Bundesliga Betting Odds - Leverkusen's team spirit leads them to a draw in Munich
Bayern Munich are annually one of the sports betting favorites to win the Bundesliga, and they haven’t gone two straight years without a league title since the mid-90s. However, they face a Bayer Leverkusen team hungry to give the club their first German crown, and they play for one another, while Munich seems to be little more than a collection of stars. It’s that team spirit that will lift Leverkusen, the Bundesliga leaders, to a draw in Munich.
| Bundesliga betting odds: Munich -120; Leverkusen +330; Draw +235 |
| WHAT: Bundesliga betting odds |
| WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 9:30 AM ET |
| WHERE: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany |
| KEY STAT: Munich has won nine of their last 10 against Leverkusen |
| PICK: Draw +235, UNDER 3 |
Bundesliga betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Bayern Munich, who has won six of the last 10 Bundesliga titles, find themselves mired in eighth place and a loss would be a huge blow to their championship hopes. Bayer Leverkusen is in first place, and they’ve never won the German title, and they’ve been dominated by Munich in recent years. Still, this is a massive match for Munich, the supposed “giants” of Germany.
Betting Edge: Munich
Bundesliga betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
Leverkusen is second in the Bundesliga in goals scored, and Stefan Kiebling leads the league with eight goals, while Tranquillo Barnetta paces Germany with six assists. Six players have at least two goals, which denotes a balanced squad.
Munich is eighth in the league, and so far, Arjen Robben seems to be the only player scoring on a consistent basis with three goals in three substitute appearances. It’s likely that the flashy winger will find himself in the starting 11 this weekend for such a crucial game. Miroslav Klose had a swine flu scare, and Franck Ribery has been hurt, so Mario Gomez may make a start as well.
Betting Edge: Leverkusen
Bundesliga betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Leverkusen is also atop the league with eight goals allowed, and Rene Adler has been great between the sticks. Former Liverpool star Sami Hyypia has made a huge difference since coming over to Germany in the summer, marshalling a stingy back line.
Munich’s defense is also solid with 10 goals allowed, and Jorg Butt has been very good in goal after taking the No.1 spot from Michael Rensing. Stability at the back is good for the team’s sportsbook odds: defenders Phillip Lahm, Daniel van Buyten and Holger Badstuder have all played in each of Munich’s 12 matches.
Betting Edge: Draw
Bundesliga betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Leverkusen will be without midfielder Renato Augusto (knee), who is back in Brazil receiving treatment. Captain Simon Rolfes (knee) may be ready to come back from his surgery, while defender Michal Kadlec (ankle) has missed two months.
Ribery (knee) is the lone injury worry for Munich, and he is a major attacking threat, but he has been out since the middle of September.
Betting Edge: Munich
Bundesliga betting odds maker breakdown: Totals
Six of the last10 between these two have gone over the posted total, but with the way these defenses are playing right now, it’ll be tough to score for the attacking players. It may be more likely that a defender scores from a set piece.
Pick: UNDER 3
Bundesliga betting betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
There has been some dissention in the Munich ranks due to their slow start, but they’ve won nine of their last 10 against Leverkusen, so this is an easy match, right? Wrong. Leverkusen is playing like a team, and spirit can go a long way on the pitch, while Munich has players fighting with coaches, as well as each other. Leverkusen hasn’t lost on the road, while Munich hasn’t lost at home, and it appears as though the visitors can escape with a draw to stay atop the table.
TODD’S PICK: Draw +235
For more online betting picks and tips pertaining to the Beautiful Game, check out Todd weekly in BetOnline.com’s The Betting Edge.
