 @ 1.67
Total Goals 2-3 @ 1.92
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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And, after getting so close, do not think Borussia Dortmund are ready to go one better because they are not.
As I have mentioned on these pages before, the devastating way in which they missed out on the Bundesliga title last season will be one they take a few years to fully recover from.
Even after losing Jude Bellingham and Raphaël Guerreiro, they have recruited smartly enough with Marcel Sabitzer bringing poise and experience to the middle of the park and, in recent days, the signing of German international striker Niclas Füllkrug, on a three-year deal from Werder Bremen, lifting spirits.
The 30 year-old was the Bundesliga’s joint-top scorer in 2022/23 with 16 goals, alongside Nkunku, and boasts an impressive scoring rate for Germany with seven goals in nine senior international caps.
Respectfully, though, Bayern remain well out in front and I expect the Bavarian’s Bundesliga highlights to be efficient and relentless and the title race over far earlier than last season.
If they are the true winners in the transfer market, a few other deals have caught the eye.
The Bundesliga will miss Randal Kolo Muani and, more pertinently, so will Eintracht Frankfurt.
He had a direct hand in 26 goals last season and their loss is Paris St Germain’s gain.
Bayer Leverkusen have recruited well and could push Leipzig and Dortmund close in the race for the top four, while if Naby Keita can rediscover the form from his first Bundesliga tenure, Werder Bremen may well have a free transfer bargain.
Leonardo Bonucci will help Union Berlin achieve more in the Bundesliga this season
Leonardo Bonucci during one of his Serie A games with Juventus
For me, though, the deal of deadline day came in the German capital where Union Berlin completed the signing of Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus.
Widely considered to be one of the finest central defenders of his generation, Bonucci has signed a one year deal through to the end of the campaign, when the 36 year-old will retire from playing.
He brings a wealth of experience to the table for a Union team preparing to compete in the Champions League for the first time in their history, following last season’s superb fourth-placed Bundesliga finish, where they will meet Real Madrid, Napoli and Braga.
Berlin may struggle to match that achievement but, in Bonucci, have someone who should be determined to go out on a high.
As well as a repeat of their duel in the Euro 2020 Final, it will be interesting to see him and Kane face-off again.
Always changing, always enthralling, the Bundesliga is truly up and running but the ultimate outcome will be no different.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 06-Sep-2023 at 4:57 PM
Bundesliga: Can Leverkusen Pass Bayern Test With Flying Colors?
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen have suddenly made it to the top of the Bundesliga table after the first three weeks of the 2023-24 campaign. They’re hoping to stay there longer, but that’s easier said than done when they’re up against the defending champions next.
With three wins each, Die Werkself are actually level with Bayern Munich with nine points apiece, easily making this Friday clash at the Allianz Arena the pick of the litter for matchday 4.
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen are aiming to stay undefeated. However, only one of them can stay perfect after this weekend’s set of games.
Talking Points
Tel relishes opportunity at Bayern
Harry Kane is not the only one basking in the Bayern Munich spotlight, as Mathys Tel has also embraced the challenge. The 18-year-old is doing well as Kane’s understudy, already scoring two goals in their first three Bundesliga matches.
At 17 years and 136 days, Tel became the youngest-ever Bundesliga scorer in Bayern Munich history when he netted against VfB Stuttgart last year.
And he also has an insane minutes-per-goal ratio of 67, which is already better than the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland. Yes, the sample size is small, but it also says a lot about Tel’s efficiency and high potential.
Bayern Munich are keen to secure the top spot in the Bundesliga against Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel acknowledges fans after their match against Borussia Monchengladbach
Tel won’t be starting for Bayern Munich anytime soon, except maybe for Cup games, but he is expected to be the first man to come off the bench if the Bavarians need an additional scoring punch.
In other news, Thomas Tuchel will likely maintain the same starting XI against Bayer Leverkusen this weekend.
Thomas Muller made his first start of the campaign, and he may start again if Jamal Musiala is unfit to play. Musiala reportedly sat out Germany’s friendlies due to a back issue.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-Jae has been inserted into the starting lineup to pair him with Dayot Upamecano at centre-half since Matthijs de Ligt has slipped down the defencive pecking order.
Leverkusen found their gem in Boniface
Bayer Leverkusen continue to get better under Xabi Alonso because they’ve been scoring goals for fun. And leading the way in that regard is Victor Boniface.
In his first three Bundesliga matches since arriving from Union Saint-Gilloise this summer, Boniface has now notched four goals to lead the team in scoring. The 22-year-old Nigerian striker also has a commendable minutes-per-goal ratio of 61.
We should’ve seen this coming from Boniface after he finished as the joint-top scorer with Marcus Rashford in the 2022-23 Europa League (6 goals). Boniface going up against a seasoned veteran in Kane is another reason why we shouldn’t miss this game between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
Xabi Alonso will be confident of his chances to get back-to-back wins over his former club, as besides Boniface, he also has other weapons like Amine Adli, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Jonas Hofmann.
BUNDESLIGA
RB LeipzigFC Augsburg
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History
Bayer Leverkusen managed to defeat Bayern Munich 2-1 in their last meeting in March. That was Bayern Munich’s final Bundesliga match under Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked during the international break and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Die Werkself have been somewhat of a bogey team for the Bavarians. Since the beginning of 2012, Bayer Leverkusen have recorded six league wins against Bayern Munich (in 23 matches), which is only second behind Borussia Monchengladbach (W9) during that time period.
Bayer Leverkusen are back on top of the Bundesliga table for the first time since the 12th matchday of the 2020-21 season. They have managed to win their first three games of the season for the first time since 2013-14.
Goals are to be expected in this contest, as Bayern Munich have scored in each of their past 33 league home matches against Bayer Leverkusen. The last time they failed to do so was in a 1-0 loss in October 1989.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐
Bayern Munich VS Bayer Leverkusen
September 16, 2:30 (GMT+8)
Over 3.25
@1.62
Bayern Munich are the favourites to win this game, according to the SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds. They are at 1.57 odds to win, while Bayer Leverkusen are underdogs at 4.40, and a draw is at 4.30 in the 1X2 market.
Choosing the winner between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen is a tough call. But one thing’s for sure: football fans at the Allianz Arena are going to get their dose of Bundesliga 2023 highlights. We’re going to swing for the fences and choose Over 3.25 at 1.62 as our recommended bet. But if you’re planning to be on the safe side, Total Goal 2-3 at 2.39 is not a bad idea.
