Bundesliga Betting: Bayer to turn on the style once again

Bayer Leverkusen v Mainz
Sunday January 28, 14:30

Last week I was happy to back Over 3.5 Goals as Leverkusen visited Hoffenheim, and they duly produced their best performance of the season as they won 4-1 at the Rhein Neckar Arena. Leon Bailey gave another terrific display which included a long-range backheel that ended up in the bottom corner. The 20-year-old Jamaican has become one of the hottest properties in the Bundesliga, and although Leverkusen insist he won't be leaving in the next couple of transfer windows, their resolve will be sorely tested if huge bids come in.

I had doubts about how effective coach Heiko Herrlich would be, but his team are certainly in the mix for second spot behind the runaway leaders Bayern. The news that attacking star Julian Brandt has agreed a new deal that doesn't include a release clause shows the Rhineland club is heading in the right direction.

Bayer have rattled in 39 league goals this term (only Bayern have a better record), and therefore it's little surprise that six of their last 12 league games have featured at least four goals.

Mainz's 3-2 win over Stuttgart last weekend may well have saved coach Sandro Schwarz's job, and he can now continue his work with his hometown club. I think a sacking would be harsh, given the fact he doesn't have a hugely talented squad to work with. Mainz are certainly scoring plenty of goals (they have smashed in nine goals in their last five league matches), but Schwarz's adventurous style has destabilised the defence, with Die Nullfunfer leaking 16 goals in their last seven games.

Mainz have seen five of their last six Bundesliga matches feature at least four goals, so that's the way I'm heading.

Recommended Bet
Back Over 3.5 Goals at [2.25] on the Sportsbook

Werder Bremen v Hertha Berlin
Saturday January 27, 17:30

Werder Bremen suffered their 15th consecutive defeat against Bayern Munich on Sunday, but Florian Kohfeldt's team showed in that 4-2 defeat just why many people are predicting they will extricate themselves from their current predicament. They attacked boldly at the Allianz Arena, putting the champions on the back foot as they took a deserved first-half lead through Jerome Gondorf. Although Bayern's superstars clicked into gear eventually, there were plenty of positives for Bremen to draw.

Now they face a different challenge. Since Kohfeldt was handed the reins after Alex Nouri's dismissal, Werder have rediscovered their home form. They beat Hannover and Stuttgart, and they drew with both Mainz and Hoffenheim.

A win for Werder on Saturday would take them to within six points of a Hertha Berlin team that is by no means safe from the drop. An entirely avoidable defeat at Stuttgart was followed by a more encouraging draw with Borussia Dortmund, but Hertha have changed from being an ultra-competitive and stable side into being a far less predictable beast. Coach Pal Dardai is trying to evolve his team with a more attractive style, and deserves huge credit for that, but it means their performances are currently something of a mixed bag.

I can't back Werder with any comfort at 2.28, but I do like the 1.80 on offer for Both Teams To Score on the Sportsbook. Both teams have found the net in five of Werder's last six games, and nine of Hertha's last 11 outings in all competitions.

Recommended Bet
Back Both Teams To Score at 1.80 on the Sportsbook

FC Koln v Augsburg
Saturday January 27, 14:30

The miracle of miracles moved a step closer last weekend, as FC Koln won 2-0 at Hamburg to secure their third consecutive victory in Germany's top flight. After Matchday 16, the Billy Goats had just three points, and now they have 12, and are just four points from escaping the automatic relegation zone.

The return from injury of the influential Jonas Hector has been critical, as has his deployment in his best position at left-back. The return of Marco Hoger has added a bit of bite to midfield, and in attack Simon Terodde has scored the club's last three league goals.

Augsburg continue to exceed expectations, but they have lost three of their last four games on the road, and overall they have won just one of their last five matches. They have kept just two clean sheets in nine outings, and they are running into a Koln team that looks fitter and sharper than at any other stage of the season.

I'll go for the hosts, but with a bit of insurance.

Recommended Bet
Back FC Koln Draw No Bet at 2.04