07-02-2008 Bundesliga Betting Preview - Matchday 19

Bundesliga bettors are in for a real treat this weekend with a Grand Slam of fixtures featuring the top four sides in opposition. On Saturday third plays fourth, then on Sunday, second plays first, in what will be critical games for the title race. Get 60% bettor Bundesliga betting odds for these games, and all other weekend fixtures in the German top flight, at PinnacleSports.com.

Leverkusen & Hamburg Battle for Third Place

Bayer Leverkusen and Hamburg are currently locked together on 33 points occupying third and fourth position respectively in the German Bundesliga. That could all change on Saturday as they meet in a crucial league fixture. Leverkusen leap-frogged HSV last weekend with a 3-2 away win over Cottbus, featuring two goals from German international, Simon Rolfes, which gave his side their sixth win in seven league games. Bayer coach, Michael Skibbe, began the game with a very attacking line-up featuring four men up front. Skibbe will probably be a little more cautious for this fixture.

Hamburg allowed 04 to overtake in the table after drawing 1-1 at home to Hannover in the North German Derby on Saturday, but at least preserved their unbeaten home record. Huub Stevens now takes his side on the road to the BayArena protecting the division’s second best away defensive record, bettered only by leaders Bayern Munich. Hamburg have conceded just eight goals on the road, while Leverkusen have allowed just four at home, suggesting a very tight game. SV have faced Karlsruhe (6th), Werder Bremen (2nd) and Schalke (5th) in their last three away games, taking just two points, which suggests they may not be capable of beating the top sides away from home. They have, however, won on their last two visits to the BayArena. PinnacleSports.com make Bayer Leverkusen slight favourites 2.03 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Hamburg 1.901 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.

Table Top Clash at Allianz Arena Critical to Title Race

Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich, host second place, Werder Bremen, on Sunday in what will be a critical game in this season’s title race. Bayern were runaway leaders of the division in the early part of the campaign, but lost their momentum toward the end of November just as Bremen were finding their feet. The sides entered the Winter Break locked on 36 points, with Munich holding top spot courtesy of their goal difference. Last weekend Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side came out of the traps much the better, winning 2-1 away at Hansa Rostock, while Bremen lost only their second home game of the season, to struggling Bochum (despite dominating the game), ending an eight game home winning run.

Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side have conceded just twice at the Allianz Arena, but have been held three times, including two goalless draws against sides in the bottom of the table. Defender, Lucio, and French international, Franck Ribery, are both major doubts, while Bremen will be without central defender, Naldo, sent off against Bochum. This fixture ended 1-1 last season, but the sides have already met twice in this campaign with Bayern Munich winning 4-1 in the pre-season League Cup, then 4-0 Weserstadion on matchday two. PinnacleSports.com make Bayern Munich favourites 2.030 (-0.5 & -1)* with Werder Bremen 1.901 (+0.5 & +1)* – a market priced to less than 102%.

*Odds are subject to change

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