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⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 14-Sep-2023 at 1:11 PM
Bundesliga: Union Aim to Leave the Wolves’ Den With Points
VfL Wolfsburg vs Union Berlin
Bundesliga is in full swing! The season is pretty young, and teams are climbing their way up the table.
The league has been action-packed and so far, as two teams currently have a slim lead at the top with nine points, but a handful of clubs are neck-and-neck in the middle of the table, as it usually goes during these early stages of the season.
Two of the said teams are facing off in the Volkswagen Arena this Saturday. Wolfsburg will be hosting Union in a matchup that could finally set one team apart from the other. Both sides have historically matched pretty evenly, splitting their wins three apiece since 2019.
BUNDESLIGA
MainzVfB Stuttgart
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Talking Points
Union’s spectacular start
Union Berlin have been hot off the gate this season. Despite losing their last game against RB Leipzig, Urs Fischer’s men are still riding a great wave of momentum and are looking to bounce back against Wolfsburg. It’ll be exciting to see how Union will handle the pressure and expectations after their blazing start to the season.
They started the Bundesliga campaign with back-to-back 4-1 wins against Mainz and Darmstadt. However, Union failed to find the back of the net against Leipzig and conceded three goals as well, handing them their first loss of the season and their first loss after 24 Bundesliga games at home.
Against Mainz, Union’s ace Kevin Behrens played a world-class level of football, scoring a hat-trick and giving his team a lopsided advantage right from the early stages of the game.
Behrens netted his first two goals in the very first minute and in the ninth minute of play in the first-half. He scored his third goal in the 70th minute of regulation in the form of a beautiful header.
His performance may be the best showing this season, and the barrage of goals he netted are surely some of the best Bundesliga 2023 highlightsso far. Behrens has scored four of Union’s eight total goals this season to date.
Koen Casteels’ last dance
With over 250 competitive matches in a Wolfsburg uniform, Koen Casteels will depart from Wolfsburg by the end of the season, a city he has called home for nine years. The former captain decided not to renew his contract, which officially ends at June 30, 2024.
Wolfsburg will aim to capitalize on their home advantage as they host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga
Wolfsburg goalkeeper Koen Casteels is set to depart the club at the end of the season
Wolfsburg failed to qualify for Euros this term, so this means they can put all their focus and efforts on Bundesliga. What better way to cap off Casteels’ swan song than lifting the Meisterschale in Lower Saxony?
It seems that Wolfsburg want to make Casteels’ last season with the club count. They are currently sitting in the 7th spot at the Bundesliga table, and they’re off to a great start by winning two of their first three games this season.
Before losing to Hoffenheim 3-1, Wolfsburg were on a tear as they beat Heidenheim and Köln, respectively.
Jonas Wind was the trailblazer for the Wolves, scoring all of the club’s goals in their first two matches. Wind now has scored four of Wolfsburg’s five total goals this season so far. He now has a +1.2 finishing rate, which is in the top-10 within the category in the division.
History
These two sides have only previously met eight times in the Bundesliga since 2019 and once in the DFB-Pokal. Both teams have won three games, lost three, and tied three times. These clubs are not fond of each other to say the least.
In terms of recent performances, both Wolfsburg and Union have been in form so far this season. Both clubs are currently tied in the table with six points. The winner of this match will certainly have much needed momentum in a tight Bundesliga table right now.
Wolfsburg, so far, haven’t conceded a loss in any of their four home games against Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, so home field advantage may be come as a big factor in determining the match’s outcome.
Although, despite getting humbled by Leipzig in their previous match, Union Berlin are off to a great start this season, firing on all cylinders. It will be interesting to see who will get the upper hand between these equally matched teams.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐
VfL Wolfsburg VS Union Berlin
September 16, 21:30 (GMT+8)
1X2 VfL Wolfsburg
@ 2.25
It will definitely be a close match. The SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds have Berlin at 2.81, which is not that far off from where Wolfsburg is at.
Despite only having a narrow advantage, Wolfsburg’s form in Volkswagen Arena, especially versus Die Eisernen, is enough to expect a stellar performance from the boys in Lower Saxony.
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The raging RB Leipzig visit the Foals in Borussia-Park for another top-flight matchup in the Bundesliga. Leipzig aim to stop their drought in Monchengladbach and stay in the top three of the league table. The Foals, on the other hand, will attempt to turn their season around with a win against the club from Saxony.
Leipzig will go into this match with a chip on their shoulders. If they fail to come out of Monchengladbach with a victory, it would give them their fourth straight away-game loss against a particular club in Germany’s top-flight.
This could be the match that could end that streak. The Foals have lost all their home matches this season, both against formidable opponents in Leverkusen and Bayern, the top- two clubs in the league standings. Next to take a crack at it is Leipzig, who are poetically third in the league table.
Maybe the third time’s the charm for the Foals?
BUNDESLIGA
FC AugsburgMainz
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Talking Points
The prodigy that is Xavi Simons
The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder has been on a meteoric rise this season. He has been the key piece for Leipzig’s success over the first four matchdays. In those four games, Xavi has scored three goals and a league-leading four assists.
Leipzig’s loan signing has already cemented his value to the club after just a few games this season. He has been playing way ahead of his years, as the former Barca and PSG youngster’s impeccable timing, high IQ, composure, and precise passing were all immediately evident.
Keep an eye on him, as he’s quickly rose to be one of Bundesliga’s brightest stars.
Gladbach’s magical half
The Foals are coming into their match against Leizpig still on a high after they pulled off a fairy tale comeback against Darmstadt last Sunday.
Darmstadt, who are currently 17th in the league table, were on fire against Gladbach. Mehlem delivered first blood with the help of his unworldly first-touch. Matej Magilca quickly doubled the score for his squad with a beautiful header minutes later. And before you knew it, the home team was up by two goals in the first ten minutes of the first-half. Tim Skarke capped off the first- half with a goal in the 33rd minute of play.
Shortly after the second-half began, centre-back Matej Maglica was sent off the pitch after receiving a controversial red card. This is when the Foals started their comeback. Theoson Siebatcheu gingerly put the ball in the back of the net after Rocco Reitz served it to him on a silver platter in the 56th minute.
Tomas Cvancara scored Borussia Monchengladbach’s equalizer against Darmstadt last week in Bundesliga
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Tomas Cvancara celebrates scoring their third goal against Darmstadt
Neuhas and Tomáš Čvančara scored a goal apiece late in the game to complete Gladbach’s comeback, which may be one of the best Bundesliga 2023 highlights so far.
