BUNDESLIGA fanatic Jonny O'Sullivan (@libero_the) has taken a deep dive into Matchday 18 from Germany, picking out his best bets.
Finally! After a long, long winter break, the Bundesliga makes its return and will hopefully continue where it left off – filled with goals.
RB Leipzig went into Christmas feeling extra festive as they had a two-point lead at the summit. This joy would have been equally shared by Borussia Monchengladbach, who continued to defy pre-season expectations as they sat pretty in second.
Dortmund and Bayern filled the remaining two Champions League spots, hoping that they will reel in the aforementioned pair. Elsewhere, Schalke, Leverkusen, Hoffenheim and Freiburg also remain in a position to be competing for European places; showcasing the ultra-competitive nature of Germany’s top-tier.
At the bottom-end of the table, it seems a question of who will join Paderborn as the side relegated. Werder Bremen will be hoping for a revival as they chase the likes of Koln, Mainz and Fortuna Dusseldorf.
RB Leipzig v Union Berlin | Saturday 18th January 2020, 17:30 | BT Sport
Unfortunately, if you follow my selections then this pick will bore the life out of you. I could copy and paste my last few previews for the simple fact that Leipzig score an insane amount of goals. The title prospects have racked up an astonishing three or more goals in their last eight Bundesliga matches.
In the reverse fixture, Leipzig managed to win by just the four goals in a dominant 4-0 victory. Now they are at home and they are refreshed, it seems a tall order for Union Berlin to keep out Timo Werner and co.
Union have not been mentioned much in this preview so far as I do not believe they really matter much. If Leipzig were facing Bayern at home this weekend you would fancy them to score goals because of just how much firepower they have at their disposal. That being said, Union have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their away games so far while conceding twice or more in five of those matches.
Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich | Sunday 19th January 2020, 14:30 | BT Sport
Bayern Munich are travelling to Hertha Berlin knowing full well they are about to face a team amid a new manager bounce. Jurgen Klinsmann's return to German football has brought an impressive eight points out of a possible 12. This is even more impressive when you consider how tricky those four matches were.
An eye-catching 2-2 draw against Frankfurt began the reign of Klinsmann, followed with a good win against a resolute Freiburg, and an impressive away triumph at Leverkusen. A draw against high-flying Gladbach capped off what will have been an extremely positive Christmas for all fans of the capital club.
Bayern also head into the match in pretty average form, especially away. Recent losses at Frankfurt and Gladbach suggest a vulnerability which Hertha will be looking to expose. Odds over of 23/10 (William Hill) for Hertha to avoid defeat seem very generous, especially as on many occasions the winter break can provide some shock results once normal football resumes.
Best Bets
RB Leipzig v Union Berlin – RB Leipzig to score Over 2.5 Goals (19/20 Unibet)
Hertha Berlin v Bayern Munich – Hertha Berlin double chance (23/10 William Hill)
