YTD: 2-1
Berlin vs. Mainz
Berlin played 2-2 against Bremen at home and lost 2-4 in Leverkusen. Looking at the points and the ranking, Berlin doesn't impress after two match days. But their results don't really show the whole picture. They dominated Bremed, but failed to close the game, and they played extremely well against the top team Leverkusen, especially in the first half (leading 1-0). They are well organized and with Julian Schieber and Salomon Kalou up front (both great upgrades for a team like Berlin) they definitely have offensive power.
On the other hand, Mainz looks weak these days. They lost some of their key players (Choupo-Moting, N. Müller) and their heart (former coach Tuchel). They are already out of the Euro League and the German Cup. And they couldn't convince me me in their first two matches in the BL either (2-2 in Paderborn and 0-0 vs. Hannover). It looks like they need much more time to find each other. They could get trouble this year.
Berlin in front of their home crowd should take this match.
Mönchengladbach vs. Schalke
Not a fan of Schalke's coach Jens Keller. And I really see a hard month coming up for him (with Gladbach, Chelsea, Dortmund). I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone after these matches. Schalke doesn't play well and they also have several injured players. Although they earned a 1-1 against Bayern, they ruined the start of this year. Losing in Dresden in the German Cup and losing in Hannover (1-2) at the first match day.
Now they travel to Gladbach, a team that is known for their strength at home. Their striker Kruse will be back in the line up. And although they only tied the first two matches, I see them showing up against Schalke.
Should be an entertaining team. Both defenses showed holes during the last weeks and both teams have great offenses to take advantage of these. I expect an entertaining match. Result like 2-1 or 3-1.
Picks:
Berlin ML (to win 3 Units)
Gladbach/Schalke Over 3 (to win 2 Units)
Gladbach -0.25 (to win 1,5 Units)
Best of luck to the forum
Will be at the match in Dortmund. I don't bet against my team, but I smell an upset. Freiburg will fight and might take a 1-1.