Friday night
St. Pauli v. Kaiserslautern
Prediction: 0-2
Playing in the Millerntor at night should be a challenge for any club, but St. Pauli are very poor while K-Town have been flying. We'll trust the team that has the more Hertha rejects between the two.
Saturday
Frankfurt v. Mainz
Prediction: 1-1
Frankfurt have shipped eight goals in their last two while Mainz are on the right track. Eintracht should be able to tighten things up at home.
Freiburg v. Hamburg
Prediction: 2-1
This just looks like the type of match Hamburg will lose the way they have underachieved.
VfB Stuttgart v. Hoffenheim
Prediction: 1-2
Ibisevic is in fine form for the visitors, who are starting to look like they can challenge for the Champions League places.
VfL Wolfsburg v. Bremen
Prediction: 3-1
Two dreadful sides, yet TBG doesn't believe a draw is in the cards. The Wolves' attack should be too much for a Bremen team merely making sure their heads stay above water.
Borussia Monchengladbach v. Hannover 96
Prediction: 2-3
Gladbach's capitulation to the league leaders last week was another blow to their hopes of staying up. Hannover enters with three wins on the trot.
Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munich
Prediction: 1-2
Felix Magath has his side in the knockout phase of the Champions League, but could they be headed for the drop? Facing Bayern coming off a 5-0 thrashing can't be a good thing.
Sunday
Leverkusen v. Koln
Prediction: 2-1
Leverkusen threw away a two-goal lead last week and that could have major psychological ramifications. Not this week, though.
Nurnberg v. Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: 1-1
Although Dortmund need to win at Sevilla to advance in the Europa League, the table-toppers have a margin for error within the league. Their perfect 7-0-0 away mark will finally end.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Bundesliga prediction review - Matchday 14
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-2, yet HSV still looks like garbage
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-0, truly gutless performance, and Magath taking away most of the break for this sad-sack squad
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-1, Daniel van Buyten tried to make this interesting by gifting goals but he failed for Bayern.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2, late equilizer on a PK kept this from being 100 percent correct
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-1, too much Kagawa and company
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1, beautiful bicycle kick goal by Cicero rescues point for VfL
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 3-0
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-2, yet HSV still looks like garbage
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 5-0, truly gutless performance, and Magath taking away most of the break for this sad-sack squad
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 4-1, Daniel van Buyten tried to make this interesting by gifting goals but he failed for Bayern.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 3-0
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 2-2, late equilizer on a PK kept this from being 100 percent correct
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 4-1, too much Kagawa and company
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 3-0
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Actual result: 1-1, beautiful bicycle kick goal by Cicero rescues point for VfL
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Crisis in Berlin!!!
It's been a busy time as 2010 nears it end, but the big story in the football world is the stunning struggles of TBG's favorite German team, Hertha BSC. When we last checked in on Hertha, the Berliners were cruising atop the Zweite Liga standings and looking like one of the best teams in the country, quite honestly.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Hertha, though, has lost three of four matches and slumped to third in the table - not even good enough for automatic promotion - with fancied FC Augsburg close behind. These are trying times in the nation's capital.
What has gone wrong? Well the goals have dried up, as a team that was running rampant has failed to score in back-to-back games. Saturday's 2-0 loss to Duisburg is Hertha's first at home while Adrian Ramos and Raffael have not combined like they did in early matches while a fortunate brace from teenage sensation Pierre-Michel Lasogga is all Hertha have mustered in the last four games.
Up next is a tricky trip to the fabled Allianz Arena to face 1860 Munich with Benjamin Lauth. Can our heroes turn this around and spare their blushes? Or will it be more heartbreak for the loyal fans of the capital city. Stay tuned.
What are your suggestions for Hertha to turn it around? Tell us below and we may pass them along to the Hertha technical staff.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Bundesliga Matchday 14 predictions
After the rough effort in our debut segment, TBG is back to preview Matchday 14. Will Bayern Munich win a match? Will Dortmund lose? Will Jakub Blaszczykowski get another chance to shoot an at open goal? Will Werder Bremen score a goal?Find out below.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Friday night
Mainz v. Nurnberg
Prediction: 2-0
Schurrle (team-high five goals) there's no chance of an upset in this spot for the Bavarians, even in a bitter snowstorm!
Saturday
Hamburg v. Stuttgart
Prediction: 1-1
Not much to see here. The Swabians continue to disappoint and Hamburg also seems to hitting another dip in form.
Kaiserslautern v. Schalke 04
Prediction: 2-2
Amazingly, S04 qualified for the knockout round of the Champions League with a match to spare. Will they be motivated for the trip to K-Town?
Bayern Munich v. Eintracht Frankfurt
Prediction: 1-1
Louis van Gaal has set a goal as for three wins and a draw in the final four fixtures before the winter break. Well, let's guess that it's a draw in this spot against a battling Frankfurt side.
Hannover 96 v. Freiburg
Prediction: 3-1
Hard to believe this is a matchup of 4 versus 6. The 96ers welcome back Steve Cherundolo, and should welcome him back in style.
Hoffenheim v. Leverkusen
Prediction: 1-2
Leverkusen has yet to lose on the road this season, and should be playing with confidence after last week's good result against Bayern Munich.
