Bundesliga Matchday 32 predictions

Friday night

Werder Bremen v. VfL Wolfsburg

Prediction: 2-0

The Wolves are not out of the woods yet and this fixture won't help them.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. FC St. Pauli

Prediction: 1-2

St. Pauli need the points more and we sense that FCK will relax.

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v. 1. FC Nürnberg

Prediction: 2-0

Der Klube's Eurpean dreams may have ended last weekend while Borussia surely can't lose two in succession.

Hamburger SV v. SC Freiburg

Prediction: 4-1

Freiburg have quietly been utterly useless since the winter break.

1. FC Koln v. Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: 1-2

Leverkusen should keep hope alive for one more week against a Koln side that is stumbling yet again.

Hannover 96 v. Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 3-1

An extra day of rest should help the 96ers maintain third spot.

FSV Mainz 05 v. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 2-0

Mainz can move a step closer to the Europa League while Frankfurt may rue last week's late equalizer. Mainz have never beaten Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

1899 Hoffenheim v. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 1-2

Stuttgart is playing excellent football and should prevail.

FC Bayern München v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 2-1

The Manuel Neuer sweepstakes should only intensify during a match which Bayern need and that Schalke probably do not care about.

Bundesliga Matchday 31 review

Saturday

Eintracht Frankfurt v. FC Bayern München

Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-1

Bayern back in fourth place and may not be able to dig themselves out after this disaster.

Bayer Leverkusen v. 1899 Hoffenheim

Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-1

Title hopes receive a major boost for Leverkusen.

FC Schalke 04 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-1

Schalke played possum ahead of the big match vs. English powerhouse Manchester United on Tuesday. Don't be fooled, the Royals Blues will be ready.

VfB Stuttgart v. Hamburger SV

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0

Stuttgart ensured of safety, and have been outstanding in the second half of the season.

FC St. Pauli v. Werder Bremen

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-3

Looks like the ,atch STP blew against Wolfsburg may be too much to overcome.

Mönchengladbach v. Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 1-0

Still work left for both Borussias after a shock result.

Sunday

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Koln

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 4-1

Mandzukic on fire as Wolves take a big step forward.

1. FC Nürnberg v. FSV Mainz 05

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-0

Mainz hanging on for now to the final Europa League place.

Hertha v. Duisburg Monday night football!

If all goes well for Hertha BSC and Duisburg, both clubs will get a chance to celebrate in the other's stadium soon.

First, Hertha can officially stamp their promotion back to where they belong - the top flight - with a victory on the road Monday night. Duisburg is mid-table and in no need of the points.

Duisburg, though, will be coming to Berlin on May 21 for the DFB-Pokal final against Champions League semi-finalist Schalke 04. They have a chance to lift the Cup in Hertha's surroundings.

U.S. international David Yelldell could be a factor in either or both games. Since Schalke are bitter rivals for the Berliners, here's to hoping that both Hertha and Duisburg get to celebrate in the other's stadium!

Bundesliga Matchday 31 predictions

We at TBG apologize for not getting the predictions up until after Hannover's victory at Freiburg on Thursday. We know you depend on these picks.

Saturday

Eintracht Frankfurt v. FC Bayern München

Prediction: 0-2

Bayern has the pressure of knowing they need the points after Hannover's win, but this fixture shouldn't present a problem.

Bayer Leverkusen v. 1899 Hoffenheim

Prediction: 3-1

Leverkusen should bounce back from last week's shellacking against a Hoffenheim squad with little on the line.

FC Schalke 04 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Prediction: 1-1

Kaiserslautern won the reverse fixture at home 5-0. What squad will Rangnick put out in a meaningless match with Champions League looming?

VfB Stuttgart v. Hamburger SV

Prediction: 2-1

Stuttgart need the points more and odds are will get them.

FC St. Pauli v. Werder Bremen

Prediction: 2-1

Hard to predict what will happen, but since the supporters are allowed to show up, we will go with the home squad.

Mönchengladbach v. Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: 1-3

Top v. bottom matches rarely are difficult to predict. This is no exception.

Sunday

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Koln

Prediction: 1-2

Another relegation six-pointer should put the Wolves into a bigger hole.

