TOM LOVEYS (@ValueBetMethods) is back with a host of Bundesliga betting action across the weekend, again stepping in to the sizeable German shoes of maestro Mark O'Haire (@MarkOHaire) whilst he is away.
Bundesliga | Saturday 14.30
A couple of weeks ago, I said it would be a tough job to fill the shoes of Mark O’Haire’s German loafers whilst he’s been away and indeed that has been the case, in fact its been a bit like attempting to fit into an ill-sized pair of Lederhosen with the success that we’ve had.
Germany’s top tier at the end of the season has been a tough place to find winners and I’m not expecting any let-up as we enter the final match-day of the season – but we’re determined to find some success nonetheless.
Can we add some zing to our Currywürst and some froth to our beers for the final match-day?
Bayern have already been crowned champions but there is the small matter of tying up the loose ends at the foot of the table with Stuttgart, Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt amongst others fighting for the Bundesliga survival.
It should be an intriguing final day, so where oh where are those ‘Value Bets’ to secure the WLB readers some last minute profits?
Augsburg v Hamburg | Saturday 14.30
Two teams with little to play for, other than vying for first team berths in next season’s campaign.
Sounds enthralling doesn’t it? – Difficult to find a betting opportunity? Maybe…but I like the look of Hamburg here, especially on the double chance market at around 10/11.
Amazingly, Hamburg will be looking forward to their 54th consecutive season in the Bundesliga next year although the last couple of seasons have seen this number come perilously close to being finished.
Augsburg have lost six out of their last 15 and whilst some of these defeats were against the stronger side, defeats to Bremen, Darmstadt and Hoffenheim give me hope that Hamburg can come away with something here, as they’ve gone 9/15 of the last away games seeing at least a point taken back home.
Spearheaded by ex-Hertha man Pierre-Michel Lasogga with eight goals this season, Hamburg +0.50 on the Asian Handicap (Win or Draw) at 11/12 (BetVictor) is our selection.
Hoffenheim v Schalke | Saturday 14.30
Hoffenheim used to be our friends a few seasons back, when it came to goals. You could depend on them for 3/4/5/6 goals in their games with an attacking threat and a defence with more holes that a slab of German Emmentaler, it was a decent money making machine…anyway, I digress.
On paper it looks a game again with little meaning, although Schalke will be looking for their entry to the Europa League to be as late as possible with a win here.
However, Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann is unbeaten in his six home games at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, with the team only suffering one set-back in the last 10 at home.
The odds of 4/5 (BetVictor) for Hoffe avoiding defeat look worth a pop here as Die Kraichgauer will want to send their fans home happy.
Dortmund v Koln | Saturday 14.30
Dortmund backers will often look for goals and with good reason, this season’s runners-up have amassed 80 goals this season and many will be thinking there will be more of the same against a ninth-placed Koln side.
However the Billy Goats have only lost four away from home this season and their last two games were both scoreless draws. They are tough to break down and this is really a test of best attack vs. a stubborn defence.
The Under 3.5 goals market seems appealing though, with this having landed in 18/30 respective home and away clashes.
It may be a little of a chance, but we’re hoping the Koln side keep up this mean streak and keep the goals down to a minimum. Under 3.5 Goals at 11/10 (Paddy Power) is the final selection.
Best Bets
Augsburg v Hamburg – Hamburg +0.50 Asian Handicap (11/12 BetVictor)
Hoffenheim v Schalke – Hoffenheim + 0.50 Asian Handicap (4/5 BetVictor)
Dortmund v Koln – Under 3.5 Goals (11/10 Paddy Power)