Gladbach will surely be fired-up and carrying great momentum for their match against Leipzig.
History
Even though these clubs are on different ends of the league table as of the moment, Leipzig have struggled to win games in Borussia-Park. Mönchengladbach have won each of their last three Bundesliga matches against Leipzig at home.
In recent form, Leipzig have been playing magnificent football in Bundesliga this season. They are currently third in the league table with nine points. They won three of their last four matches and eight of their last nine league matches across multiple seasons.
It’s been a rocky start for the Foals this season. They have yet to win a match and have lost two of their first 4 games. Gerardo Seoane and his team are currently 14th in the league table with a -4 goal difference.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐
Borussia Mönchengladbach VS RB Leipzig
September 23, 21:30 (GMT+8)
Over 3.25
@ 1.88
The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds at SBOTOP have Leipzig as the favourite to win the match at 1.54. No surprises here. These two teams are evidently mismatched, given their forms to start the season. Mönchengladbach are priced at 4.50, and 4.30 to draw.
My betting tip for this match is over 3.25 total goals. Leipzig have scored at least three goals in every league match this year, except for their defeat against Leverkusen, where they scored two. They also started their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over Young Boys. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the boys from Saxony aren’t shy when it comes to netting goals.
With all that being said for Leipzig, the Foals aren’t strangers to goal-getting as well. They’ve modestly scored eight goals this season. They even sneaked in a goal against the undefeated Bayern. Another good line I’d recommend is RB Leipzig -1.0 at 1.91. With Leipzig’s impressive form and Mönchengladbach’s shaky defence, expect that Marco Rose’s team will have a decisive win in Borussia-Park.
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He’s already one of the finest defenders in the world and, at 26 years of age, FC Bayern centre-back Kim Min-Jae has his best years to come.
Strong, quick, aggressive, and with a great reading of the game, the Bundesliga star has all the attributes the top teams look for in a defencive rock. And at 6’3” tall, he is an imposing presence at the heart of Die Bayern’s rearguard.
And Kim’s rise has been meteoric, moving from his club in Beijing to join the second favourites for the 2023/24 Champions League within two action-packed years.
He’s played four games for the Bavarians since his €58 million transfer from Napoli in the summer, one of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories of the transfer window. The fee makes him the most expensive Asian footballer in history and, nicknamed “The Monster”, he’s one of the last faces a striker ever wants to see.
He’s a pioneer too for Korea, a country which has held Heung-min Son up as their talisman for many years. The Taeguk Warriors have been known for their pace in attack and counterattacking abilities, but now they have a defender who has bust through the barriers of that stereotype.
Just two years ago, the South Korea star was playing for Beijing Guoan when Turkish side Fenerbahce picked him up in 2021. The defender could have gone to Tottenham Hotspur to join his Korea teammate Son, but the Spurs board didn’t deem him to be worth more than £5 million.
I suspect the North London club may be regretting that decision.
In China, Kim developed his one-on-one skills as he came across some very strong forwards then. In Turkey, he played in a system which employed zonal marking.
Kim Min Jae helped Napoli win their first Serie A title last season before joining Bundesliga club Bayern.
Kim Min Jae in action against AC Milan with his previous group Napoli last season
Of course, the Italians are the world experts in defencive skills and, in his time at Napoli, he quickly drew on all his previous experience to show that he was getting very close to becoming the finished article. He went on to pick up a league winners medal as Napoli picked up a first Scudetto this century.
Bayern fans have taken to Kim already thanks to his all-action and powerful displays in victories over Werder Bremen, Augsburg, and Borussia Monchengladbach, and a hard-fought draw with Bayer Leverkusen. The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds are backing the Bavarians to win yet another title, and Kim’s arrival makes the champions even harder to beat.
His powerful persona and rapid rise to fame has begun the change perceptions about Asian players, and to perform at such a high standard in the Italian league has made him a household name throughout Europe.
He was courted by a number of top clubs before he joined the Bavarians, and it’s quite clear why when, earlier this month, he was nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or as part of the 30-man shortlist which includes World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Manchester City’s scoring machine Erling Haaland.
But take a look at the defenders on the list, and that tells you just how good Kim is.
The Manchester City pair of Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias are the only two center-backs alongside Kim in the nominees. Gvardiol was one of the standout players at the 2022 World Cup, and Dias was one of the Sky Blues’ key players in their treble winning campaign.
“It’s a great honour for me,” said Kim. “It’s a privilege to be one of the names there, as a defender, it is great to be recognized.”
The Bayern man understands the weight of expectation which is now on his shoulders, both in Europe and back home in Asia. He is a pioneer, and Korea football coaches hope more will follow as teams around the world wake up to the idea that Asia can produce top-class defenders.
Kim says his parents drummed into him the importance of improving every day, so he knows there is more work for him to do, and he sees Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer as the gold standard of defending in the German league as a brilliant defender with the ability to build up play going forward.
If he becomes anywhere near as good as Der Kaiser, then the Korea pioneer will be a Bayern legend.
If you haven’t seen Kim yet, he is ready to line up for FC Bayern against Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday. It’s a game we’ve previewed here at SBOTOP and, it’s fair to say, we think the Red Devils will struggle to score.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 21-Sep-2023 at 2:58 PM
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Won’t be Down for Too Long
Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg
Bayern Munich find themselves in third place in the Bundesliga standings after being held to a 2-2 draw by RB Leipzig last time out, with Bayer Leverkusen and surprise package VfB Stuttgart taking the first and second seeds, respectively.
However, they’re still the defending champions, so there’s no reason to believe that they won’t be able to come back on top, especially when SC Freiburg visit the Allianz Arena this Saturday.
SC Freiburg are fresh from a much-needed 2-0 victory against Augsburg after going winless in their previous three Bundesliga matches. The Black Forest are currently eighth in the table, but a win here would put them back into the European mix.
But the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds are against them since they haven’t beaten Bayern Munich in a league match in quite some time.
Talking Points
Kane-Sane connection clicking for Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are hoping that Harry Kane and Leroy Sane can help them lift the Bundesliga trophy this season
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane with Leroy Sane during a Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen
It’s clear that Harry Kane has adapted quickly to life in Germany because he is their current top scorer with nine goals and four assists in all competitions. Eight of those have come in the Bundesliga, and in fact, he has outscored the entire SC Freiburg squad ahead of this weekend.
Meanwhile, Sane has been another key cog in the Bayern Munich goal machine, recording six goals of his own in all competitions.