1. FC Nürnberg v. FSV Mainz 05

Prediction: 1-2

A Europa League place is on the line, and we will go with the higher-placed side over the Bavarians.

RSL 90 minutes away from glory

A wonder strike from Javier Morales in the 89th minute gave Real Salt Lake a dramatic 2-2 draw at Monterrey on Wednesday night in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League.

MLS teams are now 0-21-4 in competitive matches in Mexico, but this result puts RSL in the driver's seat, although captain Kyle Beckerman will miss the return leg due to yellow card accumulation. RSL is unbeaten in their last 37 matches in Utah.

The result didn't seem to impress Monterrey boss Víctor Vucetich, who believes his team will get the victory they need in Utah. Vucetich was the goat for his ridiculous substitutions in the first half, and Ricardo Osorio _ who German football fans remember from his VfB Stuttgart days _ was also the goat for coughing up the ball before Morales' tally.

The ball is in RSL's court now, and they should be well-poised to press home the advantage. A trip to Japan awaits where a possible matchup with a powerhouse like Manchester United could await. The Red Devils have been beaten by an MLS side before so Sir Alex Ferguson's squad could be the preferred opponent for Jason Kreis' fighting 11.

Can RSL make history for MLS in Mexico?

We here at TBG have treated MLS poorly - and rightfully so. No explanation is necessary to say why.

However, MLS has a great opportunity Wednesday night to earn some respect. Real Salt Lake is the first U.S. team to advance to the final round of the CONCACAF Champions League, and the first leg is set for Wednesday night in Mexico against Monterrey. Needless to say, no MLS team has ever won in Mexico.

There is reason for optimism. Moterrey eliminated Cruz Azul in the semis and RSL played Cruz Azul in the group stages, splitting two meetings. The MLS outfit was more than respectable in a wild 5-4 loss in a monsoon in Mexico.

RSL is not a joke. This is a team that won MLS Cup two years ago and was upset in the playoffs last season. Coach Jason Kreis knows what he is doing and the American blogosphere is ridiculously trying to start rumors that Kreis is qualified to coach in Europe.

That, of course, is far-fetched. Yet Kreis has always had his team prepared and he insists his squad is going down to Mexico to take a lead back home to the crazed fans in Utah.

"To be clear, we're not going into this match saying, 'Guys, it's OK if we lose,’" the coach said Tuesday. "We’re always an aggressive group. We're always a confident group, and we'll approach this match the way we have the others, we're here to win."

MLS did RSL a solid by postponing last weekend's meaningless match with Philadelphia to give the club a full week off. The team chartered down to Mexico on Sunday and will have two full practices down south.

In addition, Los Rayados have yet to win a match in April. Monterrey have four draws and a loss in their last five matches, and Chilean superstar Hunberto Suazo is said to be coming back from an injury. The fans are also on break down south, reportedly.

This appears to be MLS' best chance at worldwide glory, 180 minutes away from a berth in the Club World Cup and the possibility of facing Barcelona, Manchester United or even an underrated Schalke FC squad. Let's hope RSL takes advantage.

Bundesliga Matchday 30 review

Friday night

FSV Mainz 05 v. Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 1-0

'Schurrle' the dreams of Gladbach staying up are over!

Saturday

Hamburger SV v. Hannover 96

Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 0-0

Hannover's Champions League dream may be just that - it's not happening.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. 1. FC Nürnberg

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 0-2

Kaiserslautern is not quite safe yet.

1. FC Koln v. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-3

Credit to VfB with three goals in a 12-minute second-half span. The Billy Goats may be relegation fodder now.

VfL Wolfsburg v. FC St. Pauli

Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-2

St. Pauli probably deserved the three points and this result jumbles up the relegation situation.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-0

Frankfurt are now four points above the play-off slot. Has anyone stayed up and played less inspiring than this? That's seven points from their last 13 matches.

Werder Bremen v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 1-1

Schalke are looking forward to a trip to Old Trafford, Manchester to take on some English club.

Sunday

FC Bayern München v. Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 5-1

Gomez's first-half hat trick has handed the title to Dortmund who ...

Borussia Dortmund v. SC Freiburg

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0

have the champagne on ice and should be crowned champions soon. Congratulations for a wonderful season!

Huge win for Arsenal!

