Bundesliga Matchday 8 predictions

Friday night

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-2

We will ask once again,why do Stuttgart always play on Friday nights? And is anyone going to watch this fixture? Labbadia wants this result badly as a former 'Lautern player.

Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0

A strange game in France brought Dortmund crashing to Earth while FCA have several players involved in an altercation at the Munich Beer Festival. We'll take the home side.

SC Freiburg v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 0-1

It's time to start believing that 'Gladbach have the staying power near the top of the table.

Bayer Leverkusen v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 1-1

Two disappointing sides separated by a point, and a draw here could heap pressure on both managers.

1. FC Nürnberg v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-1

There's not much of a gap in quality between these sides, but the Bavarians should get the job done at home.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Bayern München
Prediction: 0-2

If there is a fixture that could trip up Bayern, this could be it. And surely Bayern will concede another goal. But only a fool would pick against them at this point.

Hertha BSC v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1

A fascinating clash in the nation's capital is Saturday's featured match. TBG believes that it will be difficult for Köln to maintain their form. Ramos and Lell are out for Berlin.

Sunday
Hannover 96 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 1-2

Bremen have a full week off while Hannover endured travel problems in the Ukraine so the second-placed side should have a major advantage - even on the road.

Hamburger SV v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 1-3

We wonder what Huub Stevens is thinking for this one? Will he realize which side he is managing?

Bundesliga Matchday 7 review

Friday night

VfB Stuttgart v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-2

It looks like Huub Stevens will be back in charge for a revitalized Hamburg.

Saturday

FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 4-2

Schalke have the second-most prolific attack in the league so this was not a surprise.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-0

We were wrong to think that Kaiserslautern were not truly as bad as we originally thought.

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 1-0

Nobody grinds out results like Lucien Favre's men.

FSV Mainz 05 v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-3
Actual result: 1-2

Dortmund got an amazing winner from Piszczek after an afternoon of high drama at the Coface Arena.

FC Augsburg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 0-2
Actual result: 0-0

This result does not suit either side's aspirations, and Augsburg are quickly becoming draw specialists.

Bayern München v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 3-0

It wasn't too difficult to predict this, although perhaps the listlessness of Leverkusen was hard to believe.

Sunday

1. FC Köln v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-0

Köln are looking like a completely different side from the useless one from the beginning of the year.

Werder Bremen v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 2-1

An amazing match was decided by an imperious Pizarro after Hertha bravely held firm with nine men for nearly half an hour in a terrific spectacle.

Bundesliga Matchday 7 predictions

Friday night

VfB Stuttgart v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 1-1

Will Hamburg get a response after sacking Oenning? Why do Stuttgart always play on Friday nights? Is anyone going to watch this fixture?

Saturday
FC Schalke 04 v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-0

Expect the Royals Blues to thrash a poor Freiburg side even after the shock resignation of Rangnick.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 1-1

Kaiserslautern truly have not been too dreadful while Wolfsburg have been, making this very interesting.

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-0

'Gladbach have been very stingy this season, and should do enough to avoid a banana skin against FCN.

FSV Mainz 05 v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-3

Dortmund will welcome back Gotze and look to find their attacking teeth against a Mainz squad on the decline and trying to ward off suitors for Tuchel.

FC Augsburg v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 0-2

Hannover need to take advantage of their winless opponents to stamp themselves as European contenders.

Bayern München v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 3-0

Heynckes will have Gomez back against a shell-shocked Leverkusen team that ma be better served looking ahead to their home Champions League matchup with Genk next week.

Sunday
1. FC Koln v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2

The Goats typically flop after a great result, and Hoffenheim are showing signs that they can truly contend.

Werder Bremen v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-1

Bremen have some selection problems and Hertha have been tough on the road in counter-attacking situations so a draw could be in order.

Promoting women's football

In an effort to promote women's football in Germany, players from regional leagues are posing for a calendar. You can see the images of these women here.

This brings to mind the fact that the German national team posed for an interesting team picture before the World Cup.

Is this an appropriate way to promote women's football? Take a look at the pictures and decide and leave us your comments.

From Berlin to Arsenal: An inspiring story

Football fans know that Hertha Berlin and Arsenal have many things in common, starting with both teams visiting German champion Dortmund in a four-day span this year (Hertha won and Arsenal drew for those keeping score.)


Now comes the inspiring story of a teenager who spent time in the Hertha youth system and will soon join the Gunners.

He's 14 years old and is proving that help is on the way for Arsene Wenger's side.

Bundesliga Matchday 6 review

Friday night

SC Freiburg v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-2

Stuttgart look like a formidable side once again all of a sudden, although Freiburg probably deserved something from this match.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 2-2

Hertha was forced to overcome a nervy start and conceded two bad goals to Augsburg in a matchup that showed that Berlin are not ready for Europe.

Hamburger SV v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-1

It's good-bye Oenning after a disastrous start in which Hamburg are probably fortunate not to be pointless.

Bayer Leverkusen v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 4-1
Actual result: 1-4

Well TBG predicted the correct scoreline. Who would have thought that the Goats would storm the BayArena and dominate?

