14-02-2008 Bundesliga Betting Preview - Matchday 20

Last weekend in the Bundesliga the top four sides were in action against each other, but none of the quartet could draw any advantage. Bayern Muncih drew 1-1 with Werder Bremen, while Leverkusen and Hamburg’s meeting produced the same scoreline. Schalke capitalised on these stalemates, creeping up into third position with a 3-2 win at Dortmund. The top of the table could change again as we approach matchday 20 of the German top flight, when as always PinnacleSports.com will be offering up to 60% better Bundesliga betting odds.

Schalke 04 took full advantage of the stalemates between the top four teams of the Bundesliga last weekend. The Royal Blues settled a dramatic game at Borussia Dortmund winning 3-2 with an 82nd minute goal that took the side above Leverkusen and Hamburg. Another win for 04 on Friday, at home to Wolfsburg, could take them above Werder Bremen and into second position, if only briefly. Mirko Slomka’s side were bitterly disappointed last season having led the title race for long periods, so will eagerly grab a chance to make amends.

This game is a re-run of a German Cup encounter at the end of January which Wolfsburg won on penalties, in addition to a decent run of league results which have lifted Felxi Magath’s side into mid-table. The Wolves have won three consecutive Bundesliga fixtures by an aggregate of 7-1, with key contributions from Brazilian striker, Grafite, which puts them in confident mood for the visit to the Veltins Arena. There should be a good chance for goals in this game as Wolfsburg’s away games have averaged 3.77 goals this season. PinnacleSports.com price Schalke favourites 1.763 (-0.5 & -1)* and Wolfsburg 2.210 (+0.5 & +1)*.

Bremen Nervously Looking Over Their Shoulders

Though Werder Bremen will consider last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena to be a fantastic result, it allowed Schalke 04 to close within two points, which is too close for comfort. Werder have played three games in 2008, and though they beat Braga 3-0 on Wednesday night in the UEFA Cup, are still seeking their first domestic win in the New Year. They were dumped out of the German Cup by Dortmund, then had an eight game home winning run ended by lowly Bochum. The European win, and draw with Munich, will have restored some confidence, but coach, Thomas Schaaf, will want a convincing home performance on Saturday against Nurnberg.

After the success of last season, which included victory in the German Cup, Nurnberg are struggling under the burden of expectation. A string of bad results, which have left them stuck in the relegation zone, culminated in the sacking of coach, Hans Meyer, (and his assistant Jurgen Raab) on Tuesday. Der Club will therefore be without a coach for the tough trip to the Wesertadion on Saturday, seeking to end a nine game away sequence without a league win. PinnacleSports.com make Werder Bremen favourites 2.060 (-1 & -1.5)* with Nurnberg 1.870 (+1 & +1.5)*.

*Odds are subject to change

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