No we are not talking about what happened Sunday at the Emirates for Arsene Wenger's men.

We are talking about prestigious Dallas Cup football, with the best and brightest in the world coming to the U.S. for a major event.

So congratulations are in order since Arsenal destroyed a collection of random U.S. teenagers in an easy victory. Maybe this is a Cup the Gunners will be able to lift, and if so, TBG will count it as the end of their trophy drought.

Meanwhile the greatest club in football, FC Barcelona somehow lost to FC Dallas of MLS of all teams.

So there's hope in the distant future to all die-hard Gunners fans! You will be better than Barcelona! Enjoy!

Bundesliga Matchday 30 predictions

Friday night

FSV Mainz 05 v. Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 3-1

This should end any chance the Foals have of dreaming of even the play-off slot.

Saturday

Hamburger SV v. Hannover 96

Prediction: 1-1

Both teams have European aspirations that may not be furthered with this result.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. 1. FC Nürnberg

Prediction: 1-2

TBG believes Kaiserslautern will have a letdown after last week's huge win.

1. FC Koln v. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 2-1

Both clubs were embarrassed last week. We expect the home side to recover faster.

VfL Wolfsburg v. FC St. Pauli

Prediction: 1-1

The Wolves are likelier to win but neither side probably will deserve three points.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 3-0

Expect the Hoff to beat down an injury-plagued Frankfurt side. The reverse fixture went 4-0 for Hofffenheim at the Commerzbank.

Werder Bremen v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 3-1

Schalke are due for a breather after their European exploits, and Bremen need the result more.

Sunday

FC Bayern München v. Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: 1-2

Jupp Heynckes predicted this scoreline and we will trust the once-again future Bayern boss.

Borussia Dortmund v. SC Freiburg

Prediction: 2-1

Dortmund should have enough to move three points closer to the the crown, even without an injured Barrios.

Hertha BSC on course for promotion!

It's been a season of record attendance for Hertha BSC, and the goal is finally coming to fruition. Hertha's thrilling 2-0 win at VfL Bochum on Monday night gave the famed German club a seven-point lead over the third-place playoff slot. This means that Hertha BSC can clinch promotion in two weeks, though it will more likely happen Friday, April 29 against 1860 Munich.

Here at TBG we would like to thank you for your support of the official German team of this blog. Next season, we will have full top-flight coverage of Hertha BSC's exploits!

Bundesliga Matchday 29 review

Friday night

Eintracht Frankfurt v. Werder Bremen

Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 1-1

Neither team is safe yet, although it's hard to see either slipping below the playoff slot.

Saturday

SC Freiburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim

Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 3-2

Freiburg still have a shot at Europe after rallying despite going a man down after 34 minutes.

Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1

TBG saw a loss for the table-toppers but they were rescued by, of all people, Kuba? Really? This guy?

FC Schalke 04 v. VfL Wolfsburg

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-0

Magath wore the black hat perfectly in his return to Gelsenkirchen.

Hannover 96 v. FSV Mainz 05

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 2-0

Hannover now own a Champions League place, although their run-in is difficult.

1. FC Nürnberg v. FC Bayern München

Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 1-1

TBG called the draw on a dismal weekend in which Robben got sent off and Van Gaal finally got sent packing.

VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 2-4

TBG believes this was the shock result of the round, with K-Town cementing their top-flight status.

Sunday

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Koln

Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-1

TBG has been burned too many times predicting 'Gladbach wins, but Borrussia may have a chance to escape danger now.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FC St. Pauli

Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 2-1

The margin is down to five after Leverkusen took care of business in less than spectacular fashion.

Look who was in Chicago cheering for Celtic

We at TBG acknowledge that Celtic FC are one of the great clubs in the world.

And when you're a great club, you have great support, like from this distinguished gentleman here.

Another Thomas Rongen-inspired U.S. failure

Thomas Rongen is best known for not figuring out that Neven Subotic had talent. While Subotic is helping Dortmund win the Bundesliga and has become a target of major European powers, he plays for Serbia after things didn't quite work out between him and Rongen.

Well Rongen has now guided the U-20 U.S. team to oblivion since it lost 2-1 to Guatemala, thus failing to qualify for the U-20 World Cup.

