Hertha Berlin vs Darmstadt Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Hertha Berlin’s deflating 2-0 defeat away to title contenders RB Leipzig marked their first back-to-back defeats of the season. Hertha remain in the top four, behind 3rd placed TSG Hoffenheim on goal difference alone, and are the bookies’ favourites here at 11/20 for a reason: Hertha have one of the strongest home records in the Bundesliga (W6 L1 from seven) and Pal Dardai’s side hold the current club record for the best ever start to a new season.

Meanwhile, despite Darmstadt’s valiant defensive performance at home to reigning champions Bayern Munich last Sunday, where Douglas Costa’s “unstoppable” free-kick finally broke the Bavarians through, a 1-0 loss extended the Lilies’ worst ever top flight streak to seven consecutive defeats. To make matters worse, Darmstadt also hold the worst away record in the Bundesliga (L7 from seven) and are guaranteed to remain within the automatic relegation spots over the Christmas break regardless of the result here.

Based on recent form and season-long performances, we fancy Hertha Berlin to win this one. However, we feel that under 2.5 goals at 4/5 has to be a marginally safer bet here for the following reasons: Darmstadt’s poor form has not solely been from conceding too many goals, but also from their inability to score them. Darmstadt have lacked a consistent goal scorer since last season’s star Sandro Wagner (14 goals in 32 appearances) transferred to TSG Hoffenheim over the summer. Darmstadt have lost to nil in four of their last five matches (80%) – all of which had under 2.5 goals scored – and are the lowest scoring side in the Bundesliga (11 goals). Meanwhile, Hertha haven’t looked too sharp themselves in recent weeks, failing to score in either of their last two, including against a Werder Bremen side who hadn’t kept a clean sheet in any match prior.

Following on from the above, for those who want to back the hosts at a slightly longer shot, we wouldn’t shy away from Hertha to win to nil at 7/5. Regarding a correct score bet, we feel that a small home win is on the cards here. As such, Hertha Berlin to win 1-0 at 5/1 should be a reasonable shout.