Bundesliga Betting Analysis - Matchday Three
22th Aug 2007, 21:29
With the German Bundesliga just two weeks old it should be too soon to draw any serious conclusions, but Bayern Munich’s performances have already led many pundits to declare them certain champions. Serious bettors will want to see more evidence before making that assumption, but the Bavarians have started in ominous form. The only sensible way to oppose them might be to take advantage of the value in PinnacleSports.com’s Asian Handicaps, priced at up to 102%.
Bayern Look to Extend Perfect Record
Bayern Munich approach their third Bundesliga game protecting a perfect record, with maximum points from two games, seven goals scored and none conceded. Coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, will particularly pleased that all his important summer signings have contributed. Italian international striker, Luca Toni, opened his account after just 14 minutes, soon followed by Miroslav Klose, as Munich thrashed Hansa Rostock 3-0 on matchday one.
That result against the Bundesliga newcomers wasn’t a huge surprise. However, the DFB went one better with a 4-0 win at Werder Bremen, who are seen as serious title contenders, having finished in third ahead of Bayern, last term. Franck Ribery and Hamit Altintop got amongst the goals in a commanding performance which has led PinnacleSports.com to price Bayern Munich 2.27 (-2) at home to Hannover 96 ahead of week three. Hannover got off the mark, coming from behind against Rostock last weekend, but this is a totally different challenge. Pinnacle price them 1.73 (+2) on their Asian Handicap.
Champions Chase First Victory
Reigning Bundesliga champions, Stuttgart, have an excellent opportunity to put their first win on the board, facing newly promoted Duisberg at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadion on Saturday. Die Roten lost just twice at home last season, and having already fallen five points behind leaders Bayern Munich, will be keen to get their season going. They should be expected to apply heavy pressure from the first whistle, and will attract interest priced 1.806 (-1) by PinnacleSports.com. MSV Duisberg will take confidence from having broken their duck on the opening day of the season with a 3-1 win at Dortmund, with two goals from Manasseh Ishiaku. However, they gave a hint of the inconsistency that should be expected by losing 3-1 at home to Wolfsburg last weekend. PinnacleSports.com price them 2.14 (+1).
Leverkusen Seeking First Goal
After two games Bayer 04 remain the only side in the Bundesliga to have failed to score. Leverkusen opened the last campaign with a 3-0 win, and expectation would have been high for another good start having purchased Theofanis Gekas, the top scorer in the division last term. Rudi Voller, legendary German striker, is the club’s Sporting Director, so he will no doubt have a few words of advice for his coach, Michael Skibbe. 04 welcome Karlsruhe to the BayArena, where home fans will expect to see them break their duck. Karlsruhe made a dream start to life back in the Bundesliga – after a nine year absence – with a 2-0 win away to DFB Cup holders, Nurnberg. Things didn’t go to plan in game week two as they lost at home to Hannover 96, and PinnacleSports.com have them as underdogs 1.870 (+1) with Bayer Leverkusen 2.06 (-1).