German Bundesliga - Match Day 18

The German top flight league resumes play this weekend after their storied Winter break, now with sides rejuvenated and fresh new signings added to the depth of top notch squads, the push for the Bundesliga title takes shape over the next 5 month period.

Friday kicks off Round 18 with a prime time match up of arguably the two best clubs in the league, while Saturday and Sunday offers up even more action for those looking too gain a valuable return on their investments.

Enjoy Match Day 18, as the German Bundesliga is sure to provide a highly entertaining set of fixtures, while displaying many of the top players and clubs in the world.

10501 Bayer Leverkusen - 10502 Bayern Munich

BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany

1-12-2018 - 2:30 pm ET

 The Bavarian heavyweights of Bayern Munich make the trip to BayArena looking to make a statement, the top side are keen on showing their class on Leverkusen's pitch, as they will want to send a message too one of their top competitors they are still the top club in the league.

Bayern Munich start Match Day 18 in 1st place of the prestigious Bundesliga, earning a overall record of 13-2-2 and 41 points for their excellent run of play, the "FCB" hold a commanding 11 point lead over their closest competition in the table.

Jupp Heynckes is well versed in taking a first half season lead into the winter break, the crafty veteran will have his superstar squad prepared for the second half of the grueling campaign.

The former Treble winner has adjusted too his new Bayern side seamlessly, after relieving Italian Manager Carlo Ancelotti of his duties early into the Bundesliga season, the German head man has since steered his side to a 9-1-1 record in league play since taking over the reigns with the Bavarian Giants.

Heynckes has found much of his success playing out of a 4-3-3 - 4-2-3-1 formation, their main strength's remain attacking through both the middle and down the wings of the pitch, using short passes and long seeking through ball's to their dynamic front line contributors.

Center Forward Robert Lewandowski was granted his wish for a back up at his same position, former Hoffenheim Striker Sandro Wagner was brought in for the second half of the season reinforcements, the German International will allow for less of the work load too be strapped onto Lewandowski's back with Domestic, Champions League and Cup play all on the horizon in next five months of play.

The two-some are both accomplished tally's men within the box in Aerial situations, but the Polish striker is still without a doubt the more well rounded of the danger men, his ablity too finish with both feet at close range and his natural instincts to create long range shots is uncanny, while using Direct Free Kicks is an added weapon too his ever growing arsenal.

Lewandowski and Wagner have combined for 30 goals in all competitions, look for both too play major parts in the over success of the Bayern side, as Heynckes will look too take advantage of this multi talented Center Forward duo.

Bayern Munich have been solid away from the Allianz Arena, scoring an average of 1.7 goals per match in their first 9 Bundesliga road games.

The Bayern defense has been steady on the backend  keeping 5 clean sheets, while only conceding an average of 0.8 goals per match in their first 9 Bundesliga road games.

Bayer Leverkusen welcome their old foes too the BayArena in sparkling form, "Die Werkself" have failed too taste defeat in their last 12 Bundesliga outings, this match up will be a true test of the clubs resiliancy, and how they stack up with one of the top clubs in the world.

Leverkusen hold an overall record of 7-7-3 and 28 points in the table, having reached the 4th spot with an impressive run in play, they must continue too stack points with 4 other clubs currently sitting on 28 points themselves, making Match Day 18 a critical affair in their climb for European competitions.

Former German International Heiko Herrlich continues to orchestrate the right moves within his talented squad, his tactic's have proven too challenge each member within the club, providing a winning formula when assembled each week on the pitch.

Herrlich's attacking 3-4-2-1 formation could be revamped this week, with rumors of a 3-4-3 alignment in store for this fixture, Leverkusen are looking for a more defensive shape against the talented Munich side, we should still expect their pure quality going forward too shine, as they will present their own set of problems too the Bayern backline.

Leon Bailey, Julian Brandt and Kevin Volland are all set too lead the line in Herrlich's plan of attack, the trio have stepped up as premier Goal Scorers in the Bundesliga, with 22 goals scored in all competitions the tandem are nice options for Anytime Goal Scorers in this Primetime fixture.

