Hamburger SV vs Borussia Monchengladbach Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Hamburg have had a much needed change of fortune as of late. Back-to-back Bundesliga wins against Bayer Leverkusen (1-0) and surprise title contenders RB Leipzig (3-0), followed by a 2-2 draw at home to Freiburg saw Markus Gisdol’s side climb from 17th to 15th and two points clear of the automatic relegation spots. However, last weekend’s 8-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich has set the North Germans back a step and a mid-week DFB Pokal match is the last thing the North German’s want on their minds amidst a relegation dogfight.

For Borussia M’gladbach, Dieter Hecking has made an immediate impact since being appointed over the winter break. Under his guidance, Gladbach find themselves back on track in the Bundesliga, though still way off the top 4, and stand behind only league leaders Bayern Munich in the form table for 2017 (W4 D1 L1). With a poor start to the season leaving them stranded in 10th and a way off the European qualification places, a deep cup run could be of up-most importance for potential qualification to the Europa League.

Despite Hamburg’s much improved home form (W4 D2 from the last six at the Volksparkstadion), Borussia M’gladbach are the bookies favourite at 7/5 and we feel backing them “0.0 Asian Handicap” is the best option here for the following reasons: though Gladbach seemed incapable of producing results on the road in 2016, becoming notorious as a “travel-sick” side in the process, much is changed under coach Dieter Hecking. Borussia M’gladbach have won five of their last six competitive away matches (83%) across all competitions (W5 D1), keeping clean sheets in four of these (66%).

Hamburg’s trip away to Bayern Munich last weekend was always going to be a tricky fixture, but the reigning champions humiliated the North Germans, waltzing through their defense as if it was not there. Hamburg are, admittedly, in much better scoring form than when they started the season – the North Germans have scored at least one goal in all but two of their last 13 matches (85%) – but Hamburg now also hold the worst defensive record in the Bundesliga (45 goals conceded) and focus on survival in the league has to be the priority over a deep cup run for the ever-present side.

Regarding a correct score bet, Borussia M’gladbach are much improved on the road. However, Hamburg are vastly improved in front of goal and Gladbach are not immune to mistakes, such as those made by center back Jannik Vestergaard against Fiorentina in the Europa League last week. As such, a consolation goal for the hosts doesn’t seem like an impossibility. As Gladbach themselves have scored at least 2 goals in four of their last five on the road, we feel that Borussia M’gladbach to win 2-1 at 17/2 offers some decent value here.