Kane has developed a great partnership with Leroy Sane so far this season. Kane’s ability to drop deep, hold up play, and pick out Sane’s forward runs has been one of Bayern Munich’s go-to plays, which is similar to the Kane-Son link-up at Tottenham.
Finally, Bayern Munich have found the perfect replacement for Robert Lewandowski. In fact, one can argue that Kane is a much better version because he has better leadership skills than Lewy after having held the captain’s armband before in North London.
Other than Kane and Sane, Bayern Munich have other weapons that they can go to if they need to give the fans their dose of Bundesliga 2023 highlights.
Mathys Tel is relishing his new off-the-bench role, and the 18-year-old is already their third-leading scorer with five goals and one assist.
Key players return for SC Freiburg
SC Freiburg finally halted their mini-slump last time out, and there’s more good news on the way for Christian Streich and co.
Defender Manuel Gulde and striker Michael Gregoritsch are back in the first-team fold after sustaining injuries last month, and the Black Forest will definitely need them against the Bavarian giants.
Gulde shores up SC Freiburg’s thin backline, while Gregoritsch was one of the team’s difference-makers last season. Gregoritsch’s return in particular will certainly boost their frontline, which already has Lucas Holer, Ritsu Doan, and top scorer Vincenzo Grifo, who now has two goals and one assist.
SC Freiburg have a Europa League group stage match against West Ham United later, so Streich has the option to alter his lineup and manage the load of their top players.
BUNDESLIGA
Borussia MönchengladbachMainz
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History
Bayern Munich have had SC Freiburg’s number here in the Bundesliga, and that is an understatement. SC Freiburg have only won one of their last 40 Bundesliga matches against Bayern Munich prior to this weekend (D8, L31), with the only win being a 2-1 result at home in May 2015.
In the 2022-23 campaign, Bayern Munich scored another league double over SC Freiburg with an impressive aggregate tally of 6-2.
However, the Black Forest managed to beat the Bavarian giants in the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals with a 2-1 scoreline last April before losing 5-1 to eventual champions RB Leipzig in the next round.
Thomas Muller has now won 321 of his 447 Bundesliga appearances thus far, and another win this weekend would put him level with Manuel Neuer, who currently holds the record for the most Bundesliga wins by a single player (322).
Betting Tip
⭐⭐⭐
Bayern Munich VS SC Freiburg
October 8, 23:30 (GMT+8)
Bayern Munich Asian Handicap -1.00
@2.04
We’re not surprised to see Bayern Munich as the favourites to win this weekend. The Bundesliga 2023 odds have the Bavarian giants at 1.15, while a rare SC Freiburg victory is priced quite high at 10.50 and a draw is at 7.20 in the 1X2 market.
Obviously, the safe bet is going for another Bayern Munich victory, but there’s also value looking at the possible goal count of this contest.
While their most recent meeting only featured one goal, that hasn’t been the case in their encounters prior. Since both sides have scored at least three goals in each of the last few seasons, Total Goals 2-3 at 2.51 or Over 3.75 at 1.93 might also be of interest to you.
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VfB Stuttgart climbed to the summit of the Bundesliga table on Saturday thanks to a 3-1 win over Wolfsburg to make it five league wins on the bounce.
Die Roten finished the 2022/23 campaign in 16th place and only survived thanks to a play-off win over Hamburg. The transformation at the club has been nothing short of remarkable since Sebastien Hoeness arrived as head coach last April and successfully steered Stuttgart to safety.
52,000 fans packed into the MHP Arena to see Stuttgart come from behind to beat a dangerous Wolfsburg as Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick to make it 13 for the campaign, and that puts him five goals ahead of Bayern’s Harry Kane in the early dash for the Golden Boot. With just a quarter of the game remaining Guirassy scored his first when he was felled by Cedric Zesiger and climbed to his feet to blast a penalty high and straight down the middle.
After scoring 11 goals in 22 games for Die Roten last season, when he was on loan from Ligue 1 side Rennes, Guirassy had stepped up this campaign and he is bursting with confidence. He collected a through ball from Chris Fuhrich and slotted home on 78 minutes to make it 2-1 and then he completed his hat-trick, five minutes later, with a clinical finish into the bottom right corner.
Next up for Stuttgart, is a trip away to struggling Union Berlin.
Leverkusen reclaim the top spot
Victor Boniface helped Bayer Leverkusen lead in the Bundesliga table as he scored the third goal against Koln
Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface celebrates scoring their third goal against Koln
Sunday saw a return to the top of the table for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen who swept aside bottom club Koln with a comfortable 3-0 win, though with 23 shots on the Koln goal and ten on target it could easily have been a few more. With Granit Xhaka in midfield Bayer have some added steel, and he compliments the more creative play of Jonas Hoffman, who set Die Werkself on the way with a cool finish after great work from Florian Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong doubled the lead from close range before the half time break. Leverkusen continued to dominate and summer signing Victor Boniface, who has started brilliantly since his switch from Union Berlin to Leverkusen, scored his seventh of the campaign when he took a pass from Hoffman and finished with style.
They finished sixth last season but the latest Bundesliga 2023 betting odds make Leverkusen the second favourites to win the 2023/24 title behind FC Bayern.
The challengers to Bayern are gathering
After a tricky run in Bavaria my SBOTOP colleague Jordan reckons Die Bayern won’t be down for long. I’m sure he’s right but the league champions need to find their relentless consistency before too long because there are a number of teams which have put together an impressive set of Bundesliga 2023 results in recent weeks. Stuttgart have five consecutive wins while Leverkusen have now won four from five, alongside two more teams in the leading pack.
BVB made a stuttering start to the campaign but they have begun to gather momentum, coming through a tight game against Wolfsburg before winning well away to TSG Hoffenheim and, on Saturday, Dortmund made it three victories on the bounce with an entertaining 4-2 win over Union Berlin. After Niclas Fulkrug had given Die Scwharzgelben an early lead, goals from Robin Gosens and Leonardo Bonucci handed the Berliners a half time lead. But BVB roared back in the second half with goals from Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Brandt and the in form Julian Ryerson gave the Yellow Wall plenty to celebrate. Dortmund moved up to 17 points and just two off the summit.
BUNDESLIGA
Borussia Dortmund
Werder Bremen
1X2 Werder Bremen @ 7.40
Borussia Dortmund Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.98
Over 3.50 @ 2.01
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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There was a dramatic finish at Werder Bremen where TSG Hoffenheim won a five goal thriller to make it four wins in five, their only defeat being to BVB. Max Beier gave TSG the perfect start when he latched on to a ball from Grischa Promel and fired home; but Werder were quickly level when Romano Schmidt hit a rocket into the top right corner. Hoffenheim went back in the lead before the break when provider Promel turned scorer when he arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner.
