Hamburger SV vs Eintracht Frankfurt Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Hamburg took away their first point on their second attempt under former Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol, who was appointed in late September, with their impressive 0-0 draw away to Borussia Monchengladbach last Saturday. Hamburg kept out the M’gladbach offense with just ten men for over an hour as Brazilian centre back Cleber Reis was sent off in the 25th minute for taking down M’gladbach’s Lars Stindl as the last man. Andre Hahn stepped up to take the penalty kick but Hamburg’s Rene Adler dived the right way and did well to save the strong penalty kick. Hamburg had some luck on their side too, however. Adler should have been sent off for an unnecessary raised foot 1v1 against Hahn later on and Gladbach had another second unsuccessful penalty attempt.

Eintracht Frankfurt were another side to take away a point with just ten men in their equally impressive 2-2 draw at home to Bayern Munich last weekend. Frankfurt’s Szabolcs Hustzi (central midfielder), who scored Frankfurt’s equalizing 1-1 goal just before half time, was sent off for for aggressive “head to head” contact against Bayern’s Renato Sanches. Luck was on Eintracht’s side too, however. Attacking midfielder Marco Fabien’s chested goal to draw them equal, his third in five appearances, came from an offside position. Nonetheless, Frankfurt will be thrilled with the point as it’s their best start to a Bundesliga campaign in years.

Hamburg are slight favourites with the bookies here at 7/5 and we’d be inclined to agree with a home win, given that Frankfurt don’t fare well on the road – Frankfurt have lost 8 of their 11 away matches in 2016 (W2 D1 L8). However, we feel that under 2.5 goals will be the safer bet here for the following reasons: Eintracht’s problem with away matches doesn’t seem to be from conceding too many goals, but instead from their inability to score goals – Frankfurt have failed to score in 8 of their 11 away matches in 2016 (seven defeats to nil and one 0-0 draw). Notably, Frankfurt have lost 1-0 in four of their last seven away matches (57%). Meanwhile, three of Hamburg’s four most recent home matches have also finished with under 2.5 goals scored and their 0-0 defensive performance away to M’gladbach made them the first side in almost a year to keep a clean sheet at BORUSSIA PARK.

Hamburg have got the ball rolling under coach Markus Gisdol and expect their newfound defensive prowess to prove difficult for a Frankfurt side that has troubles scoring on the road. As such, under 2.5 goals at 4/5 and Hamburg to win 1-0 at 7/1 are our choice bets for this match.