TOM Loveys (@ValueBetMethods) comes off the bench this weekend to pick out the best Bundesliga bets.
Wolfsburg v FC Koln | Saturday 14:30
Both sides enjoyed comfortable 2-0 victories in their opening game, with arguably Wolfsburg’s 2-0 victory away at Augsburg, the better of the two. FC Koln defeated relegation favourites Darmstadt at home in the season opener.
The Billy Goats showed they are a tough side to break down last season and have only been defeated five times in their last 20 Bundesliga games.
Whilst Wolfsburg are undoubtedly a strong outfit and will be keen to take all three points at the Volkswagen Arena, they may get frustrated by a stubborn Koln side and Evens (Bet365) look to be of value to come away with at least a point.
The last three meetings between the sides have ended all square including Koln’s last visit to Wolfsburg, a 1-1 draw at the end of January this year.
Ingolstadt v Hertha | Saturday 14:30
A difficult game and selection for me to give, being a long-distance Hertha follower! However even the most hardcore fan would have to agree that Hertha’s away form came off the rails last year, having lost four of the last five on their travels, a potential Champions League spot drifting away from them.
Ingolstadt clocked up an impressive seven home victories last term, most notably the latter scalps of Gladbach and Schalke, again they are tough team, well-set up and organised under Markus Kauczinski.
Ingolstadt battled back from a goal down to earn a point away at Hamburg, Lukas Hinterseer getting the strike, whilst Hertha left it late to get their winner at home to Freiburg, Julian Schieber with the injury time winner.
At 53/35 (Marathon) the home side look a tempting value play, but to err on the side of caution the 3/4 (Marathon) with a DNB may be the way to go.
Mainz v Hoffenheim | Sunday 16:30
One of the Sunday clashes sees Mainz open up their campaign at the Opal Arena against Hoffenheim, a game traditionally involving plenty of goals – so it’s a surprise and against the norm for my selection.
The value price for me lies in the ‘NO-BTTS’ option at 14/9 (Marathon), 12 of the last 20 of Mainz’ home encounters have seen at least one of the teams fail to score and whilst many will be looking at supporting the goals markets, that will ensure the ‘opposites’ are attractively priced.
Five of the last 10 games between the two teams have seen our selection oblige and at the price, I think it’s worth a chance. Mainz put in a strong performance away at Dortmund two weeks ago, and a 2-1 defeat was no disgrace, whilst Hoffenheim saw four second half goals in a 2-2 draw with new-boys RB Leipzig.
Best Bets
Wolfsburg v FC Koln – Koln +0.5 (Evens Bet365)
Ingolstadt v Hertha – Ingolstadt Draw No Bet (3/4 Marathon Bet)
Mainz v Hoffenheim – Both Teams To Score No (14/9 Marathon Bet)