This team included rising U.S. players such as Gale Agbossoumonde and Perry Kitchen. And it failed miserably. Yes, Juan Agudelo was not on the team. And yes, Guatemala played at home. But it's hard to believe that should have made a difference.

How does Rongen continue to keep his job? Is he secretly Dutchman also being paid by El Tri to sabotage the U.S?

U.S. fans tend to complain about Bob Bradley. Well, Bradley is Arrigo Sacchi or Brian Clough compared to Rongen.

What do you think?

Bundesliga Matchday 29 predictions

Friday night

Eintracht Frankfurt v. Werder Bremen

Prediction: 0-2

Three points will give the winner comfort from the drop. Somehow Eintracht are still not relegation material, although they look it.

Saturday

SC Freiburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim

Prediction: 1-1

Neither team playing well or worth watching at this moment.

Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: 2-1

TBG believes the title margin will be down to four points after this weekend.

FC Schalke 04 v. VfL Wolfsburg

Prediction: 1-2

The spotlight will be on Felix Magath's return to Veltins Arena. Expect him to spring a surprise against a Schalke team that hit five in Milan.

Hannover 96 v. FSV Mainz 05

Prediction: 2-1

If Hannover still have Champions League ambitions, three points is a must.

1. FC Nürnberg v. FC Bayern München

Prediction: 2-2

TBG believes that Bayern's training methods that included use of a basketball isn't the best preparation for this edition of the Bavarian derby.

VfB Stuttgart v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern

Prediction: 4-1

VfB will move up with a victory that is expected at this stage.

Sunday

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Koln

Prediction: 2-2

Expect Favre's men to come on strong in what should be a feast of goals.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FC St. Pauli

Prediction: 3-0

Victory and a loss by Dortmund makes the meisterschaft very much up for grabs.

TBG Champions League Analysis

Well it looks like three of the four quarter-final ties have been decided. Tottenham, Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk all need comprehensive 4-0 wins next week to advance (In Spurs' case, that would get them to extra time). That is not going to happen. Let's look at what just happened.

Real Madrid 4, Tottenham 0: This is where Spurs' lack of a European pedigree seemed to hurt them. Of course, Peter Crouch took an idiotic second yellow but the score was 1-0 at half. That's where Spurs needed to figure out how to get men behind the ball and spring Defoe and Bale on the occasional counter. Instead, Real's possession with the advantage was ruthless and Mourinho's men put the tie away.

Inter Milan 2, Schalke 04 5: The shock result of the round was at the San Siro. On reflection, Stankovic's wonder goal may have been the worst thing to happen to the holders. Schalke dominated the next 15-plus minutes and got a deserved equalizer, and although Diego Milito restored the hosts' advantage, the Royal Blues got even again at the break and survived Inter's initial pressure at the start of the second half. Cristian Chivu's second yellow card may have been harsh, but the score was 4-2 at that point anyway and Schalke and Ralf Rangnick got the result they deserved.

Chelsea 0, Manchester United 1: Without question, Chelsea probably deserved a draw and Patrice Evra clearly fouled Ramires for a penalty late. Still, it was Ramires who earlier sent a clean header from six yards out wide of the target while Fernando Torres lacked the finishing touch. The interplay between Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney on United's goal was a joy to watch. Rooney looks to be at the top of his game after his heroics on the weekend - perhaps his bad-boy antics bring out his best football. The task is difficult but manageable for Chelsea at Old Trafford - two goals for the Blues should send them through.

Barcelona 5, Shakhtar Donetsk 1: Don't let the scoreline fool you. Yes, Barcelona were the superior team. Yes, Barcelona are the best team in the world. Yet the scoreline was flattering as Mircea Lucescu's men came to play, almost creating an opening-minute goal and forcing the Blaugrana defense into some rather amateurish mistakes. No player had a more frustrating night than Shakhtar's Luis Adriano, who missed several chances in the first half and hit the post in the 82nd minute. Barca, however, deserved all their goals. Iniesta's first and Messi's layoff for Seydou Keita's left-footed rocket in the second half were among the highlights. Iniesta is suspended for the trip to the Ukraine, but it won't matter. This match could have been a 4-3 or 5-4 scoreline for the hosts.