Borussia Dortmund v. Borussia Monchengladbach
Prediction: 3-1
The battles of the Borussias is a top versus bottom clash, with Gladbach 24 points behind the table-toppers. Dortmund rewarded Juergen Klopp with an extension through 2014 and can't possibly slip up here.
Sunday
Werder Bremen v. St. Pauli
Prediction: 2-1
Sure, Bremen have been outscored 10-0 in their last three league matches and are in total disarray following their lethargic ouster from European play. But the supporters should make this a tough task for the visitors, and the Green-Whites can solidify their place in the top flight with three points.
Koln v. Wolsburg
Prediction: 2-1
Expect Podolski and company to do enough to muster a good result against an underachieving club that is sliding closer and closer towards the drop as Steve McClaren gets his resume ready.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Mourinho angering everyone again
It seems like Jose Mourinho has already upset everyone in Spain ahead of Monday's 'El Clasico' at the Nou Camp. First, it was respected Sporting Gijon boss Manolo Preciado, who was criticized by Mourinho when Gijon rested some starters in its trip to the Nou Camp this season, although Barca only managed a 1-0 win.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
That started a war of words between the managers heading into their matchup in Gijon, a match that Mourinho was banned for his antics during the Spanish Cup. Preciado responded by calling Mourinho a Spanish word that - since this is a family audience - wasn't very complimentary - canalla.
After Madrid was outplayed and won anyway 1-0, Mourinho and an assistant were on the bus leaving the stadium when he stuck out two figures to signify that Gijon would be sent down. Preciado responded by throwing a bottle at Mourinho.
Which brings us to Madrid's trip to Amsterdam on Tuesday for the Champions League. Sure RM won 4-0 over Ajax, but Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos were both sent off in the late stages for time wasting. Both wanted to miss the meaningless group finale against Auxerre as opposed to a knockout stage contest. Of course, this was orchestrated by Mourinho.
So Mourinho is the scum of the earth. But you knew that. Here's hoping that Barca runs circles around Real Madrid.
Monday, November 22, 2010
NCAA College Cup down to the last 16!!!!
Now that the NCAA Men's College Cup is down to the round of 16, it's time for TBG to step in and make our predictions on these thrilling games. Here we go:
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
No. 1 Louisville v. No. 16 Ohio State
The Buckeyes have advanced with a sold win, but their reward is the No. 1 team in the country, coached by Ken Lolla himself. This shouldn't be close.
Louisville, 3-1.
No. 8 UCLA vs. Dartmouth
Credit Dartmouth with two big NCAA wins. The run ends on the west coast against the powerful Bruins.
UCLA, 2-0.
No. 5 SMU v. No. 12 William & Mary
It's been an outstanding soccer season in Dallas, with FC Dallas reaching the MLS Cup title game and SMU turning in another big season. William & Mary is best known as where Steve Jolley and Comedy Central's Jon Stewart played their college soccer.
SMU, 1-0.
No. 4 North Carolina vs. Michigan State.
The Tar Heels have plenty of talent, but the Spartans are a very mentally tough team. Go with the upset.
Michigan State, 2-1 (OT).
No. 3 Akron v. No. 14 Indiana.
This is THE GAME of the round of 16. The Zips lost a heartbreaker in the final last season as they search for that elusive national title. The Hoosiers are never pushovers. What a classic!
Akron 3-2, penalty kicks.
No. 6 California v. Brown.
The Golden Bears are enjoying a terrific season, and hope to make short work of the visitors. Brown shouldn't be taken lightly, however.
Cal, 1-0.
No. 7 South Carolina v. No. 10 Michigan.
Both teams needed overtime to advance to this round, and appear evenly matched. TBG will play a hunch on this pick.
Michigan, 3-2 (OT).
No. 2 Maryland v. No. 15 Penn State.
Legendary Terrapins coach Sasho Cirovski has another terrific team with this ACC championship squad. Do the underdog Nittany Lions have what it takes to pull the upset?
Maryland, 4-1.
What do you think? Let us know, you may win a trip to the championship game in Santa Barbara!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Bundesliga prediction review
So it seems TBG's first crack at predicting the most unpredictable league in Europe turned out similar to this miss by Jakub Blaszczykowski: http://bit.ly/aOtjRq
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
Let's review:
Eintracht Frankfurt v. Hoffenheim:
Prediction: 2-0
Actual result: 0-4
Freiburg v. Dortmund:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-2
Schalke v. Bremen:
Prediction: 2-2
Actual result: 4-0
Monchengladbach v. Mainz:
Prediction: 3-1
Actual result: 2-3
Hannover v. Hamburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 3-2
Nurnberg v. Kaiserslautern:
Prediction: 3-0
Actual result: 1-3
Leverkusen v. Bayern Munich:
Prediction: 1-1
Actual result: 1-1
Sunday games:
Stuttgart v. Koln:
Prediction: 5-1
Actual result: 0-1
St. Pauli v. Wolfsburg:
Prediction: 1-2
Actual result: 1-1
The results in Frankfurt, Nurnberg and Stuttgart were frankly unfathomable. Who loses 4-nil at home anyway and bottom-placed Koln had not won away all season. Hamburg was a disappointment and Gladbach threw away a 2-1 lead. All in all, another wild and crazy weekend in the Bundesliga and TBG paid a major price. But we love the challenge and will be right back at it for Matchday 14.
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