Bundesliga, Hoffenheim-Wolfsburg, Leverkusen-Stuttgart, Augsburg-Bochum, Hertha-Cologne and Werder Bremen-Leipzig are also on the line.
Like all major European leagues, the Bundesliga is also ready to pause to make way for the World Cup Qatar 2022, which kicks off on Sunday 20 November. Compared to the Premier League or Serie A, the break in Germany will be longer: play will resume in the second half of January. Matchday 15, therefore, is the last of this calendar year. Bayern Munich recently overtook Union Berlin and reclaimed the top spot and will stay there even if they lose, but the other matches scheduled for Saturday at 15:30 are not without food for thought.
Beware of possible surprise results, considering that there was a midweek round this week, as in Italy. Awaiting the matches of Freiburg and Eintracht Frankfurt, both of which are engaged in Sunday’s postponements, the spotlight will mainly be on Leipzig, who are trying to make a comeback and are currently fifth in the standings after a ride that has nothing to envy Bayern. The Roten Bullen have just beaten Fribugo and racked up their fifth consecutive victory. They are slight favourites at home to Werder Bremen, who were flooded with goals by the Bavarians: a severe 6-1 victory that may psychologically affect Ole Werner’s men. A likely win for the guests and at least three goals in total in the interesting challenge at the Weserstadion.
The predictions for the other matches
Xabi Alonso
For those in search of goals, you can look to Bayer Leverkusen-Stuttgart and Hoffenheim-Wolfsburg, two matches that promise to be very balanced. Xabi Alonso has taken a liking to it and after the 5-0 win at Union Berlin took another three points at home to Cologne, moving further away from the relegation zone. Stuttgart also reared its head again under new coach Michael Wimmer and two victories came in the last two matches. At least one goal each in Sinsheim: Hoffenheim is looking for redemption after two defeats in a row and a four-game winless streak; the mood at Wolfsburg is diametrically opposite, as the green-and-whites have won the last three rounds.
Then there is a delicate salvation clash between Augsburg and Bochum, respectively fifth-last and penultimate: the hosts should avoid defeat after the excellent 2-2 against Union Berlin. The same goes for Cologne: The Billy Goats are likely to take just one point away from the trip to the capital against a Hertha in freefall.
Bundesliga: possible winners
- Bayer Leverkusen (in Bayer Leverkusen-Stuttgart)
- Augsburg or draw (in Augsburg-Bochum)
- Cologne or draw (in Hertha Berlin-Cologne)
Match with at least one goal per team
- Hoffenheim-Wolfsburg
- Werder Bremen-Leipzig
Bundesliga: matches with a total of at least three goals
- Bayer Leverkusen-Stuttgart
- Werder Bremen-Leipzig
