Bundesliga Matchday 18 preview, free soccer bets and odds

As we reach the second half of the season, the Bundesliga is heating up with nine critical matches across the weekend. Here are our free tips and betting previews for Matchday 18 of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season:

FSV Mainz vs Union Berlin preview

Saturday, January 20 – 6:30am AEDT – MEWA ARENA

Separated by just three points on the edge of the relegation zone, this match is a real six-pointer as Union Berlin head to Mainz. Drawing three of their past four matches, FSV Mainz have been competitive, but their inability to win matches is keeping them down. Union Berlin have just one defeat in their past five Bundesliga matches as they look to turn their season around. They haven’t lost to Mainz in their last five meetings and should be too good again here.

SC Freiburg vs TSG Hoffenheim preview

Sunday, January 21 – 1:30am AEDT – Europa-Park Stadion

After their 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich last weekend, TSG Hoffenheim risk dropping further away from the top four as they head to face the dangerous SC Freiburg. Sitting in seventh, Freiburg have been a particularly strong side at home, as they are unbeaten in their last six. Freiburg is also unbeaten in the last five meetings between the sides and should be too strong this weekend against a Hoffenheim side with just one win since October.

FC Koln vs Borussia Dortmund preview

Sunday, January 21 – 1:30am AEDT – RheinEnergieStadion

After returning to winning ways with a 3-0 defeat over SV Darmstadt last weekend, Dortmund have a great chance to return to the top four this weekend. Facing an FC Koln side that has the fewest goals in the Bundesliga, Dortmund should be far too good. Playing on the road has added value, with the leading betting sites making what should be a safe choice.

VfL Bochum vs VfB Stuttgart preview

Sunday, January 21 – 1:30am AEDT – Vonovia Ruhrstadion

Missing plenty of quality due to international selection, VfB Stuttgart needs a much-improved effort after their 3-1 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend. Facing a Bochum side with plenty to play for in their relegation fight, Stuttgart looks vulnerable. With the match being held in Bochum, the home side looks set for an upset as Stuttgart loses touch with the top four.

FC Heidenheim vs VfL Wolfsburg preview

Sunday, January 21 – 1:30am AEDT – Voith-Arena

By far the best of the promoted sides, FC Heidenheim have been excellent so far this season, climbing up to ninth on the table. Undefeated in their past four matches, they welcome VfL Wolfsburg, who have just one win in their past five matches. Despite coming in as slight underdogs for this match, Heidenheim have the momentum and the home advantage, which favours them here.

SV Darmstadt vs Eintracht Frankfurt preview

Sunday, January 21 – 1:30am AEDT – Merck-Stadion am Bollenfalltor

Securing a critical 1-0 win over third-placed RB Leipzig on the road last weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt has a much easier away trip this weekend as they face SV Darmstadt. The last-placed side in the Bundesliga, Darmstadt, has shown little to cheer about this season as they have conceded ten more goals than any other side. With their top-four hopes still alive, this is a must-win clash for Frankfurt.

RB Leipzig vs Bayer Leverkusen preview

Sunday, January 21 – 4:30am AEDT – Red Bull Arena

Saved by a 94th-minute winner last weekend against FC Augsburg, Bayer Leverkusen are continuing to show their title credentials as they sit four points clear at the top. With the ever-present Bayern Munich waiting for them to drop points, Leverkusen face another tough test with a trip to face fourth-placed Leipzig. It was a five-goal thriller between the sides earlier in the season, and with the winner a hard choice here, backing the overs appears to be the safest bet.

Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen preview

Monday, January 22 – 1:30am AEDT – Allianz Arena

Returning from the winter break in excellent form with a 3-0 win over Hoffenheim last weekend, Bayern Munich continue their title chase against the struggling Werder Bremen. As comfortable favourites, expect Bayern to create plenty of chances, winning by over two goals to keep the pressure on first place.

Borussia Monchengladbach vs FC Augsburg preview

Monday, January 22 – 3:30am AEDT – BORUSSIA-PARK

After an excellent 3-1 win against Stuttgart at home last weekend, Borussia Monchengladbach have kept their European hopes alive. Back in front of home support this weekend, Monchengladbach face the dangerous FC Augsburg. After their 4-4 thriller earlier in the season, we are hoping for another thriller here. However, Monchengladbach are unbeaten in their last ten at home, while Augsburg are scoreless in their last two on the road.

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