In an evenly matched game which went from end to end Werder Bremen thought they’d grabbed a point in injury time when Jens Stage fired one into the top corner, but a minute later Marius Bulter hit a beauty from distance to win all three points.
Hoffenheim went fifth; but may be overtaken by FC Bayern in the late game, a tough assignment at home to SC Freiburg.
The Bavarians need to keep up with a serious pace.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Oct-2023 at 8:01 PM
Early Meisterschale Frontrunners this Bundesliga Season
The Bundesliga has been a Bayern Munich league for as long as I can remember. The German top flight has been ruled by the Bavarians, as they are the lone club that has bagged the Meisterschale since the 2012-13 season!
Some would say that the Bundesliga has become a two-horse race because of the rise of Borussia Dortmund. BVB served as a breath of fresh air for the German football faithful. Bayern finally had a reliable foe, which sparked a rivalry and a compelling story.
Early on this season, things are looking a little different in the German top flight. One might be surprised to look at the league table and not see either Bayern or Dortmund in the top two. Although still a threat, the two German clubs that frequent glory are both tied with 17 points and are currently third and fourth in the league table.
The current top seed is Xabi Alonso’s Bayer 04 Leverkusen. I want to say no one saw this coming, but since Alonso took the helm for the Black and Reds, they’ve been quietly making their presence felt as one of the top clubs in Germany.
Has the Bundesliga become a more competitive scene where a handful of teams now have a chance to win the league, or is it too early to tell? Courtesy of SBOTOP, here are the early frontrunners for the illustrious Meisterschale.
FC Bayern Munich
By this time, Bayern Munich and the Bundesliga are practically synonymous. The Bavarians have reigned over German football for the last 11 consecutive years! And they’re still in a great position to go for another one this 2023–24 campaign.
The biggest bolster to Bayern this season is the addition of former Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane. Bayern fans were rightfully getting frantic due to the departure of Bundesliga legend Robert Lewandowski.
Harry Kane is leading Bayern Munich in defending the Bundesliga title this season
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane in action during their recent Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg
Lewandowski was the catalyst for Bayern’s longevity at the top of the German top flight. He played a total of 375 games for the Bavarians and netted 344 goals in his stint with Bayern. Losing a player of this calibre is surely worrying if you’re a fan, but Bayern quickly extinguished the brewing fire and signed England captain Harry Kane, who has already produced a couple of Bundesliga 2023 highlights this season.
Both Bayern and Kane delivered. The Bavarians remain as the apex predator in Germany, and Harry Kane is showing that he fits the bill to be Bayern’s new main man.
Thomas Tuchel and his club are currently third on the league table with 17 points. They are tied with the top seed, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with 23 goals and a goal difference of 17. Expect Bayern to stay within striking range of the top spot all throughout the season.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund had the best opportunity in recent years to dethrone Bayern Munich of their Bundesliga title.
The Meisterschale was theirs to take last season, but they let it slip out of their hands. The world witnessed a poised Dortmund choke against Mainz to hand Bayern the title.
It literally came down to the last game of the season, where Dortmund had to win against the struggling Mainz squad in order to clinch the title. Everyone, possibly including Mainz, expected a cakewalk since BVB were the overwhelming favorites to win the game. However, the unexpected occurred.
The underdogs scored two unanswered goals in the first half, and BVB have failed to fully recover since then. They took back two goals to tie the game, but it was not enough to bring the Meisterschale home. As a result of the draw, Bayern snuck it to take the top seed in the league table and extend their undisputed reign into an eleventh year.
Even though Edin Terzi and the rest of BVB were denied the opportunity to raise the trophy the previous year, they are acting with maturity and mentality on par with champions this time around. They haven’t lost a step, and as per the Bundesliga 2023 odds, they are still one of the favourites to win the German top flight.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Now that we got the obvious two out of the way, it’s time to put the spotlight on the best storyline to come out of the Bundesliga so far this season.
UEFA EURO 2024
Spain
Scotland
1X2 Scotland @ 9.75
Over 3.00 @ 2.20
Total Goals 0-1 @ 3.80
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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Bayer are on a meteoric rise and are atop the league table! Manager Xabi Alonso was able to transform this already competitive club into one of Germany’s best. Bayer have had four different managers in the last five years. Their best finish in the season during that span was in the 2021–23 season under Gerardo Seoane, where they finished third.
The Red and Blacks entrusted Alonso to steer the ship for the second year in a row, and it’s looking like it’s the right move. They are still undefeated this year, and they are the top seed in the league table with 19 points. Since the beginning of September, Bayer have only given up seven goals while scoring 29 in eight matches across all competitions. The only club that came close to ending their streak were Bayern in a 2-2 draw at Allianz Arena.
With Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann leading the squad on the pitch and Xabi Alonso at the helm, it’s hard to undermine their early dominance.
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Oct-2023 at 8:03 PM
Bundesliga: Do the Wolves Have Enough Against Die Werkself?
VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen
VfL Wolfsburg are the next team that is going to have a crack at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen. The Wolves are scheduled to host Die Werkself at the Volkswagen Arena in what should be a fun match on Saturday.
Niko Kovac’s men are hoping to get back into the European mix after the most recent international break.
This season, VfL Wolfsburg have blown hot and cold with their mixed bag of Bundesliga 2023 results, so they must find their consistency to move up in the standings, starting with a victory against the league frontrunners.
But it’ll be easier said than done because Bayer Leverkusen are on top for a reason. Xabi Alonso’s men are one of the few undefeated teams left this term.
Talking Points
Wolfsburg’s defence further compromised
After conceding three goals in their most recent loss at the hands of VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg are expected to have a much tougher time on defence due to a huge injury blow in their ranks.
Koen Casteels, their first-choice goalkeeper who’s set to leave the team at the end of the season, suffered an abdominal injury while on international duty. With him sidelined, it was Matz Sels who was Belgium’s starting goalkeeper in their games against Sweden and Austria.
Veteran shotstopper Pavao Pervan is expected to start at Casteel’s place this weekend as a result. The Austrian, who has been with the Wolves since 2018, has only played 35 games in the past five years, so he will relish this new opportunity.
What’s ironic about Pervan is that when he made his debut for the Wolves in 2018, it resulted in a 3-1 victory against, you guessed it, Bayer Leverkusen.
