TOM LOVEYS (@ValueBetMethods) analyses the odds from the Bundesliga card having scooped eight winners from 13 in recent weeks.
Hertha Berlin v Koln | Saturday 14:30
Both sides have started the season impressively, sitting fourth and second respectively, and this is arguably the best game of the weekend.
Hertha have won 4/7 games, losing only to Bayern Munich whilst Koln are unbeaten and boast a 1-1 away draw to Bayern on this year’s CV.
Hertha have been strong at the Olympic Stadium but this will probably be their sternest test against the Billy Goats, who are well known for their stubbornness on their travels.
With Vedad Ibisevic leading the line for the hosts with five goals already, Hertha coach, Pal Dardai will hoping to keep up this positive run which has seen maximum points and only a goal conceded at home.
For Koln, they boast the league’s top scorer in Anthony Modeste with seven goals this season and with only four defeats in their last 20 matches away, they’ll be confident to achieve something.
I’m keen to be with the home side in some way here – the 87/50 on a Hertha win is tempting but bearing in mind Koln’s form and confidence this season, the 9/10 (Marathon) on Hertha draw no bet is the way to go.
Hertha are unbeaten in the last four clashes between the two in the capital have only lost twice since 2000 against the Billy Goats. This bet sees our stake returned should the game finish in a draw.
Ingolstadt v Borussia Dortmund | Saturday 14:30
Ingolstadt have the daunting task of welcoming Dortmund to the Audi Sportpark.
Die Schanzer are only one of two teams without a Bundesliga victory this season (the other being Hamburg) – and realistically it would be a brave man to call a home victory here. Dortmund though, have had some struggles on their travels.
The 2-0 loss to Leverkusen and a 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig stand-out but with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already on six goals this season, BVB at least know they’ve got someone to finish off the chances they should undoubtedly make.
I feel that Dortmund should come back to form here and the 9/5 win ‘to nil’ is attractive – but bearing in mind recent form, especially away from home, the Both Teams To Score ‘No’ option at 6/5 (BetVictor) is our selection.
I haven’t been impressed with anything from Ingolstadt this year, however the above selection covers us should they put up a resilient performance, keeping Dortmund at bay.
Schalke v Mainz | Sunday 16:30 | BT Sport 1
One of Sunday’s clashes sees Schalke welcome Mainz to the Veltins Arena.
Schalke have finally put their show on the road (in sorts) with points against Gladbach and Augsburg – although will now have to do without Breel Embolo after breaking an ankle last week.
Mainz sit in seventh W3-D2-L2 from their opening seven games and their matches boast a very healthy 26 goal total so far this season, just a goal behind Werder Bremen.
It’s this angle we’re looking to go with again and despite the home side missing Embolo, the Over 2.5 Goals at 83/100 (Marathon) is our selection.
24/40 respective home/away games for these two teams have seen this bet successful as has 4/5 clashes between the two at the Veltins.
Schalke have improved in confidence but still leave opportunities at the back which in-form Mainz strikers Yuunes Malli and Pablo De Blassis will hope to capitalise on.
Best Bets
Hertha Berlin v Koln – Hertha Berlin draw no bet (9/10 Marathon)
Ingolstadt v Borussia Dortmund – Both Teams To Score ‘No’ (6/5 BetVictor)
Schalke v Mainz – Over 2.5 Goals (83/100 Marathon)