Bailey has been the break out star of the league in the first half of the season, the Jamaican has impressed with his blazing pace on the Wings, his 1v1 skills in the open field have dazzled all spectators, along with his use of dribbling and passing skills allows for a lethal combination for defenders too handle, Bayern will no doubt have a hard time keeping the youngster in front of them, making him a key component too the home sides success in this match.

Bayer Leverkusen enter Match Day 18 undefeated at the BayArena too start the campaign, scoring an average of 2.1 goals per match in their last 8 Bundesliga home games.

The Leverkusen defense has been impressive in front of their own fans, conceding an average of 1 goal per match in their last 8 Bundesliga home games.

 Prediction:

This has been a classic event over the years, Leverkusen have escaped defeat against the league leaders in 9 of their last 10 home fixtures in all competitions.

Bayern will be well aware of their lack of success at BayArena, with star Striker Robert Lewandowski set too miss out on this match, Sandro Wagner will get the call and look too pay early dividends in the Bayern attack.

Leverkusen should look to exploit Bayern's inability too slow down skillful players who can create their offense, the home side are stacked with those type of attacking talents who are equipped to run at the visitors, while looking too test the back line with a multitude of shots on goal.

Bayern on the other hand must attack Leverkusen down the wings with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribbery, the cagey veterans should look too exploit the hosts struggles too contain opponents from those positions, the Bavarians will also have an advantage in set piece and direct free kick situations, using Wagners hulking presence in Aerial challenges to test GK Bernd Leno is a must for success.

This match up has been low scoring as of late while played at the BayArena, but each squad are under new visions and systems this season, I anticipate a more free flowing up and down pace with two clubs who only look too go forward, we should expect plenty of offense created, with the home side looking too keep their recent run of form in tact against the German Giants.

Plays:

 Over 1.25  -110 / 1.91 - Total 1st Half Goals

Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Total 2nd Half Goals

Over 3  -120 / 1.83 - Total Full Game Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -115 / 1.87

Bayer Leverkusen  +0.25  -115 / 1.83 - 1st Half Spread

Bayer Leverkusen  +0.5  -105 / 1.95 - Full Game Spread

Bayern Munich - Team Total Over 1.75  -115 / 1.87 - Goals

Bayer Leverkusen - Team Total Over 1.25  +100 / 2.0 - Goals

10507 FC Augsburg - 10508 Hamburg

Augsburg Arena, Augsburg, Germany

1-13-2018 - 9:30 am ET

 Saturday holds a interesting match up between two clubs headed in opposite directions, Bavarian side Augsburg host a struggling Hamburg team who started the season on fire, but have since tailed off leading too a fight for survival in the league.

Hamburg travel south with the goal of turning around the second half of the 2017-2018 season, "Die Rothosen" make the trek having failed too capture a victory in their last 4 Bundesliga matches, Round 18 presents a opportunity too turn their fortunes around.

The Hamburg season has taken a sharp turn after winning their first 2 league matches, the Northern side have since reeled off a record of 2-3-10 too leave them in the drop zone, sitting 17th in the table with only 10 points and a goal differential of -10 through the first 17 rounds of competition.

Markus Gisdol is working on shaky ground these days, after being appointed in a caretaker role early into the 2016-2017 season, he now could face the same fate if he is unable to turn the clubs fortunes around quickly.

Gisdol has rotated his formations during the first half of the campaign, switching from a 3-5-2 to versions of a 4-3-2-1 in hopes of creating offense, while attempting too keep their defensive shape.
Gisdol urges his squad too play with aggression, they are a club that fail to hold much of the possession during their shift, they will look too play with width and using crosses too set up their attacking threats.

This side struggles too consistently get into the box and take high percentage shots with individual 1v1 play, they are above average in set piece and direct free kicks as they will look for fouls too create offense.

Forward Bobby Wood is in competition too lead the line in Gisdol's attack, the American Striker has been inconsistent this season to find the back of the net with only 2 goals in all competitions, after a promising 2016-2017 campaign Wood has lacked the same finishing qualities he displayed during his previous run of form.

Attacking Midfielder Filip Kostic has arguably been the best player in the struggling sides starting 11, the Serbian has elevated his play regardless of the lack of creativity that surrounds him, Augsburg will have too mark the talented playmaker, as he will look too set up others with his sharp passing skills.

