Hannover 96 vs Arminia Bielefeld Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Since their knockout from the DFB Pokal against Eintracht Frankfurt a few weeks back, Hannover 96 have strengthened their position on potential promotion back into the German top flight with back to back 2-1 wins against Bochum and Dynamo Dresden. Hannover stand just three points behind league leaders Stuttgart in 2nd place and a match at home to a “travel-sick” Bielefeld should give the hosts a decent opportunity to further build towards this cause.

At the opposite end of the table, Arminia Bielefeld find themselves in the midst of a tight relegation battle. Last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to fellow strugglers St. Pauli saw them finish as one of four teams on 18 points after the final whistle.

Hannover 96 are the favourites at 3/5 with bet365 and we feel that backing the hosts is the best option here for the following reasons: simply put, Hannover are strong promotion candidates and have been at their best at the HDI Arena this season. Hannover hold the 2nd strongest home record in the Bundesliga 2, winning 80% of home matches (W8 D1 L1), even with a game in hand. Meanwhile, visitors Bielefeld hold the worst away record in the Bundesliga 2, losing 80% of their away matches (D2 L8), and head into this off the back of six consecutive away defeats. Given the respective quality and forms of the two sides, the outcome of this should be straight forward.

Hannover’s Martin Harnick is the joint 2nd top scorer in the Bundesliga 2 after scoring four goals in his last three appearances. He scored a brace last time out at the HDI Arena (in Hannover’s 2-1 win at home to Bochum) and his form should help see Hannover to all three points. He’d be a decent shout for an anytime goalscorer here (odds to follow).

Regarding a correct score bet, Bielefeld’s recent away results indicate a recklessly agressive style of play. Bielefeld have conceded 3 or more goals in five of their last six on the road, but have only failed to score once themselves over the same number – over 2.5 goals and both teams to score at 11/10 could also be worth a punt. As such, we feel that Hannover 96 should have a comfortable ride here, making odds of 11/1 on a 3-1 win to Hannover decent value.