Hamburg v Wolfsburg: All on the line in Bundesliga ‘Game of Death’
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Wolfsburg lifted the Bundesliga title back in 2009, while Hamburger SV are six-time German champions. But these two fallen giants now face a battle to avoid the drop.
A point or more for the visitors would ensure they avoid a relegation play-off against second-tier opposition, while victory for Hamburg would consign either Die Wolfe or fellow 37-point side Augsburg to that fate.
So, who’s set for trouble – and who will live to fight another day?
Well, it’s Wolfsburg who are in the better form, with Andries Jonker’s men losing just two of their last six away games, beating Eintracht Frankfurt and high-flying RB Leipzig along the way.
As for Hamburg, they’ve stopped the rot with two draws in a row, but it’s over a month since they won a game. We’d be a little surprised if they end that run on Saturday, though it wouldn’t be a shock.
Of the pair, Jonker’s men look better value for victory at odds of 33/20, with Der Dino marginal favourites at 31/20, while the draw is priced up at 9/4.
And the visitors’ saviour could be one of European football’s most lethal – and underrated – goalscorers.
Step forward, Mario Gomez.
The experienced hitman has scored 10 goals in his last 11 outings. He’s 13/8 to register yet again at Volksparkstadion, while 9/2 says he’s Last Goalscorer for the fourth time in seven games.
Oh, and there’s one more niche bet we think could come good in this crunch clash.
In three of Hamburg’s last six fixtures, we’ve seen the game’s first goal arrive between the 21st and 30th minute. And that was also the case in Die Wolfe’s most recent outing.
So the 5/1 for that to happen again could prove a savvy bet.
Whatever happens, it’s set to be an engrossing clash, and a huge day for two of German football’s fallen powers.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
