BUNDESLIGA fanatic Jonny O'Sullivan (@libero_the) has taken a deep dive into matchday 12 from Germany, picking out his best bets.
After a week off, a lot has happened in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund crumbled under the pressure of a ruthless Bayern Munich and were absolutely slaughtered in the process. Borussia Monchengladbach are sitting pretty at the top with a four-point gap ahead of the chasing pack, whilst RB Leipzig are aiming to make life difficult for the season's surprise package, having scored an astonishing eight goals in their last two Bundesliga games.
Werder Bremen v Schalke | Saturday 23rd November 2019, 14:30
Werder Bremen and Schalke have both been haemorrhaging goals regularly. Bremen have been struggling to pick up positive results of late, but in the process of their struggles, they do nothing but entertain everyone who tunes into their matches.
Werder have only failed to score once so far this season, losing 0-3 to Leipzig. The hosts have constantly picking up high scorelines, such as four 2-2s, as they cannot keep a clean sheet to save their life.
In 11 games Bremen have scored 18 and conceded 24 and it will be almost a formality to see these stats increase over the weekend. A side with the third-worst defensive record accompanied with the best-attacking return in the bottom half is destined for games with goals and an abundance of drama.
Schalke share Bremen's thirst for goals. Since a 0-0 draw with rivals Dortmund in the Revierderby, their results have been two 2-3 wins and a 3-3 draw. Augsburg and Dusseldorf are not exactly the two best attacks in the league, therefore to concede five goals in these games is extremely concerning.
A typical Bundesliga game should ensue with both sides desperate for three points to improve their positions in the table. Over 3.5 Goals is the play at 6/4 (BetVictor).
RB Leipzig v Koln | Saturday 23rd November 2019, 17:30 | BT Sport
RB Leipzig's last four games in all competitions have been nothing short of sensational. They beat a then-unbeaten and resolute Wolfsburg 6-1 in the DFB Pokal before slaughtering Mainz 8-0 at home a few days later.
Die Rotten Bullen then followed up a perfect away Champions League performance in Russia as they brushed Zenit aside 2-0. Another superb away day against Hertha has occurred since and Leipzig have appeared to click, much to the despair of the other 17 Bundesliga clubs.
Twenty goals in four games with three of those fixtures being played away from home is impressive for any team in the world. Timo Werner has scored seven goals in his last three Bundesliga games and is in irresistible form so it would be a huge surprise to see a 17th-placed Koln able to halt the most unpopular club in Germany's tracks.
Koln will not be expected to do anything out of the ordinary when the travel to Leipzig. They have only picked up four points in their last 11 Bundesliga away matches and have lost their last three matches in the league against sides much worse than Leipzig.
The visitors are facing a side who have scored the joint-most in the league and Leipzig appeal -1 at evens (Betfred).
Hoffenheim v Mainz | Sunday 24th November 2019, 17:00 | BT Sport
The Rhein-Neckar-Arena will be bouncing on Sunday, as in-form Hoffenheim take on struggling Mainz. The hosts can make history by potentially pocketing their sixth Bundesliga win in a row for the first time ever.
Mainz have only managed two wins in their last seven matches, losing the five their failed to win whilst being beaten in 12 out of their last 14 Bundesliga away days, including five out of six this campaign.
Mainz are also the lowest scorers away, notching just four goals in six matches and dismissed Sandro Schwarz following their dismal run of results.
Hoffenheim have won three out of their last five matches by more than one goal and have been dominant in these performances. The hosts have also scored two or more goals in their last six matches in all competitions.
Hoffe are hosting the worst defence in the competition, with Mainz leaking four more goals than anyone else and struggling to find the net themselves, having fired blanks in three out of their last six.
All statistics are pointing towards an emphatic win for Hoffenheim and they are available to back at 33/20 (Unibet) with a -1 handicap here.
Best Bets
Werder Bremen v Schalke – Over 3.5 Goals (6/4 BetVictor)
RB Leipzig v Koln – RB Leipzig -1 handicap (1/1 Betfred)
Hoffenheim v Mainz – Hoffenheim -1 handicap (33/20 Unibet)