He will have to shake off some rust this weekend, as his last game was in May 2022, when VfL Wolfsburg beat Koln 1-0 in Cologne.
Leverkusen trio deserve plaudits
Bayer Leverkusen sit at the top of Bundesliga table with 19 points
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring their first goal against BK Hacken in Europa League
Florian Wirtz is a wanted man in Europe, while Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong have formed a lethal partnership at Bayer Leverkusen.
Due to his outstanding performances this season, Wirtz is reportedly being eyed by Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona ahead of January. The young midfielder said that he’s committed to Die Werkself this season, although he didn’t outright deny the transfer rumours.
The 20-year-old now has three goals and four assists this season. All in all, Wirtz has scored 26 goals and recorded 34 assists in 113 appearances across all competitions so far at Bayer Leverkusen.
On the other hand, Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong have been integral cogs to the Die Werkself goal-scoring machine since they have contributed two goals and three assists each thus far.
This is quite impressive because Grimaldo and Frimpong are both defenders, and VfL Wolfsburg have to account for these two full-backs on Saturday.
BUNDESLIGA
TSG HoffenheimEintracht Frankfurt
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TO SEE UPDATED ODDS
History
VfL Wolfsburg have yet to win a home match against Bayer Leverkusen since October 2015 (D1, L5). And interestingly enough, none of the last 14 Bundesliga matches between the Wolves and Die Werkself have ended with a home win for either side.
Niko Kovac has lost five of nine encounters with Bayer Leverkusen as a manager (W2, D2).
Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last seven Bundesliga road matches against VfL Wolfsburg, and they’ve kept five clean sheets in a row against them.
19 points is the best return for Bayer Leverkusen after the first seven matchdays of a Bundesliga campaign. At this juncture last year, Die Werkself were in 15th place after seven games with only five points.
And Bayer Leverkusen are in superb form this season, as they are still undefeated after 10 games in all competitions thus far (W9, D1). This is the best overall run they’ve had to start the season since their Bundesliga promotion in 1979.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐⭐
Wolfsburg VS Bayer Leverkusen
October 21, 21:30 (GMT+8)
Bayer Leverkusen Asian Handicap -0.75
@ 2.05
The short answer to the question in the article title is no, and the SBOTOP Bundesliga 2023 odds seem to agree. Bayer Leverkusen are at 1.80 odds to win, although VfL Wolfsburg aren’t far behind at 3.65, and a draw is at 3.70 in the 1X2 market.
At this point, it’s beginning to feel like Bayer Leverkusen are legitimate title contenders, and they’re stopping at nothing to try and dethrone Bayern Munich once and for all. Unfortunately for VfL Wolfsburg, they are in their way this weekend.
Meanwhile, Total Goal 2-3 at 2.07, 4-6 at 2.72, and Over 3.25 at 2.21 are attractive alternative bets for this particular game, with Total Goal 2-3 at 2.07 being the safest one among the three.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 20-Oct-2023 at 2:29 PM
Kane, Openda and Boniface make Bundesliga a Compelling Place to be
As we approach the final days of 2023, it’s all quiet on the Bundesliga front.
But it won’t be for long.
For there is little time to rest during a brief winter break and, with the January transfer window almost upon us, the relentless world of top-level football rarely sleeps.
Study the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds and you will see few surprises.
For champions Bayern Munich remain favourites for a 12th straight title and the Bavarians remain the team to beat.
In fact, they are so far ahead in the odds that RB Leipzig – a club making great strides but not title contenders – the impressive Stuttgart and last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund are barely in the mix,
As for the latter, their chance has come and gone for now following the devastation they experienced on the final day of last season which will likely take some time to recover from.
Bundesliga highlights will return on January 12 when Bayern host Hoffenheim to kick off a full weekend of fixtures.
And with Harry Kane leading their charge, with 21 league goals and five assists in just 15 games to date, how can you back against them?
Harry Kane will end the 2023 as the current Bundesliga top scorer
Harry Kane during Bayern Munich’s Champions League match against Manchester United
A word also for Lois Openda whose 11 goals in 16 league appearances for Leipzig is a good return and puts him well on course to beat the record set by the man he replaced, Christopher Nkunku, whose joint-league-leading total of 16 strikes last season persuaded Chelsea to part £52 million.
Back to the England captain though and he is the first player in Bundesliga history to net 21 goals in his first 15 games, smashing the previous record set by Erling Haaland, who needed 22 games to reach that mark.
Even when Robert Lewandowski scored a record 41 Bundesliga goals in 2020-21 for Bayern, he was on 20 goals after 15 games.
Including the second half of last season with Spurs, Kane has scored 38 league goals in 2023, four above second-placed Kylian Mbappe in Europe’s top five leagues.
With five assists included, Kane has been involved in 26 Bundesliga goals this season, as many as the player with the most goal involvements in the whole of last season, Randal Kolo Muani.
That is why you cannot look past Bayern to reclaim the crown.
And with their own own run of home games in which they have scored at least one goal still ongoing and now stretching to 64 games – one short of setting a new club record – the chances are there is much more to come.
Yet let’s not just focus on the Bavarians who, it must be remembered, are not actually the league leaders.
That honour goes to Bayer Leverkusen who have won 13 and drawn three of their 16 matches in the first half of the campaign.
A multifaceted, attack-minded side, Leverkusen have never won the German title and, however the adventure ends, the side from North Rhine-Westphalia have given fans plenty of entertainment.
SERIE A
Lazio
Frosinone
1X2 Draw @ 3.45
Under 2.25 @ 2.08
First Half Over 1.00 @ 2.03
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
CLICK HERE
The dream could become a reality though if their second half of the season matches the first.
For, since beginning of the season in August, Leverkusen have yet to taste defeat. They are 25 games without loss across all competitions, winning 22 – while their unblemished start to the Bundesliga has them four points clear at the top of the standings, albeit with second-placed Bayern having played one game fewer.
The impetus has been led by manager Xabi Alonso who not only has his side passing the ball around with ease and dominating opponents with spectacular success, but also scoring aplenty.
Die Werkself have only failed to score less than three goals in one of their first eight matches of the season – and that was a highly respectable 2-2 draw against Bayern.
The summer signings have surpassed expectations, led by Victor Boniface whose 10 goals and seven assists in his first 16 Bundesliga appearances, not to mention four successive Rookie of the Month awards, is mighty fine.
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has used his experience to pull the strings at the base of a mean midfield, while Alejandro Grimaldo has been a revelation at left-back – most noticeably for his ability to thump in stunning free-kicks.
