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.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, April 22, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, April 18, 2011
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)