5.11.2017.

PICK OF THE DAY

Koln - Hoffenheim 

Tip : GG&3+ (both to score and over 2.5)

Odd : 2.00

FT : 0:3 Lost

Things are looking up for Cologne after a horrendous start to the season. In the Bundesliga, the Billy Goats still have a lot of work to do to build on their appalling record of just 2 points and 4 goals scored from 10 matches, but their mid-week Europa League performance (a 5-2 win over BATE) and prior DFB Pokal efforts (a 3-1 win against Hertha Berlin) are showing signs of a team starting to move on in the absence of last season’s star, Anthony Modeste – the Bundesliga’s 3rd top scorer with 25 goals.

Hoffenheim, like the hosts, were also involved in mid-week Europa League action against Istanbul Basaksehir, so this Saturday’s match marks their 5th in 14 days. Julian Nagelsmann’s men lost their first league match of the season under similar circumstances just before the last international break – the 3-2 defeat in Freiburg was their 4th game in 11 days – so fatigue has played a role in the past.

From a betting perspective, with Cologne’s form in front of goal looking up, backing over 2.5 goals and both teams to score looks to be worth a punt here. Cologne have been by no means “unlucky” to end up with just 2 points after ten matches, but they are starting to look more organised, and Hoffenheim’s record on the road leaves a lot to be desired. Hoffenheim haven’t failed to score in a single away match in 2017, so scoring against Cologne. who hold the 2nd worst defensive record in the Bundesliga, shouldn’t be all that problematical. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s men haven’t been that meticulous at the back either, meaning both teams have scored in all but one of their away matches in 2017 (93%).

In terms of a full time result, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Hoffenheim struggle once again given the lack of recovery time between matches. Cologne will no doubt be boosted by the stark contrast in their recent performances and look to translate that into their first promising league display of the season. Even so though, it’s hard to see them beating a team as strong as Hoffenheim – this one looks set to end a score draw. Our prediction: a 2-2 draw.

DID YOU KNOW

* Chelsea have won 5 of their last 6 home matches against Man Utd. 

* Only 2 matches from 25 when Chelsea was host finished 0:0

*  Villarreal have seen under 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches against Malaga.

* There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 13 of Fiorentina's last 15 games 

* Anderlecht is unbeaten at home against Brugge in last 27 games (17W and 10D)

* Zulte-Waregem are undefeated in their last 10 away matches against Oostende.

* FC Thun have won 5 of their last 6 home matches against FC Lugano.

* There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Tromso  last 9 games

TIPS FOR COMBO

Inter - Torino Tip 3+ (over 2.5) (1.55)
Wolfsburg - Hertha Tip GG (both to score) (2.00)

Basel - Young Boys Tip 1 (1.90)

Celta - Ath Bilbao Tip X2 (1.75)
Dundalk - Cork Tip X2 (1.75)

Everton - Watford Tip 2&gg (away win and btts) (7.30)