1. FC Nürnberg v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1

Wiese's dismissal meant that Bremen should be very happy with a point on the road.

1899 Hoffenheim v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-1

Finally an exact score right - those are not as easy as it looks.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 3-1

Mainz are in free-fall towards the drop zone after two wins to start the campaign. .

Sunday
Hannover 96 v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-1

It's official - the champions are in big trouble if they want to return to Europe.

FC Schalke 04 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 0-2

Even without Robben and Gomez, Bayern cruised with utter dominance and another clean sheet. Can anyone stop the Reds? (Maybe Hertha?)

HERO OF THE WEEK: Lukas Podolski, 1. FC Koln. Podolski finally coming through in a derby for the first time since returning home.

GOAT OF THE WEEK: Tim Wiese, Werder Bremen. His three-match ban puts should effectively help end any faint title hopes for the Green-Whites.

Klinsmann: Judge me on November matches

United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann wants you to know that you can throw out the results of his first three matches. That's because he didn't get a chance to schedule a gauntlet of games against Mexico, Costa Rica and Belgium.

Klinsmann gave a conference call Friday in which he highlighted that he does not yet have the control to do things his way.

Said Klinsmann: "So because I look at things differently and plan things differently, it's been quite a challenge, the first couple of weeks."

Now there's news that the revolutionary attacking style that has produced one goal in three matches won't be seen by U.S. fans until November, according to Klinsmann. Matchups with Honduras on Oct. 8 and with Ecuador three days later are still not ones that will reflect his leadership.

"Going forward, the first two games where I have my hand involved will be November," Klinsmann said. "I love to kind of get my hands around the program, building the first couple of weeks, build a lot of bridges."

So fear not, U.S. soccer fans! You only have to wait five matches to see what the real United States team will look like in November against some unnamed opponents.

Bundesliga Matchday 6 predictions

Friday night

SC Freiburg v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 2-1

There's no better way to start a terrific weekend that this heated Baden-Württemberg derby after Freiburg won both meetings last season. Expect another shock result in a crackling affair.

Saturday

Hertha BSC v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-0

Hertha did not lose to Augsburg in last season's two meetings in the Zweite Liga and should get the job done at home on Family Day at the Olympic Stadium.

Hamburger SV v. Mönchengladbach
Prediction: 2-1

It's hard to believe that Hamburg will continue to flounder in this matchup, and under-fire Michael Oenning has promised the supporters three points.

Bayer Leverkusen v. 1. FC Koln
Prediction: 4-1

Should be a nice, easy recovery from the Champions League for Leverkusen in the 32nd year of a North-Rhine Westphalia derby that should continue to be 'Stale.' (Get it?)

1. FC Nürnberg v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 1-2

Bremen have been playing well and should avoid a banana peel on this trip to Bavaria.

1899 Hoffenheim v. VfL Wolfsburg
Prediction: 3-1

TBG believe that last week's win over Schalke was a fluke for the Wolves. Expect Hoffenheim to show their class.

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-2

One last derby for the weekend, and this Rhineland affair should end with the honours even.

Sunday
Hannover 96 v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-2

It's time for the champions to make a stand, even without the suspended Gotze. Cristiano Ronaldo, do not watch this match!

FC Schalke 04 v. Bayern München
Prediction: 2-1

The featured match-up brings an injury-plagued Bayern to Gelsenkirchen in Neuer's emotional return. Surely the Royal Blues will be up for this one, no?

Bob Bradley: "The Egyptian player is a talented one unlike the American"

Credit Bob Bradley for telling the truth. The man who led the United States to the top of a group containing mighty England and to a shock 2-0 victory in the Confederations Cup that ended Spain's incredible 35-match unbeaten run will coach the mighty Pharoahs of Egypt, the team that has won the last three African Nations Cups.

Egypt, alas, did not qualify for next year's event, and Bradley has been hired to lead the Pharoahs to the World Cup for the first time since 1990. He's also got a shot to get back to the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013 since the African Nations Cup that year will determine Africa's representative.

Judging by Bradley's words, he is relishing the chance to coach a more talented team. He told CNN Arabic that "The Egyptian player is a talented one unlike the American who depends mainly on his fitness."

Bradley is 100 percent right. The problem with the American soccer player is a lack of talent. Credit Bradley for telling it like it is, even though the truth hurts.

Bundesliga Matchday 5 review

Friday night

FC Augsburg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 0-1
Actual score: 1-4

Are Leverkusen ready for Stamford Bridge after making a woeful Augsburg look like relegation fodder?

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 2-2
Actual score: 0-2

Hertha captain Andre Mijatovic told reporters after this shock that "we have arrived in the Bundesliga."

Bayern München v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 4-1
Actual score: 7-0

Bayern actually face some real competition next weekend in Schalke.

VfB Stuttgart v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1
Actual score: 3-0

Stuttgart proving to be a very hot and cold side.

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Actual score: 1-0

'Gladbach in joint third after Matchday 5.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Actual score: 0-4

Hoffenheim with a ruthless effort on the road as Babel gets a brace.

