Last weekend’s return of the Bundesliga looks to have been a great success, and we were treated to some cracking games too – even if it was very different watching without fans.
On Friday night the Berlin Derby takes centre stage, with only one point separating the teams in the league. Union Berlin have enjoyed a decent campaign considering it’s their first season in the top tier, and sit seven points above the relegation playoffs in 12th place.
They won’t be too worried at the moment, but any points they pick up between now and the end of the season could prove vital in avoiding any nervy playoffs that could send them back down to Bundesliga 2.
Hertha, on the other hand, sit one point ahead of Union in 11th place. It’s not been one of their best seasons and they are currently eight points off a Europa League qualification spot, which is all they have to aim for this season – although it is quite unlikely they will catch Wolfsburg.
So with not much to play for until next season, this derby is set to be the biggest game for them for the rest of the season.
Bet 1
Under 40 booking points @ 6/4
Looking at the eight games from the first weekend back, in five matches the booking spreads came in under the expected line, three were over and one was bang on.
After watching some of the games, there was the impression cards will be harder to come by as the fans generally play a big part in putting pressure on the referee and getting players riled up.
With the Berlin derby usually you’d expect a very feisty affair with a loud atmosphere, but with no fans it’s likely to be very different. So under 40 booking points @ 6/4 is the selection.
Bet 2
Hertha Berlin Win @ 13/10
Moving on to the match winner, Union Berlin are coming off the back of a 2-0 loss against Bayern. While not a terrible result, it will have been a very tiring game for Union to have as their first game after the restart.
Bayern had 64% possession and Union were doing a lot of chasing for most of the 90 minutes. That’s probably the last thing a team needs during what is likely to have felt a bit like a pre-season friendly.
Hertha, on the other hand, were convincing 3-0 winners away to ninth-place Hoffenheim. They looked extremely fit and lively and outsprinted Hoffenheim by 33%.
It would appear Hertha have worked hard in the last few weeks to get their fitness levels back up and the selection is with Hertha to win the derby even though they won’t have the same home advantage without their fans in attendance at the giant Olympic Stadium.
The odds of 13/10 are too good to turn down. Union won the first derby of the season, so Hertha will be out for revenge.
MORE TIPS:
- Infogol’s four best bets for Saturday’s Bundesliga action
- Two top tips for Wolfsburg v Dortmund on Saturday
- Why Bayern Munich will beat Frankfurt to nil on Saturday
- Our top tips for your Saturday Bundesliga acca
Bet 3
Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5
Finally, we move onto goals and looking at the previous form before the enforced break, both teams scored and conceded plenty.
In Hertha’s last five Bundesliga games, Over 2.5 has clicked every time and in Union’s last five Bundesliga games it has clicked on four out of five occasions.
The only time it failed to come in was last time out against the dominant Bayern.
The goalscoring form looks set to return on Friday, so expect an open game full of goals. With that being said, the final pick is over 2.5 goals @ 4/5.
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* All odds correct at time of posting and are subject to change.
