Bundesliga Matchday 23 predictions

Friday night

Mönchengladbach v. Hamburger SV
Prediction: 2-0
Can 'Gladbach truly contend without Patrick Herrmann? Maybe for this week.

Saturday

1. FC Köln v. Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction: 0-2
Leverkusen have never lost two derbies to the Goats in a single campaign, and it looks like Eren Derdiyok will be back for the visitors. Köln are forced to use a makeshift backline with Brecko suspended (again) and numerous injuries.

VfB Stuttgart v. SC Freiburg
Prediction: 2-1
Stuttgart continue to disappoint but should have enough to gain all three points from the league's bottom side.

VfL Wolfsburg v. 1899 Hoffenheim
Prediction: 3-2
Markus Babbel won at the VW-Arena with Hertha this season, but the Wolves are a much different opponent now.

FSV Mainz 05 v. 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 2-0
Mainz lost the reversal 3-1 and should be primed for a backlash in this derby.

FC Augsburg v. Hertha BSC
Prediction: 1-2
Hertha begin the Rehhagel era in Bavaria in a relegation six-pointer. Expect the capital side to finally break their goal drought with Adrian Ramos healthy.

Werder Bremen v. 1. FC Nürnberg
Prediction: 3-1
Bremen should roll at home as they try to solidify their hold on a Europa League place.

Sunday
Bayern München v. FC Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-1
Bayern are ringing the alarm bells after last Sunday's 0-0 with Freiburg and an even more damaging 1-0 loss at FC Basel in the Champions League. Will Schalke have enough in their legs after needing an extra 30 minutes in Europe?

Borussia Dortmund v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 3-1
Dortmund have not lost in 16 league matches since they fell 2-1 at Hannover, and they want revenge. The 96ers had a demanding Europa League match Thursday, while Kagawa is making a quicker return than expected from a torn ankle ligament for the champions.