Our tips for Bundesliga Matchday Seven
It's back! Forget Champions League, the bread-and-butter of the Bundesliga returns. DW''s Ross Dunbar picks his tips for the seventh round of league fixtures.
The Old Lady regains her voice
As much as Hertha lost last weekend and visitors Stuttgart picked up their first three points of the season, you can expect the Old Lady to be a lot stronger on home soil. The likes of Ronny and Salomon Kalou will be vital for Jos Luhukay's side in the Friday evening fixture. Home win: 2-0 Hertha.
Bayern march on
Hannover are a strong side, especially in the wide-areas. Joselu will be a handful for the Bayern defense and I expect the visitors to open the scoring. But Bayern are clicking under Pep Guardiola and are widely-expected to extend their run at the top. Home win: 2-1 Bayern.
Overcoming the bogey team
Even when Hamburg have slumped in the league, the trip to Dortmund hasn't been unkind to them. They certainly won't win 4-1 again, but they'll cause problems in attack. Dortmund's Champions League win in Brussels has to be a springboard for better things. Home win: 4-2 Dortmund.
Goal-fest
Leverkusen love to attack, but so do Paderborn. There can only be goals, goals and more goals in this fixture. Roger Schmidt's team looked slick in the Champions League win over Benfica, but the likes of Elias Kachunga will offer a test in defense, as well. Draw: 3-3.
Schalke come unstuck
After riding another storm, and securing a derby win over Dortmund, the pressure is back on Jens Keller following the Maribor draw this week. The Royal Blues can't seem to find a way to goal against solid opponents. Hoffenheim are exactly that - with some extra talent in attack as well. Home win: 2-0 Hoffenheim.
Freiburg off the mark
It's been a difficult start for both teams with the two making up the bottom-three in the league. Freiburg are a team that is just waiting to click - even with concerns around Darida and Mehmedi. Werder Bremen's results are harder to quantify under Robin Dutt with an average squad to boast. Away win: 1-0 Freiburg.
Eagles win over Billy Goats
Cologne's style over the first few weeks has been focused on keeping a strong defense. That was breached twice against Bayern last week and maybe that could force a re-think on their part. Frankfurt will be buoyed by the win in Hamburg and are favorites at home. Home win: 1-0 Frankfurt.
Weinzierl keeps Augsbug on track
Wolfsburg really aren't convincing, despite the luxury of talent at Dieter Hecking's disposal. Augsburg's win at home to Hertha was a strong performance and Markus Weinzierl continues to work wonders in Bavaria. Home win: 3-1 Augsburg.
Good game - but tight home win
Gladbach and Mainz are on the up in the Bundesliga. Mainz are unbeaten in their last three matches, while Gladbach are in second-spot and playing some excellent football. The Foals might come back a little jaded from Zürich, but they should expect to win. Home win: 2-1 Gladbach.