Stuttgart and Hoffenheim are level on points, while Bayer Leverkusen aren’t far behind them. It’s going to be a fascinating finish in Germany.
| Bundesliga race for fourth place | Odds |
|---|---|
| Stuttgart | 1.40 |
| Hoffenheim | 1.66 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 3.75 |
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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Stuttgart
Die Roten’s struggles this season stem from away games. They’ve only managed an average of 1.40 points per game when playing away, and have two games left to play. Most importantly, one of them is against fellow challenger Hoffenheim, in a clash that could prove decisive in this race.
It doesn’t get much easier, either. After that tie, they host Leverkusen in their penultimate game before finishing the season at Eintracht Frankfurt. Of all the sides hoping to secure a top-four finish, Stuttgart have the toughest run. Meanwhile, unlike the others, Sebastian Hoeness and his men will have one eye on the DFB-Pokal final as well.
Stuttgart have had a tough schedule playing on multiple fronts this season. They have likely just run out of steam heading into the final straight.
Hoffenheim
Christian Ilzer’s men have suffered a setback lately, but bounced back with an impressive win over Borussia Dortmund, followed by another against Hamburg. Beating BVB showed that Die Krauchiger can compete with the top teams, and they’ll back themselves in the final stretch. Victory over Stuttgart would put them in a fantastic position, with their final two games coming against mid-table clubs.
Hoffenheim generated 2.40 xG against one of the league’s best defensive teams last time out, creating three big chances. If they can do that again this weekend, then they are likely to come out on top. After Die Schwaben, they play Werder Bremen and Borussia Monchengladbach - with neither team having much to play for.
The men from Sinsheim have the best current form and seem good value to join Bayern, Dortmund, and Leipzig in the top four.
Bayer Leverkusen
Die Werkself don’t have a particularly easy run-in themselves. This weekend’s game against Leipzig could decide their fate if they lose, though a win would be a significant boost. A trip to Stuttgart follows that, and then they host Hamburg, who are in the relegation zone, on the final day.
Leipzig are the second most in-form team in the division, and HSV may need three points to secure their top-flight status. Bayer will definitely have one eye on the clash between their top four rivals on Saturday. Kasper Hjulmand and his side are still in contention, but matters are out of their own hands.
It’ll be a step too far for Leverkusen to claim the fourth Champions League spot, with others in the driving seat.