Hertha BSC vs Hamburger SV Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Hertha’s bittersweet end to their 2015/2016 campaign, where their eventual 7th placed finish overshadowed their prior twenty-week-long stint within the top four, has clearly not knocked their confidence coming into the new season. Hertha’s quick exit from the UEFA Europa League in the third qualifying round meant their sole focus has been on the Bundesliga since the get go. Hertha were one of just two sides to take the maximum nine points from their first three fixtures, alongside Bayern Munich, until the two clashed last Wednesday, where the reigning champions took all three points in a 3-0 win. However, Hertha bounced back in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Striker Ibisevic, who has been selected ahead of the (now injured) Salomon Kalou for most of this season, brought his season tally up to three goals, contributing two goals and an assist in said match.

Hamburg still find themselves in the relegation zone after a streak of poor form sees them come into this match off the back of four consecutive Bundesliga defeats. Hamburg have, admittedly, had a series of difficult fixtures over this period; Leverkusen, Leipzig, Freiburg and Bayern Munich are not the most straight forward opponents. However, last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Bayern Munich was the final straw for the club, who relieved coach Bruno Labbadia of his duties the following morning. Within 24 hours Hamburg had found their replacement – former Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol – who’s task will no doubt be to steady the ship and sail Hamburg away from the danger zone.

Hertha Berlin, who have been under manager Pal Dardai for well over a year now, come into this match as the bookies favourites at 1/1. We feel the hosts are the best bet available in this match for the following reasons: Hamburg’s deflating start to the season is their worst in the club’s history, whereas, Berlin are enjoying their 2nd best start to a Bundesliga season ever. The Berliners are also (currently) the most clinical team in the league, scoring, on average, one goal for every four shots taken. Meanwhile, Hamburg have registered only six shots on target the entire season! That is, Hamburg have managed fewer shots on target than Hertha have scored (9 goals) so far. While Hamburg will, of course, be encouraged by the signing of a new manager, we feel there are way too many problems to be ironed out before Saturday’s match against a side as strong as Berlin. Expect Hamburg’s revival to come at a later date.

As such, Hertha Berlin to Win at 1/1 and Hertha Berlin to win 2-0 at 8/1 are our choice bets for this match.