Bundesliga Matchweek 29 Betting Preview

Attention Shifts to European Places, Relegation

With Borussia Dortmund falling 4-1 to RB Leipzig last weekend, Bayern Munich are nearing their record 10th consecutive Bundesliga title. Three wins from their last six matches will very likely seal the deal for the Bavarians, and Bundesliga betting odds heavily favor them to take home the title. They’ve got a favorable matchup this weekend vs. Augsburg that’s expected to put them one step closer to glory.

While the title race is now all but wrapped up, more attention will turn to the battle for European places and relegation. With their emphatic win over BVB, Leipzig are favorites to finish fourth but SC Freiburg and Hoffenheim aren’t far behind. Meanwhile, it’s a six-team fight at the bottom of the table to avoid dropping down to the Bundesliga 2.

Resurgent Leipzig Top-Four Favorites

Bayern Munich officially clinched a top-four finish with their win over Freiburg. Despite injuries and recent form, it’s highly likely Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen finish in the top four as well. RB Leipzig’s Champions League place is far from secure, but they’ve been excellent since Domenico Tedesco took over from Jesse Marsch.

They’re unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions and they picked apart Dortmund last weekend. This is a team that can compete with anyone in Europe and it’d be a shame for neutral fans if they weren’t in next season’s UCL. Their next three matches are all vs. teams in the top half and will be crucial for their top-four chances.

On Sunday, Leipzig hosts a Hoffenheim side that’s just six points behind them but have lost two straight in matches in which they were favored to win. Leipzig come in as -170 favorites according to the Bundesliga betting odds, and Hoffenheim are missing three key players due to suspension.

David Raum is second on Hoffenheim with 11 goal involvements and the left wing back’s creative ability will be missed. There’ll also be a hole in the heart of their defense with Kevin Vogt and Kevin Akpoguma out. Averaging three goals per game in their last three, Leipzig have the potential to pile on the goals in this match. Leipzig over 2½ is a risk but is listed at favorable +150 odds.

Berlin Derby: Added Significance

In 2018, Hertha Berlin were playing in the Europa League while smaller Union Berlin were toiling in the Bundesliga 2. Union were promoted a year later and the first top-flight Berlin derby in 30 years was contested soon after. Just a few years later, the tables have completely turned as Union are competing for Europe and Hertha are in the relegation zone.

This Saturday at the Olympiastadion, three points are incredibly important for both teams. Hosts Hertha could get themselves out of the relegation zone with a win while Union could go level with Hoffenheim in sixth to get back in the UEFA Conference League slot.

Reflecting a competitive match, the odds are nearly even in this pick’em. Hertha are implied to be slightly less likely to win than Union at +180 and +170, respectively. Union are coming off a 1-0 win over Koln, their first Bundesliga win in their last four. Plus, center back Paul Jaeckel will miss this match due to suspension.

Hertha have covered the spread in their last two matches but lost 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday. Keeper Alexander Schwolow was subbed off due to an injury after 15 minutes and backup Marcel Lotka failed to keep a clean sheet for a fourth straight appearance. Possibly more reflective of Hertha’s leaky defense, Lotka has allowed at least two goals in each of the four matches he’s appeared in this season.

With defensive midfielder Niklas Stark also out for Hertha, Bundesliga betting odds may suggest Union have a good shot at winning a third straight derby and scoring multiple goals for the first time in five matches.

Wolfsburg: Champions League to Relegation?

After making the Champions League, Bundesliga soccer predictions expected big things for Wolfsburg this season. Yet, they’ve been in disarray and their season could still end in relegation. They’ve dropped their last three matches and are just five points outside of the drop zone.

Their opponents on Saturday, Arminia Bielefeld, narrowly escaped relegation last season and would contest the relegation playoff if the season ended today. On Saturday, Arminia picked up points for the first time since February in a 1-1 draw vs Stuttgart, but they struggle mightily to put the ball in the net.

Unders on Arminia games this season have been a great Bundesliga betting tip as they’re the league’s lowest scoring team. Wolfsburg haven’t been much better on offense and lost last season’s leading scorer, Wout Weghorst, in January. Whoever can manage to put the ball in the net on Saturday may very well come away with all three points.

Wolfsburg have averaged one goal per game in their last five while Arminia have managed just 0.2 goals per game in the same span. The over/under total is set at 2½, which may seem a bit generous. Playing at home, Wolfsburg are favored and they’ve won two of their last four at the Volkswagen Arena.