German Bundesliga
2011-04-23 - Borussia M`gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football ; Germany : Bundesliga
Borussia Park
Saturday,23rd April 2011 – kickoff 18:30
Borussia Monchenladbach
Borussia M`Gladbach still have chance for a relegation play off spot as they are just three points behind it, but with the way they are playing that is unlikely to happen.
Last weekend they were narrowly defeated 1-0 against Mainz in a match where they could have easily get at least point, but were unfortunate to concede three minutes before the final whistle.
A win against Borussia Dortmund is hardly imaginable, but Borussia M`Gladbach have no other choice, but to attack and hope that they can get out of this match undefeated.
Bad team news is that the striker Mike Hanke, who joined the club in the winter transfer window from Hannover 96, got sent off in the match against Mainz so he will have to sit out this match.
Also the midfielders Igor de Camargo, Jens Wissing and Jean-Sebastien Jaures are definitely out with injuries. The central defender Dante had missed couple of training sessions during the week and complained to an ankle injury, so he is still doubtful whether he could start. If he is not fit on time, Roel Brouwers will be his replacement.
Borussia M`Gladbach will play with two strikers-Mo Idrissou (four goals, three assists) and the young German International Marco Reus (eight goals scored, eight assists).
Probable Borussia M`Gladbach line-up :
Jantschke, Stranzl, Dante, Daems,
Nordtveit, Neustadter, Herrmann, Arango,
Reus, Idrissou
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund could easily be crowned as new German champions this weekend if they win in this match and if Bayer Leverkusen fails to win against 1899 Hoffenheim.
At least fifteen thousand BVB fans are expected to travel in Monchengladbach to support their team, so they will pretty much feel like playing at home.
Last weekend Borussia Dortmund have easily won 3-0 against SC Freiburg, but the bad news is the injury of the inspirational midfielder Nuri Sahin who had suffered a torn ligament in that match and will miss the remaining four Bundesliga matches. He had started in all 30 matches for Borussia Dortmund this season and has scored six goals, combined with eight assists. The experienced 32-year old Brazilian Antonio da Silva will be his replacement in the starting line up playing alongside Sven Bender in the defensive midfield.
Jakub`Kuba`Blaszczykowski and Kevin Grosskreutz will play at the wings and Mario Gotze will be the playmaker. Robert Lewandowski is expected to start as the only striker in the formation, and there are reports that Lucas Barrios is very close to return in the first team action, but he will probably be at the bench for this match.
Probable Borussia Dortmund line-up :
Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer,
S. Bender, da Silva,
Blaszczykowski, M. Gotze, Grosskreutz,
Lewandowski
The Betting Verdict
The first match this season between Borussia M`Gladbach and Borussia Dortmund had ended in high 4-1 home win for Borussia Dortmund.
Interestingly, the overall record is extremely balanced with 25 wins for Borussia M`Gladbach, 26 draws and 26 wins for Borussia Dortmund.
Of course Borussia Dortmund are the best team in the Bundesliga this season and are expected to win this match, but instead betting on straight winner i would go with a bet on over 2.5 goals in this match as both teams have a good history with matches where there were many goals scored.
Borussia Dortmund are comfortable at the top, there is no doubt that they will be the next German champions, but the festivities might be delayed for the next home game in Dortmund.
Borussia M`Gladbach will attack, they have no other option, but their defense has been disastrous this season and probably Borussia Dortmund will fill their net with goals.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Borussia M`Gladbach-Borussia Dortmund 2-3
