IT’S regular Bundesliga columnist Lucas Swain’s (@BundesligaLucas) week off so Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire) has stepped in to provide his best bets from Germany’s top tier.
Bayer Leverkusen v Koln | Saturday 14.30
Bayer Leverkusen produced a strong performance at Hannover last weekend to scupper our punt on the hosts but after a midweek Champions League outing, it could pay to oppose Die Werkself again on Saturday.
Roger Schmidt’s team have bagged just three wins from 10 Bundesliga matches now and were somehow turned over by Monaco on Wednesday night. But it’s their slow start in games that could see us profit in the BayArena.
Since the start of last season, Leverkusen have only led at half-time in 6/23 (26%) of their home league fixtures. During 2014/15 alone, Schmidt’s side have been ahead at the interval just once in front of their home fans.
This weekend Koln make the relatively short journey and despite a poor display at home to Hertha Berlin last time out, the newly-promoted side have equipped themselves well on their return to the German top-flight.
The Billy Goats have collected 15 points (W4-D3-L5) from their first 12 games can also call upon the fifth meanest defence in the Bundesliga.
Peter Stöger’s charges have only trailed at half-time in 3/12 (25%) of their matches this season, including just once in six outings on their travels.
Ladbrokes are giving us the chance to back Koln in the first-half Double Chance market at 7/10, which is well worth an investment. Backing this selection, we’ll win should the visitors be level or leading at the interval.
Augsburg v Hamburg | Saturday 14.30
Hamburg travel to Augsburg having picked up 10 points from a possible 18 to move above the Bundesliga drop zone. But holding a W1-D1-L4 record on the road won’t fill the Dinosaur with too much confidence when heading to the SGL Arena.
The hosts have W4-L1 of their five home matches this season with only Dortmund escaping without defeat. And last season, the Fuggerstädter possessed a W8-D3-L1 record when entertaining sides in sixth and below.
But rather than attempt to find a winning bet in the Match Odds or Asian Handicap markets, the 11/10 on offer for ‘No’ in the Both Teams To Score market holds plenty of appeal with Paddy Power.
Augsburg have seen both teams net in just 3/12 (25%) Bundesliga fixtures this campaign with Hamburg’s matches producing goals at both ends in just 2/12 (17%) of games.
Best Bets
Bayer Leverkusen v Koln – Koln first-half Double Chance (7/10 Ladbrokes)
Augsburg v Hamburg – Both Teams To Score ‘No' (11/10 Paddy Power)
