Wolfsburg vs. VfL Bochum (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Ninth-placed Wolfsburg will hope to avoid an upset in their battle for Europe when they host second-last VfL Bochum on Saturday at Volkswagen Arena in the Bundesliga.
The Wolves' 2-1 victory against Stuttgart last Saturday saw them increase their points tally to 30, and now only four points separate them from the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot, whereas Bochum have 14 points and occupy the second of two automatic relegation places.
We say: Wolfsburg 2-1 VfL Bochum
Wolfsburg have at times struggled against sides in the bottom half, and they may encounter difficulties against a confident Bochum team.
However, the visitors' record away from home is a cause for concern, and it is hard to overlook their failings on the road, so the Wolves should be seen as favourites to collect all three points.
> Bundesliga preview: Wolfsburg vs VfL Bochum
Mainz vs. St Pauli (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Europe-chasing Mainz 05 seek to extend their seven-match unbeaten Bundesliga run at Mewa Arena when they host St Pauli in Saturday's gameweek 23 contest.
After being held by Augsburg in their last home fixture, the 05ers returned to winning ways at relegation-threatened Heidenheim and aim to defeat an opponent on a three-match winless run, looking to secure a fourth consecutive top-flight victory against Kiezkicker.
We say: Mainz 05 1-0 St Pauli
Given both sides' defensive records, Saturday's encounter could be low-scoring, as the side with the second-lowest goals conceded as hosts (10) seek a sixth league triumph at Mewa Arena against an opponent with the third-best defensive record away from home (13 conceded).
Nevertheless, the 05ers are backed to edge the encounter and inflict a third straight league defeat on this weekend's opponents and eighth on their travels
> Bundesliga preview: Mainz vs St Pauli
Borussia M'bach vs. Augsburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Champions League-chasing Borussia Monchengladbach will welcome Augsburg to Borussia Park on Saturday in their 23rd Bundesliga game of 2024-25.
Die Fohlen overcame Union Berlin 2-1 on February 15 and are currently in eighth place with 34 points, whereas Augsburg are 12th with 28 points but managed to hold RB Leipzig to a 0-0 stalemate on February 14.
We say: Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0 Augsburg
While Borussia Monchengladbach's defensive record is not the strongest, their opponents have struggled in the final third.
Additionally, the hosts' form at home has been largely excellent, and it would not be surprising if they managed to get the best of Augsburg.
> Bundesliga preview: Borussia M'bach vs Augsburg
Holstein Kiel vs. B. Leverkusen (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Bayer Leverkusen must win in order to keep their slim Bundesliga title hopes alive when they travel to Holstein-Stadion to take on Holstein Kiel on Saturday.
The hosts are last in 18th place with just 13 points and lost 3-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt on February 16, while the champions drew 0-0 with Bayern Munich on the same date and are in second place with 47 points, eight fewer than league-leaders Bayern.
We say: Holstein Kiel 2-5 Bayer Leverkusen
It would be highly unusual if the champions were held to another goalless draw, especially as they have continued to create chances in the final third.
Holstein Kiel have been poor from a defensive perspective, and it would be surprising if they kept Leverkusen at bay.
> Bundesliga preview: Holstein Kiel vs B. Leverkusen
Dortmund vs. Union Berlin (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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Borussia Dortmund will hope to salvage their Bundesliga season when they host Union Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
Dortmund suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat against second last VfL Bochum on February 15 in the league and come into the weekend in 11th place with 29 points, just five points and two places ahead of Union Berlin.
We say: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Union Berlin
Kovac will be desperate to earn his first league win as Dortmund boss and his team could come into the clash confident following their European exploits.
Considering Union have also been poor on the road for some time, it is difficult to see them avoiding defeat at Signal Iduna Park.