Werder Bremen v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1
Actual score: 2-0

The pressure on Oenning is even more intense now.

Sunday

1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual score: 1-2

Two penalties doomed the home side to another defeat.

VfL Wolfsburg v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 1-3
Actual score: 2-1

Mandzukic rescued the Wolves from a losing position as Magath got a last laugh on professor Rangnick and company.

Hertha BSC with the shock win!

Second-half goals by Raffael and Peter Niemeyer were the difference as Hertha BSC shocked the world with a 2-1 victory over Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in a raucous Signal Iduna Park. The hosts' 18-match home unbeaten streak ended.

Billed as the "Battle of Champions," with Dortmund winning BL1 and Hertha winning BL2 in a landslide, the visitors employed their counter-attacking style to perfection, thwarting the Yellow-Blacks - playing without suspended Mario Gotze - at every turn.

After a first-half stalemate, Raffael burst in on goal past Mats Hummels and several other Dortmund defenders. He was stopped by Roman Weidenfeller, who blocked it off teammate Marcel Schmelzer right into the path of Raffael - who said, 'Thank you very much' and put it into the empty net.

Raffael would hit the woodwork two more times before Hertha made it 2-0 in the 82nd. BSC captain Andre Mijatovic's header off a corner kick was saved by Weidenfeller right into the knee of Niemeyer, who didn't know what hit him (the ball) and it went right into the net.

A late Dortmund goal created a nervy finish, but Hertha saw out the clock and set up next weekend's home clash with fellow promoted side Augsburg.

Said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp: "Hertha are deserving winners."

Klopp is 100 percent right. Congratulations to Hertha for the victory and for a tremendous showing by the visiting supporters.

Dortmund may find things easier in their next home game against Arsenal on Tuesday night.

Klinsi getting ready for Bundesliga action!

United States head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will be a guest of honor for Saturday's matchup between Mainz and Hoffenheim. 'Klinsi' attended Friday's training session for Hoffenheim.

He's got his eyes on four starlets for the Hoff: the now infamous Fabian Johnson, Daniel Williams, Joseph-Claude Gyau and 17-year-old Zambian-born sensation Charles Renken.

It's definitely good news for the States - where fans have been inspired by Klinsi's attacking style that has produced one goal in three matches - to see their head coach watch some exciting Bundesliga action!

Bundesliga Matchday 5 predictions

Friday night

FC Augsburg v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 0-1

Although Leverkusen have a trip to Stamford Bridge upcoming, they should have enough concentration to get these three points.

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 2-2

Dortmund have an 18-match home unbeaten streak, but the yellow and black are really looking forward to Tuesday's visit by Arsene Wenger's English powerhouse Arsenal. Hertha are not very good but catch a break in facing the champions without the suspended Gotze. Said Hertha boss Markus Babbel: "We are not just going there to admire the stadium."

Bayern München v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 4-1

Yes, Bayern are off to a flying start but the fixture list has hardly been daunting to this point.

VfB Stuttgart v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-1

This is a very hard match to call so we will split the difference.

Mönchengladbach v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0

These are the matches 'Gladbach have to win if they fancy themselves as a side in the top half of the table.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2

This blog never seems to correctly pick Hoffenheim matches but we will give it another try nevertheless.

Werder Bremen v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-1

This Northern derby appears to be the last thing Hamburg need during their stuttering start.

Sunday

1. FC Koln v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-1

Solbakken appears to be on firmer ground and this is a very winnable matchup.

VfL Wolfsburg v. FC Schalke 04

Prediction: 1-3
There are too many questions with the Wolves after fines of Helmes and Mandzukic while the Royals Blues are on a rampage.

Getting ready for USA v. Belgium

It seems fitting that the third game of the Jurgen Klinsmann era is set for Brussels against Belgium at the King Badouin Stadium. It's appropriate since this is the venue formerly known as Heysel, where one of the world's greatest footballing disasters once took place.

Dubbed by US Soccer as the "Tussle in Brussels," it's the first chance for a European audience to see the new-look U.S. attack that has produced one goal in two games. To be fair, the team's best player - Clint Dempsey - has yet to suit up for the U.S. and that will change tonight.

Klinsmann is already upsetting European coaches by his selection process. AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek was not happy that in-form striker Jozy Altidore had to
fly all the way to LA for the match against Costa Rica on Friday.

It's hard to know how excited Belgium will be to play an inferior opponent after a disappointing draw at Azerbaijan that will likely take them out of contention for Euro 2012. It's not like national pride is at stake either since the country could be on the verge of splitting up and is currently under a caretaker government.

It all makes for a rather drab atmosphere for what shapes up to be another loss for the U.S. in the Klinsmann era.

Hertha fined 4,000 euros

The DFB has fined Hertha 4,000 Euros for pitch invasion in the Bundesliga opener against FC Nurnberg. This is a blow to the club's image, although it should be said that most of the Berlin faithful are docile and positive supporters.

The Beautiful Game does not condone running onto the pitch.