With Florian Wirtz bamboozling defences week-in, week-out and Patrik Schick smashing a hat-trick on his first start in 14 months as Leverkusen signed off for 2023 with a 4-0 win against Bochum, things are looking rosy.
Can it be maintained? if so, we could be in for a thrilling second half of the season in the Bundesliga. Watch this space!
●●●
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 30-Dec-2023 at 10:09 AM
After the briefest winter hiatus, the record-breaking Bundesliga is about to be back with a bang.
Nowhere will that be more evident than in the game of the weekend in the German top-flight this Saturday afternoon, as RB Leipzig host Eintracht Frankfurt.
Although only two places separate the sides, there are actually a total of nine points between them.
However, one team has been weakened and the other strengthened in the past week.
Talking Points
Leipzig have let striker Timo Werner, who has netted twice in eight Bundesliga appearances this season and is under contract with the club until 2026, as he moved to Spurs on loan for the second half of the campaign.
By contrast, Frankfurt have gone to the Premier League to recruit and strengthen their ranks.
Frontman striker Sasa Kalajdzic has joined on loan from Wolves until the end of the campaign.
The Midlands club signed the Austria international for £15 million from Stuttgart in August 2022 but suffered a serious knee injury on his debut.
Another man looking to revive his career has also arrived in the shape of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.
There is an option for the 26 year-old to turn the transfer into a permanent deal if he impresses.
Donny Van de Beek will probably start for EIntracht Frankfurt in upcoming Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig
Manchester United’s Donny Van de Beek kicks the ball during their friendly game against Melbourne Victory in 2022
All that means a slightly new look to both sides, potentially, starting this Saturday.
There’s been highs and lows for both so far.
While not title contenders, Leipzig are on course for a top four finish and to secure another season of Champions League football.
They began the campaign with an impressive showing as they saw off Bayern Munich 3-0 in the German Super Cup.
Yet after key departures, it was no surprise that periods of inconsistency have followed and they are nine points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen almost halfway through the 34-match campaign.
Summer signings Xavi Simons and Loïs Openda have been the real stars with 15 goals and 11 assists between them, while Dani Olmo is close to a return following a shoulder injury which has kept him out for the last two months.
Their hopes of landing a third straight DFB Cup were ended by Wolfsburg.
By contrast, Eintracht are sixth after 16 games, nine points behind fourth-placed Leipzig.
The Eagles are ticking along nicely under Dino Toppmöller, and this marks a first return to the Red Bull Arena for the man who worked as Julian Nagelsmann’s assistant at the club Leipzig during the 2020/21 season.
A 5-1 win over Bayern last month was a high point, but their away form has to improve, as does a defence which has conceded in 33 of the last 35 away league matches.
They have lost their last three away games without scoring.
Toppmöller must have to deal with a number of key absences at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Three crucial players in Omar Marmoush (seven-goal top scorer), Fares Chaibi (most assists), and Ellyes Skhiri (midfield anchor) are on international duty so they won’t be involved, meaning their potential new arrivals could even start.
There are often plenty of Bundesliga 2024 highlights when these two meet. Who do you think will claim the first bragging rights of 2024?
History
Of their 14 Bundesliga clashes, the record is pretty close with four Leipzig triumphs, three Frankfurt successes and seven draws.
They won one apiece in their games last season.
BUNDESLIGA
Bayern MunichTSG Hoffenheim
CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS
Leipzig ran out 2-1 winners in this fixture, courtesy of first half goals from Werner and Emil Forsberg before Djibril Sow reduced the arrears in the second period.
Frankfurt had thrashed Leipzig 4-0 at home five months earlier as Daichi Kamada, Sebastian Rode, Tuta, and Rafael Borré (penalty) all found the net without reply.
Of course, it was Leipzig who had the last laugh in June as they retained the German Cup at Frankfurt’s expense.
Goals in the last 20 minutes from Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have both now departed for the Premier League, clinched the silverware.
Betting Tip
⭐⭐⭐
RB Leipzig VS Eintracht Frankfurt
January 13, 22:30 (GMT+8)
1X2 Draw
@4.51
Leipzig are favourites by quite a distance with the SBOTOP Bundesliga 2024 betting odds, priced 1X2 @ 1.41, First Half 1X2 @ 1.99, Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.21, and First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.99.
That is a big difference from Frankfurt who are on offer 1X2 @ 5.90, First Half 1X2 @ 4.80, Asian Handicap + 1.00 @ 2.20, and First Half Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.33.
A re-run of the league meeting last term, Correct Score 2-1, is available @ 7.60.
Featured goal options include Over 2.25 @ 2.12, Total Goal 0-1 @ 4.89, 2-3 @ 2.11, and 4-6 @ 2.56.
My tip is for honours even with a 1X2 Draw @ 4.45.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 12-Jan-2024 at 2:28 PM
England star Jadon Sancho has returned to his spiritual home of Dortmund to rejoin BVB after a frustrating two seasons away with Manchester United in the Premier League.
Sancho has joined Borussia on loan for the rest of the campaign, and I wouldn’t bet against him making a move permanently to the Bundesliga and away from Old Trafford when that loan expires.
If he can rediscover the scintillating form which made his a star at the Signal Iduna Park, Sancho will write a few of his own Bundesliga 2024 news headlines over the next five months.
He may have burnt his bridges at Old Trafford; but that won’t worry Sancho one bit. After appearing in just the first three Premier League games of the campaign, he fell out with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag and has been isolated since September, training away from the fist team group after he claimed the manager made him a scapegoat for the club’s poor performances.
His troubles in Salford were a far cry from his first two seasons at Borussia Dortmund who he joined in 2017. In his second season, Sancho became one of the first names on the team sheet, and he was named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
With 38 goals in 104 appearances for Die Schwarzgelben, he was catapulted into stardom, but things haven’t worked out the same way in England.
Now he has a chance to kick start his career in Dortmund. Erik ten Hag has started his Old Trafford clearout and has wished him well and, at 23 years of age, Sancho still has the world at his feet. This could turn out to be the signing of the window in the German top-flight.
Dier to Bayern
Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier says Harry Kane influence his decision to play in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich sign Harry Kane’s former Spurs teammate Eric Dier
Here at SBOTOP, we’ve recently reported on Manchester United, who are set to meet Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, and that brings us to another Premier League star who is hot-footing his way to the Bundesliga as Spurs defender Eric Dier has arrived in Munich to help FC Bayern’s title push.