Hamburg have been  lethargic on the offensive end, having failed too find the back of the net in 4 fixtures away from their own stadium, while only managing to score an average of 0.9 goals per match in their last 8 Bundesliga road games.

The Hamburg defense will allow their opponents on the scoreboard, conceding an average of 2 goals per match in their last 8 Bundesliga home games.

Augsburg have found themselves on a different path than their struggling visitors, many have expected the middle of the road club too plummit, but their gritty desire and complete team play has kept them in the top 10 of the leagie.

Augsburg start Round 18 alone in 9th place of the Bundesliga table, having collected a overall record of 6-6-5 and 24 points, they only find themselves 4 points off a top 6 standing.

Manuel Baum is in a growing line of yet another 30 something Manager in the top flight of German football, the former Goal Keeper turned his attention to the coaching ranks working his way up the ladder in the youth ranks, before getting his break with the first team in December 2016, he has kept the club afloat avoiding relegation under his tenure

Baum has been creative in his alignments, preferring a 4-2-3-1 formation that is assembled too attack down the wings, even though his squad often loses the possession battle, their style of play still creates plenty of chances through their offense, with long shots and set pieces a key component too their attack.

Iceland Striker Alfred Finnbogason is scheduled to miss this key fixture due too injury, he leaves a big miss at the top of the Augsburg line, his 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season will be hard too replace.

Attacking Midfielder Michael Gregoritsch could play as a "false 9" in Baums alignment, the Austrian is also enjoying a successful spell with the club, his style of play fits perfect into how the German Manager chooses too attack, preferring too create space in order too get off long range shots, his accuracy has been on display the first half of the campaign.

Gregoritsch also is highly effective in set piece - direct free kick situations, while taking advantage of his finishing skills with both his feet and aerial prowess.

The delightful Midfielder has bagged 8 goals in all competitions, while providing 2 assists and showcasing his overall skill set.

FC Augsburg have been clinical in front of their own fans, managing too hit the back of the net at all fixtures played at the Augsburg Arena, scoring an average of 1.7 goals per match in their last 9 Bundesliga home games.

The FC Augsburg defense has had its struggles too keep their opponents off the board, only keeping 2 clean sheets while conceding an average of 1.1 goals per match during their last 9 Bundesliga home games.

Prediction:

FC Augsburg will be keen on revenge in this particular event, having fell 1-0 on opening day too Hamburg, the Bavarian side are a much more confident squad entering Match Day 18.

Hamburg limp into this fixture having lost 6 of their last 7 road matches, while conceding 2 plus goals over that same span during their travels in the Bundesliga.

FC Augsburg are setup too keep that trend going, having seen the total go Over 2.5 in the last 4 visits from Hamburg, while seeing 6 of their last 7 home games exceed 2.5 goals too start the season.

We should expect too see goals when these two clubs match up, I will back each club to score, while expecting 2 plus goals from the home side along with the victory during this round of play.

Plays:

Both Teams To Score - "YES" -115 / 1.87

Over 1  +105 / 2.05 - Total 1st Half Goal

Over 2.25  -135 / 1.74 - Total Full Game Goals

Augsburg - Full Time Winner  -110 / 1.91

Augsburg - Team Total Over 1.5 -110 / 1.91 - Goals

  *Bonus Plays*

10504 Frankfurt - 10505 Freiburg

1-13-2018 - 9:30 am ET

Both Teams To Score - "YES" -120 / 1.83

Over 2.5  -105 / 1.95 - Total Full Game Goals 

Freiburg - Team Total Over 0.75 -130 / 1.77 - Goal

Frankfurt - Team Total Over 1.5  -110 / 1.91 - Goals

 10510 Hannover - 10511 Mainz

1-13-2018 - 9:30 am ET

Mainz  +0.25  -135 / 1.74 - 1st Half Spread

 Mainz  +0.5  -110 / 1.91 - Full Game Spread

Mainz - Team Total Over 1 -115 / 1.83 - Goals

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5  +115 / 2.15

10516 Werder Bremen - 10517 Hoffenheim

1-13-2018 - 9:30 am ET

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5  -105 / 1.95

Best Of Luck To All