Stuttgart vs. St Pauli (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Stuttgart are set to host St Pauli in the Bundesliga at MHP Arena on Saturday in a match that could affect both the race for European football and the relegation battle.
The home side beat Heidenheim 3-1 on December 15 and are sixth in the division's Conference League qualification spot with 23 points after 14 matchweeks, while the visitors are fourth last in 15th place with 11 points and lost 2-1 against Werder Bremen on December 14.
We say: Stuttgart 3-1 St Pauli
St Pauli could have opportunities in the final third given the hosts have struggled to keep clean sheets in recent weeks.
However, Stuttgart's strong home record and resurgence in the Bundesliga should mean they are considered strong favourites to take all three points on Saturday.
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Frankfurt vs. Mainz (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Eintracht Frankfurt will be looking to get their title charge back on track when they welcome Mainz 05 to Deutsche Bank Park on Saturday in their 15th Bundesliga game of the season.
The Eagles are third with 27 points and were beaten 1-0 by RB Leipzig last Sunday, whereas Mainz beat first-placed Bayern Munich 2-1 on December 14 and are seventh with 22 points.
We say: Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 Mainz 05
Eintracht Frankfurt's inconsistencies in recent weeks could continue on the weekend, especially given the strong form of Mainz 05.
However, the hosts' record at home is exceptional, and they have been good in front of goal this campaign, so it would not be surprising if the points were shared on Saturday.
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Hoffenheim vs. Borussia M'bach (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Hoffenheim will hope to distance themselves from the Bundesliga's relegation zone when they welcome Borussia Monchengladbach to PreZero Arena on Saturday.
The hosts are fifth last in 14th place with 14 points following their 1-1 stalemate with Borussia Dortmund to on December 15, while the away side are 11th with 21 points and beat Holstein Kiel 4-1 on December 14.
We say: Hoffenheim 1-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
It is difficult to see how the visitors win on Saturday given their poor record on the road, though they will be full of confidence following their commanding win last time out.
The hosts do not come into the clash in strong form, but considering they have rarely lost at home this term, it would not be surprising if they at least avoided defeat.
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Werder Bremen vs. Union Berlin (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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In the final round of fixtures before the winter break, Werder Bremen, currently five points ahead of Union Berlin in the Bundesliga table, aim for a third consecutive victory when they host the Iron Ones in Saturday's gameweek 15 clash at Weserstadion.
Given their negative record against the capital club — two wins, six defeats — the hosts aim to take advantage of an opponent winless in seven league games to claim a third league triumph in this fixture.
We say: Werder Bremen 2-1 Union Berlin
Despite losing four of their last five Bundesliga away fixtures, only Bayern (3-0) beat Union by more than a goal.
While Bremen are anticipated to secure three points, the outcome might be closer than the form table suggests.
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Holstein Kiel vs. Augsburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Despite their wretched Bundesliga run, Holstein Kiel aim to head into the winter break with positivity when they welcome Augsburg in Saturday's gameweek 15 clash at Holstein-Stadion.
The debutants have struggled in their maiden top-flight campaign, notching five points after 14 games, but hope for some festive cheer against the competition's 13th-placed club.
We say: Holstein Kiel 1-2 Augsburg
Augsburg's away form has been a cause for concern, with their last victory on the road coming nine months ago.
However, Kiel's defensive frailties present a golden opportunity for the Bavarians to rediscover their winning touch and condemn the promoted side to their 12th defeat this term.
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B. Leverkusen vs. Freiburg (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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Champions Bayer Leverkusen have reinvigorated their Bundesliga title charge and will look to continue their strong form when they host Freiburg at BayArena on Saturday.
Die Schwarzroten are second with 29 points and only trail Bayern Munich by four points following their 2-0 victory against Augsburg on December 14, whereas the visitors beat Wolfsburg 3-2 on December 13 and are fifth in the table with 24 points.
We say: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Freiburg
Bayer Leverkusen have looked much more resilient in recent weeks, and with most of their squad available, they should be considered favourites.
Additionally, the hosts boast a phenomenal home record while Freiburg's form on the road has been poor, so it would not be surprising if Saturday's clash was relatively straightforward for Alonso's side.
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Matt Law
