As we reach the second half of the season, the Bundesliga is heating up with nine critical matches across the weekend. Here are our top picks and betting predictions for Matchday 18 of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.
As we reach the second half of the season, the Bundesliga is heating up with nine critical matches across the weekend. Here are our top picks and betting predictions for Matchday 18 of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season.
The Bundesliga action is back in full swing as we approach the midway point of the season, with nine pivotal matches set to unfold over the weekend. Here’s a concise look at what to expect on Matchday 18 of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season:
Friday, January 19 – 8:30pm CET – MEWA ARENA
In a crucial matchup, FSV Mainz and Union Berlin compete with a mere three points separating them from the relegation zone. Mainz has drawn three of their last four matches but needs to turn those draws into wins. Union Berlin, with just one defeat in their past five Bundesliga fixtures, seeks to revive their season. They hold an impressive record against Mainz, having not lost in their last five meetings. With the leading betting sites offering +225 this is the Bundesliga bet of the weekend.
Saturday, January 20 – 3:30pm CET – Europa-Park Stadion
TSG Hoffenheim, coming off a 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich, faces a stern test against the formidable SC Freiburg. Freiburg, unbeaten in their last six home matches, holds a strong home record. Additionally, they remain unbeaten against Hoffenheim in their last five encounters. With Hoffenheim struggling with just one win since October, Freiburg is the logical choice.
Saturday, January 20 – 3:30pm CET – RheinEnergieStadion
Borussia Dortmund, following a convincing 3-0 victory over SV Darmstadt, aims to regain a top-four spot. They face FC Koln, the lowest-scoring team in the Bundesliga. Playing on the road, Dortmund should comfortably secure the win.
Saturday, January 20 – 3:30pm CET – Vonovia Ruhrstadion
VfB Stuttgart, missing key players due to international commitments, seeks improvement after a 3-1 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach. Bochum, battling relegation, looks to capitalize on Stuttgart’s vulnerability. Playing at home, Bochum has a good chance to cause an upset as Stuttgart falls further from the top four.
Saturday, January 20 – 3:30pm CET – Voith-Arena
FC Heidenheim, the standout among promoted sides, faces VfL Wolfsburg, who has won just one of their last five matches. Heidenheim’s momentum and home advantage make them the favorable pick in this contest.
Saturday, January 20 – 3:30pm CET – Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor
Eintracht Frankfurt, fresh off a critical 1-0 win over third-placed RB Leipzig, faces the league’s bottom-placed team, SV Darmstadt. Darmstadt’s defensive struggles have been evident this season, conceding more goals than any other side. Frankfurt, with top-four aspirations, must secure a victory in this encounter.
Saturday, January 20 – 6:30pm CET – Red Bull Arena
Bayer Leverkusen, sitting atop the Bundesliga, faces RB Leipzig, who saved the day with a 94th-minute winner last weekend. Expect another intense showdown after their previous five-goal thriller. Given the uncertainty of the winner, betting on over 2.5 goals appears to be the safer choice.
Sunday, January 21 – 3:30pm CET – Allianz Arena
Bayern Munich, coming off a dominant 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim, faces struggling Werder Bremen. As heavy favorites, Bayern is expected to create numerous chances and secure a comfortable win by a margin of more than two goals, keeping the pressure on the league leaders.
Sunday, January 21 – 5:30pm CET – BORUSSIA-PARK
Borussia Monchengladbach, buoyed by a 3-1 win over Stuttgart, faces FC Augsburg in a clash that promises excitement. Their previous encounter ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw. However, Monchengladbach’s strong home record, unbeaten in their last ten matches, suggests they have the edge, while Augsburg struggles away from home.