Bundesliga Matchday 17 predictions

Friday night

Bayern München v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 3-0

This mouth-watering fixture pits top scorers Gomez and Podolski probably playing his last match for the Goats. Bayern have somehow failed to win their last five at home against Köln but that should change tonight.

Saturday
SC Freiburg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-2
The champions should avoid another slip-up, but a discontent Barrios bears watching in the second half.

Hamburger SV v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Hamburg are unbeaten in seven and could gain a first-half finish close to the top of the table.

Bayer Leverkusen v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Robin Dutt blamed Champions League football for his side's sixth-place standing. He won't have that excuse in the future after drawing holders FC Barcelona.

VfL Wolfsburg v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Neither side has been lighting the country on fire and both look like they are relishing the winter break.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-1
Compper is suspended for Hoffenheim while Berlin coach Markus Babbel could be out the door in this matchup of mid-table mediocrity.

FC Schalke 04 v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Thomas Schaaf's side have been awful on the road and Schalke should be well worth the three points.

Sunday
1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 1-2
'Lautern need points but could be caught loking ahead to next week's Cup tie with Hertha while Hannover have no fixtures remaining after this one.

Mönchengladbach v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 1-0
Reus looks to make a heroic return and give 'Gladbach a boost in their finale.