Bundesliga Betting: Sparkling Swabians to spring another surprise

Augsburg v Bayer Leverkusen
Saturday 04 November, 14:30

Bayer Leverkusen have certainly hit a purple patch, beating Rhineland rivals Borussia Monchengladbach and FC Koln in the space of two games to become undisputed kings of the region (at least for now). The 5-1 win at Gladbach was truly extraordinary - Bayer were totally outplayed in the first half and were 1-0 down, but an incredible second half saw them score five times without reply. Jamaican starlet Leon Bailey is showing just why he was so highly-prized when Bayer signed him, and the likes of Kevin Volland and Julian Brandt are also performing well.

However, I reckon the market has overreacted ahead of Saturday's trip to Augsburg. It's worth noting that Bayer have only won once on their travels in the league under new coach Heiko Herrlich, and they are coming up against the team that I believe is overperforming more than any other Bundesliga outfit. Augsburg have been superb this term, and this is my official apology to coach Manuel Baum, who I didn't think was up to the job.

As it turns out, Baum is a very astute coach who is maximising the potential of an unfashionable squad. FCA waltzed to a 3-0 win at Werder Bremen last weekend, and they've only lost three games all season. I believe Bayer's recovery could be a fragile one, so let's back the hosts to get something from the contest.

Recommended Bet
Back Home and Draw in the Double Chance market at 1.84

Borussia Monchengladbach v Mainz
Saturday 04 November, 14:30

Borussia Monchengladbach are a curious outfit, a team that has swung wildly between the sublime and the ridiculous this season. Crushing defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have seen the heat turned up on coach Dieter Hecking, but last Saturday's 3-1 win at Hoffenheim was superb. The Foals went behind to a stunning Kerem Demirbay opener, but came roaring back in the second half to inflict the hosts' first Bundesliga home defeat since May 2016.

Gladbach's flair players really shone in Sinsheim, with Thorgan Hazard and new signing Vincenzo Grifo really catching the eye. The key for Hecking will be providing a stable defensive platform which will allow his more technically gifted stars to strut their stuff. This weekend, the Foals shouldn't have too many problems against a Mainz side that is struggling on the road.

I think Die Nullfunfer have really missed striker Jhon Cordoba since the Colombian went to FC Koln. Cordoba gave Mainz a crucial focal point in attack, an outlet to release pressure on the defence and midfield, especially away from home. While small and speedy forwards like Yoshinori Muto, Pablo De Blasis and Levin Oztunali can thrive at home when the team has more possession, none of them are capable of really holding the ball up.

Mainz have taken just one point from their four away games so far, and they have only scored once on their travels. Against physically dominant centre-backs like Jannik Vestergaard and Matthias Ginter, I'm not sure Mainz's pocket rockets will be able to get lift-off.

Recommended Bet
Back Borussia Monchengladbach -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.04

Eintracht Frankfurt v Werder Bremen
Friday 03 November, 19:30
Live on BT Sport 1

After failing to win their first ten Bundesliga games of a campaign for the first time in their history, Werder Bremen have fired coach Alexander Nouri. Sunday's abject 3-0 home defeat to Augsburg was the club's heaviest loss since Nouri took the reins thirteen months ago, and it was clear that the coach's message was no longer getting through. The shadow of Werder legend Thomas Schaaf still looms large - since he ended his long spell as coach, none of his three predecessors have lasted two years, and none of them have had a positive record.

However, it isn't all doom and gloom. Star striker and reigning Werder Player of the Season Max Kruse is back fit, the team has only lost once on the road this season, and has only conceded three goals away from home. There may be a slight emotional bounce from the installation of caretaker coach Florian Kohfeldt, who is hoping to impress and wants to become the third Werder coach in a row to have been permanently promoted from the Under-23 team.

Eintracht Frankfurt are unbeaten in four games in the league, and came back from 2-0 down in their last home game against Borussia Dortmund. However, they have only won once at home this season, and an injury to rampaging right-back Timmy Chandler is a big issue. The Eagles have won just two of their last 12 home games in the league, and on that basis I'm finding it tough to support them at odds-on.

Recommended Bet
Lay Eintracht Frankfurt at 1.84