Lehmann suing Wiese for Muppets remark

Yes, it's true. Jens Lehmann, back with Arsenal, is suing Tim Wiese since the Bremen goalie said Lehmann should go on the Muppet Show and should be committed to an asylum.

Where's Oliver Kahn to settle this?

Bundesliga Matchday 28 review

Friday night

FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 1-2
Actual result 0-2?

This will surely go down as three points for the Royal Blues and put St. Pauli into the drop for good.

Saturday

Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 3-1
Actual result 1-1

Not sure the point did anyone anything good here.

Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 4-1

Dortmund put on a second-half clinic to keep the gap at seven.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: 1-1
Actual result 0-1

Leverkusen keeps the pursuit on, more importantly keeps seven up on Bayern.

FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 5-1
Actual result 1-0

Not very pretty, but puts the champions into a Champions League slot.

FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1

Allagui cancels out Cisse's opening-minute tally.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 0-0

Hoffenheim outplayed the visitors to no avail.

Sunday

1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg

Prediction: 2-2
Actual result 1-0

Novakovic to the rescue.

VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 2-1
Actual result 1-1

Are these teams terrible or what? Purely awful football.

Preciado ends Mourinho's run

Loyal readers of this blog recall how we covered the spat between Jose Mourinho and Manolo Preciado back in November.

Preciado's Sporting de Gijon outplayed Mourinho's men back then, although they lost 1-0. This time, Gijon went into the Bernabeu and inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Real Madrid for Mourinho's first league loss at home in nine years.

Said Preciado: "Football is about moments, and there are glorious ones."

Mourinho did his part to concede the La Liga title to Barcelona, which dispatched Villarreal 1-0 at El Madrigal.

Can Madrid bounce back against Tottenham without Cristiano Ronaldo? Preciado doesn't care and neither do we at TBG today. Because today, we salute Preciado for getting a victory over the 'canalla' Mourinho.

U.S. jealousy of Chandler?

There's another major problem in the U.S. with soccer. When a player plays well, the States try to bury him and make him as ineffective as the rest of the team.

At least that's what it seems like will happen with right back Timothy Chandler, who impressed anyone with a brain with his play in the new fire-red jerseys in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay.

"Apparently that's not so usual in the U.S.," Chandler said. "But I said to myself that I play like this in Nuremberg - very offensive-minded, with lots of runs down the wings. I thought I'd do it like that here, too."

The loyal readers of this blog should not be surprised since we
spotlighted him back in February.

However, 'coach' Bob Bradley and 'star' Landon Donovan want him to not be attack-minded and be as boring as the rest of the team.

Bradley said: "It's not just going forward, it's making good decisions."

Said Donovan: "There's certain times when we want him to do things, and he's not quite there yet. But his pure willingness to attack is good."

Really, Donovan? He's not there? He only plays in a league that you flamed out of two or three times and he plays for a club that is in sixth place in that league.

This, our friends, is why the U.S. will never really improve at football. These idiots should be learning from Chandler, not the other way around.

Bundesliga Matchday 28 predictions

Friday night

FC St. Pauli v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 1-2

Surely Schalke will muster enough against a relegation-threatened St. Pauli? Surely?

Saturday

Werder Bremen v. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 3-1

Bremen will be out for revenge against a VfB team that handed them a 6-nil defeat in November. TBG thinks they will get it.

Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96

Prediction: 2-1

The Dortmund lead is down to seven points, but expect an inspired Hannover to fall short on the road.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: 1-1

Will Leverkusen respond after the world's worst secret of Heynckes' departure is finally out? TBG will venture they won't.

FC Bayern München v. Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 5-1

This has potential as one of the biggest mismatches of the season.

FSV Mainz 05 v. SC Freiburg

Prediction: 2-1

We'll go with the home team in this matchup of surprise packages that have caused quite a stir in the top flight.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hamburger SV

Prediction: 2-1

Two similar teams having mediocre campaigns compared to expectations. Skip this one, viewers.

Sunday

1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg

Prediction: 2-2

This one is more intriguing that it would appear, and it's very hard to determine a winner.

VfL Wolfsburg v. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 2-1

The combination of Magath and a woeful Frankfurt side should provide three points to the Wolves and drag Eintracht into more danger.