The Bavarians will pay a €4 million fee to sign the England star, who is in the last year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He completed a medical on Friday, and Dier has completed his first press interview at the club after Bayern bosses swooped to sign him after they missed out on Genoa Radu Dragusin, who was signed by Spurs last week. That eased the Dier move from the North London club’s point of view, and the 29-year-old has said it is like a dream come true.
He has fallen out of favour with new boss Ange Postecoglou, but he is delighted to be joining his old Spurs mate Harry Kane, who has made a sensational start to his FC Bayern career.
The two players grew up at Tottenham together where Dier arrived in 2014, and he has made 365 appearances for club. But like Kane, he wants to win silverware, and the Bundesliga 2024 betting odds say he has made the right move.
Bayern boss Tuchel rates his new utility man highly, saying: “He is more or less a specialist in the central defencive role. He’s played as a holding midfielder. He can play as part of a back four and three at the back so we can free up Leon Goretzka in midfield so he doesn’t have to switch between playing as a Number 8 or being deeper.”
Dier has featured in just four games for Spurs this season, though he made 42 appearances last term, and he is still very much in his prime.
BUNDESLIGA
Darmstadt 98
Borussia Dortmund
1X2 SV Darmstadt 98 @ 5.30
Borussia Dortmund Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.25
3.50 Over @ 2.36
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
CLICK HERE
Kane picks up where he left off
FC Bayern’s title push has got underway again on Friday night, and in some style as the Bavarians beat TSG Hoffenheim 3-0 to move to within a point of Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga table.
The German giants brushed their opponents aside as flying winger Jamal Musiala scored two goals, but it was Kane again who stole the limelight when he bagged a third in the last minute of normal time.
That goal means Kane has equalled the record of 22 goals in 16 games, bringing him level with Munich legend Robert Lewandowski.
It was an emotional night at the Allianz Arena where fans and players paid tribute to Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away last week at the age of 78. The German maestro was nicknamed Der Kaiser by fans worldwide as his imperious performances on the pitch made Germany an irresistible force in the 1970s.
Bayern wore shirts with “Danke Franz” written across the front, and they gave him the best tribute possible as Musiala scored either side of the halftime break and Kane smashed home the third.
●●●
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 15-Jan-2024 at 4:03 PM
It was the weekend the Bundesliga remembered the man considered the finest footballer Germany has ever produced.
At grounds across the country, large and small, top to bottom, they saluted Der Kaiser, the icon that was Franz Beckenbauer.
Fittingly, the weekend’s Bundesliga highlights began with the club where he made his name and will forever be an illustrious figure.
Champions Bayern Munich hosted Hoffenheim on Friday night as the league returned after its brief winter hiatus.
What followed on the pitch was not a shock as the SBOTOP Bundesliga betting odds make the Bavarians favourites on virtually every occasion for good reason.
Yet it was the tribute that took priority and Bayern duly delivered on that score too as the Allianz Arena paid its respects to a true great of the club and the German game.
Eighteen minutes had elapsed when Leroy Sane slipped Jamal Musiala in behind the defence following a short corner and the talented former Chelsea youngster blasted in off the far post from a tight angle.
Home nerves were settled with 20 minutes remaining when Musiala played a smart one-two with Sane before completing his brace from point-blank range.
Bayern’s job was made easier when the visitors were then reduced to 10 men and Harry Kane rounded off an emotional evening in the closing moments.
With two assists, Sane has now provided a league-high 10 goals this season.
This was also the first time in 20 games Hoffenheim have failed to score, bringing to an end their own club record.
Victory ensured Bayern moved to within touching distance of the top but it’s still Bayer Leverkusen who have the edge after their own thrilling late show on Saturday.
Exequiel Palacios scored on the 90th minute of Bayer Leverkusen's 0-1 Bundesliga win against Augsburg
Exequiel Palacios celebrates with Bayer Leverkusen teammates after scoring against Augsburg
Exequiel Palacios was the injury-time matchwinner and the look on his face, and that of his team-mates, as he wheeled away, said everything.
It was hard not to feel for Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen who had kept Leverkusen at bay but he was finally beaten in the 94th minute when the lively Alejandro Grimaldo, who had earlier struck the crossbar, passed to Palacios who smashed the ball into the net to send the unbeaten league leaders into raptures.
Based on the first half of the season, this is far from a fluke.
Leverkusen are currently 26 games without defeat in all competitions this term (23 wins, three draws), a record for a German club at the start of a season.
Bayern Munich, when managed by Pep Guardiola, are the only other side to have amassed 45 points in the first half of a campaign (14 wins, three draws).
Eintracht Frankfurt gained the result of the weekend as they emerged 1-0 victors at RB Leipzig.
In the game of the weekend, an early goal from Ansgar Knauff, converting a pinpoint Nils Nkoukou cross, was enough for them to claim their first ever win at Leipzig, who went down to their first home league defeat of the campaign in the process.
On loan signings Danny van de Beek and Sasa Kalajdzic both started for Frankfurt.
SERIE A
Juventus
Sassuolo
1X2 Draw @ 4.28
Under 2.50 @ 2.16
First Half Over 3.00 @ 2.21
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
CLICK HERE
The only goalless draw of the weekend in the Bundesliga was not exactly what either club was looking for as Freiburg slipped two points behind sixth placed Frankfurt and Union Berlin failed to pull away from the bottom three.
Darmstadt remain bottom after a 3-0 reverse at home to Borussia Dortmund who gained their first win in five Bundesliga games as a result.
After Julian Brandt had grabbed the opener, the spirited hosts kept in touch until on loan substitute Jadon Sancho set up Marco Reus to add a second 13 minutes from time.
Youssoufa Moukoko struck in added time to confirm all three points.
Onto Sunday and Robin Hack had only ever scored once in the Bundesliga going into Borussia Monchengladbach’s game with high-flyers Stuttgart.
Within 19 minutes he had trebled his tally.
A meagre 21 seconds into the game and he produced a superb finish for the opener and his first goal in the league since 2017.
Like buses, after waiting for so long, another quickly arrived as he lashed home an Alassane Plea pass.
When Josha Vagnoman unleashed an unstoppable finish 11 minutes after the restart, Stuttgart were back in the contest.
At that stage, you’d have said they were the likelier team to score again but, with 91 minutes on the clock, the hosts broke away and substitute Jordan made it 3-1 after a Manu Kone shot came back off the post.
Job done for Monchengladbach on an emotional weekend in Germany.
●●●
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This message was edited by SBOTOP on 15-Jan-2024 at 4:04 PM
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