Football Bet of the Day: Defensive walls to come down in Berlin

Hertha Berlin v Hoffenheim
Friday March 31, 19:30
Live on BT Sport

A second consecutive goalless draw, but at least this one wasn't so costly, as Reggiana's stalemate with Pordenone in Italy last night saw our stake returned. I'm forgetting what goals look like this week.

We hope for fun and funds in Germany this evening, as Hertha Berlin battle Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. It's a huge game in the race for the Champions League spots, with Hoffe currently in fourth, and Hertha five points behind in fifth.

Both coaches have done a wonderful job this season. Hertha's Pal Dardai has maintained the club's progress with an unfashionable squad, instilling his players with his innate sense of determination. Hertha have one of the best home records in the division, and have won ten of their 13 league matches at the Olympiastadion.

Hoffenheim's 29-year-old boss Julian Nagelsmanncontinues to amaze, so much so that Germany boss Jogi Loew named him as a potential national team coach in the future. Hoffe have never qualified for Europe before, but with just nine games of the season left, this is a huge opportunity to break that duck.

Despite Hertha's formidable home record, it's worth noting that they are missing some key players. Left-back Marvin Plattenhardt is a set-piece specialist, and has been incredibly consistent, but he'll be missing. Striker Salomon Kalou faces a late fitness test on a muscle injury, while Fabian Lustenberger and Ondrej Duda are definitely out. Top scorer and captain Vedad Ibisevic is fit though, and will hope to make an impact against the club where he first came to prominence.

Hoffenheim are likely to have a clean bill of health, but their away form has dipped in recent weeks. They lost at Leipzig and Wolfsburg (their only two defeats of the league season), and drew 1-1 at Schalke and Freiburg. They have only won one of their last eight away games in the German top flight.

The Match Odds market is split down the middle here, and admittedly it's a tough result to call. Therefore I'm looking at the Both Teams To Score market. Hoffenheim have only failed to score in two of their Bundesliga matches this season, while Hertha have only drawn a blank once at home.

Recommended Bet
Back Both Teams To Score at 1.90