Dortmund – Hamburg

In Dortmund, the opponents will trade goals.

Eight rounds remain in the Bundesliga season, and Borussia Dortmund finds itself in a curious position. If we think practically, Niko Kovac's team, two months before the season's final calendar match, has secured the runner-up spot. It is unlikely that Bayern Munich, currently leading, in their present form will allow Dortmund to overturn a nine-point gap in the eight remaining rounds. On the other hand, Dortmund has pulled away from Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, who sit in third and fourth, by eight points. They clearly won't manage to win three more games than Dortmund over the eight rounds. Hamburg is in a similar situation, but poses a greater threat than the upcoming opponent. It is clear that the dinosaurs from their current eleventh position will not reach European competition spots. However, the team has not yet ruled out the risk of ending up in the relegation zone. The locals from St. Pauli, who occupy the relegation playoff position for Bundesliga survival, are six points behind Hamburg, while Wolfsburg in the relegation zone is nine points behind. Bookmakers have made the home side the favorites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.40 on their victory. Of course, for Dortmund the closing part of the current season is much more pleasant than last year. At roughly the same stage of the championship, the team then almost lost their chances to fight for a place in the Champions League. However, under Kovac's leadership the team started a winning streak and, after the final round, rose to the desired fourth place. The upcoming period of the championship will be half-friendly for Dortmund, which could bring greater unpredictability to its results. One thing you can count on from the Shmels is an open game. It is unlikely that even in such a league situation the Dortmund squad would park itself in its own penalty area, especially in front of their fans. Hamburg took valuable points from Dortmund in the first leg, drawing 1-1 at the favorite's stadium. If you consider that in the past eight rounds Hamburg has only once left the pitch without scoring, you should bet on both teams to score in Dortmund.