Bundesliga Betting Tips: Matchday 1

Last season’s Bundesliga gave us a thrilling title race, demanding a Bayern Munich side so strong that they would go on to dominate Europe. At the other end of the table, Werder Bremen survived by the skin of their teeth and Schalke 04 had a dismal season too.

As the 2020-21 season kicks off, we take a look at five fixtures worth taking a punt on for varying reasons in the opening matchday.

Bayern Munich v Schalke 04 (Friday – 20:30)

The newly-crowned European champions kick off the campaign against a Schalke side which capitulated in the latter stages of last season. After successive bottom-half finishes, it cannot be chalked off as a fluke.

Since a 2-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on 17 January, Schalke have not won a single league game. The time since has seen them pick up six points from 16 games.

This dismal run started with a 5-0 defeat to Bayern Munich and Bayern have only gotten better since. The signing of former Schalke winger Leroy Sané has added competition to an already impressive squad.

On home soil at the Allianz Arena, expect a big win for Bayern in this one.

Eintracht Frankfurt v Arminia Bielefeld (Saturday – 15:30)

Eintracht Frankfurt will host newly-promoted Arminia Bielefeld at the Waldstadion. Although Bielefeld have invested in some exciting young players, they are unlikely to match Frankfurt’s experience on the big stage.

André Silva recently signed a three-year contract with Frankfurt after a loan spell from AC Milan last season. He has already racked up a goal and assist in a 2-1 DFB-Pokal win over 1860 Munich.

A victory for Eintracht Frankfurt is a fairly safe bet with good value for money.

Werder Bremen v Hertha Berlin (Saturday – 15:30)

Werder Bremen survived relegation through the playoffs last season and their players have recently had to take a second partial pay cut in six months due to financial difficulties at the club.

Hertha, meanwhile, have an ambitious project and will be hoping for a European spot next season. They have plenty of young talent in their ranks and are likely to come out firing.

Backing an away win at the Weserstadion could lead to big bucks in the bank. With a maximum of 8,500 spectators able to attend the match, Bremen’s home advantage is somewhat nullified in any case.

Suggested Bet: Hertha BSC win at 1.60

Borussia Dortmund v Monchengladbach (Saturday – 18:30)

Expect fireworks as Dortmund host Gladbach at Signal Iduna Park. This game could well see plenty of goals from both teams.

Borussia Mönchengladbach have seen goals at both ends in 13 of their last 16 Bundesliga matches. They will be up against a Dortmund side which scored 84 goals and conceded 41 last season.

Dortmund are the probable winners this time. With Jadon Sancho still on their books, Jude Bellingham recently signed, and Erling Braut Haaland settled, Lucian Favre has not only a fearsome attacking machine, but an increasingly stable squad.

Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen (Sunday 20 September – 18:00)

Wolfsburg host Bayer Leverkusen at the Volkswagen Arena in an intriguing Sunday encounter.

There has been plenty of change at Bayer Leverkusen of late. Kai Havertz left for Chelsea and Kevin Volland for Monaco. Patrik Schick is the headline name among the new arrivals.

This upheaval, coupled with Wolfsburg’s home advantage, means the teams are just about even on paper. Bayer Leverkusen finished fifth last season and Wolfsburg seventh.

Draws are often profitable bets because of big odds and this is a great opportunity if you want to put your money on one.