Matchday Nine Predictions
Time to get predicting! As part of DW's online Bundesliga competition, our sports reporter Tobias Oelmaier has put together his predicted scorelines for this weekend's action. How do they match up with your tips?
Struggling Bremen host Cologne
Werder Bremen are an institution in the Bundesliga. At the start of the 1980s they were relegated for one season, but otherwise they have always been in Germany's first division. Relegation could be on the cards this season though as Robin Dutt's team is really struggling. Cologne could profit from that. Our prediction: 1-0 to Cologne.
Back on track?
Five Bundesliga games without a win: there's no doubting that Dortmund is experiencing a crisis at the moment. Despite the extra load of the Champions League mid-week, Dortmund should have enough in the tank to grab an important win against Hannover - particularly after winning comfortably in Europe on Wednesday night. Our prediction: 3-1 to Dortmund.
A new goal record?
One more goal then Tobias Werner will be at the top of Augsburg's Bundesliga goalscorering charts. The list isn't a particularly long one of course: Sascha Mölders is the current record holder with just 18 goals. Werner can't grab the goal he needs against Freiburg as he's suspended, but Mölders is back and could stretch his lead. Our prediction: 1-1 draw.
Paderborn to struggle against Hoffenheim
So far, former second division club Paderborn have surprised everyone, rising to seventh position. That's not bad for perhaps the biggest underdog in Bundesliga history. And, they've arguably scored the goal of the year - Moritz Stoppelkamp's 80 meter strike. But, this time Hoffenheim's Roberto Firmino and Kevin Volland will be too good for Paderborn. Our prediction: 3-0 to Hoffenheim.
Sleeping giants go toe-to-toe
Berlin and Hamburg are the two biggest cities in Germany, but on the pitch their clubs have not managed much for decades. This is all the more amazing considering the facilities and opportunities they can offer players. This season Hamburg started poorly but they should be good enough by now to draw against Hertha Berlin. Our prediction: 2-2.
Look who's back!
Last season Armin Veh was coaching at Frankfurt but he didn't extend his contract because he thought the club was a bit too far away from the "big time." Now, as Stuttgart Coach, he has to take on his old team. Stuttgart has only won once so far this season but Veh's knowledge about his opponents should help them this time. Our prediction: 2-1 win to Stuttgart.
Not a question of fitness
Leverkusen played in the Champions League on Wednesday, Schalke were in action on Tuesday. So, will one more day of rest help the Royal Blues? The answer is no. Leverkusen willl be more focused, Stefan Kiessling will end his goal drought and Roberto Di Matteo will lose his first game as Schalke boss. Our prediction: Leverkusen to win 3-2.
Expectations met vs. expectations exceeded
Wolfsburg's fifth position in the table is to no surprise, but for Mainz to be ahead of them on goal difference? Now, that is unexpected! Coach Kasper Hjulmand seems to have things under control in Mainz though and their undefeated record will continue on matchday nine. Our prediction: 1-1 draw.
Back to the 70s!
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich as a top-of-the-table clash? Sounds like the 1970s all over again. But, it's true. These days Gladbach are sitting pretty in second and everyone's hoping they can keep pace with Bayern, so the league stays interesting. But, they won't be good enough on Sunday. Our prediction: Bayern to win 2-0.
Our tips from last weekend
Our reporter Calle Kops actually doesn't know much about football but, whenever he has to predict results, he seems to be extremely accurate. DW's top soccer soothsayer managed to get us 13 points last week, which brings us into the top 1,000 in our online Bundesliga prediction game. If you want to submit your last-minute predictions, head here: http://kickoff.dw.de/betting.xhtml.