Bundesliga Matchday 18 predictions

We are ready to kick off the second half of the season with another outstanding set of predictions!

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Bayern München
Prediction: 2-1
One of the pivotal matches of the season sees the leaders go to 'Gladbach after losing to Lucien Favre's men at home. We see Favre springing another surprise.

Saturday
SC Freiburg v. FC Augsburg
Prediction: 0-1
Hard to believe Freiburg won't suffer from a hangover after the loss of Cisse,and FCA have battled hard all year long.

FC Schalke 04 v. VfB Stuttgart
Prediction: 3-1
VfB won this fixture to open the campaign, but Schalke are far superior and will be out for revenge after adding Obasi from Hoffenheim.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1. FC Köln
Prediction: 1-1
The Goats have plenty of injuries while it is difficult to think the Wolves will beat any team above them in the table. Will new striker Mikael Ishak be a factor for Köln?

1. FC Nürnberg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Der Klube won this fixture in Berlin to open the season, but we believe new Hertha boss Michael Skibbe will have a successful league debut with the capital side. U.S. superstar Timothy Chandler is set to return from suspension in FCN's 1,000 Bundesliga appearance.

1899 Hoffenheim v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-1
Hannover president Martin Kind ripped into Didier Ya Konan over the break, saying after Ya Konan's new contract that the striker "started taking things easy after signing his new contract. Now he is overweight and has pretty cars."

1. FC Kaiserslautern v. Werder Bremen
Prediction: 2-3
Bremen are usually horrendous on the road, but 'Lautern are ripe to be picked off as they are winless in seven.

Sunday
Hamburger SV v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 0-2
If all goes well in 'Gladbach, Dortmund have a chance to go level on points at the top and they won't miss that chance, even without Mario Götze.

Bayer Leverkusen v. FSV Mainz 05
Prediction: 2-0
Leverkusen were shocked at Mainz to start the season, but they are on the upswing as they get ready to battle holders FC Barcelona in the Champions League.