Bundesliga Matchweek 18 of the 2025/26 season (January 16–18) continues the demanding winter schedule, where freshness and squad rotation remain crucial. With teams adjusting after the break, match rhythm, pressing intensity, and decision-making in key moments are likely to shape results. Several fixtures could swing on small details, such as set pieces or late substitutions. This game is included in the full set of Bundesliga predictions for the matchweek, placing individual fixtures into a broader league context.
Table of Contents
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Werder Bremen vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Werder Bremen is currently in 13th place with 17 points and is having a tough season with many ups and downs. After playing 16 matches, they have 4 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, with a goal difference of 18:31, which shows serious defensive issues and not enough effectiveness. Their form is inconsistent, with few positive results and frequent losses against stronger opponents.
Offensively, Werder relies on individual solutions and set pieces, but they create very few clear chances, while their defense often breaks under pressure. Stage is the main attacking option, with Njinmah and Mbomula providing support. At home, they have three wins, two draws, and two losses in 7 matches, with a goal difference of 8:12, indicating limited but real competitiveness. Their style of play is reactive, with a deeper setup and attempts at transition.
Eintracht Frankfurt is currently in 7th place with 26 points and is having a better and more stable season. After playing 17 matches, they have 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 35:36, which shows they have strong offensive power but some defensive instability. Their form has been inconsistent, with wins and losses in recent matches, but overall they are performing at a higher level than their opponents.
Offensively, Frankfurt plays quickly and vertically, with many direct attacks, while their defense sometimes leaves space behind the line. Burkardt is the most effective player up front, with Uzun and Doan providing creative support. When playing away, they have 3 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in 9 matches, with a goal difference of 20:24, indicating variable performances. Their style of play is intense, featuring fast transitions and a high tempo.
Werder Bremen will try to be more compact and play for the result, while Eintracht Frankfurt will aim to control the game through tempo and offensive quality. The difference in form and quality slightly favors the visitors.
X2 (Eintracht Frankfurt or Draw)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Dortmund vs St. Pauli
Dortmund is in 2nd place with 36 points and is having a great season in the Bundesliga. After playing 17 matches, they have 10 wins, 6 draws, and only one loss, with a goal difference of 32:15, showing a strong attacking ability and solid defense. Their form is really good, with a series of positive results and a high level of consistency.
Offensively, Dortmund plays dynamically and aggressively, with quick ball movement and constant pressure, while their defense is compact and well-organized. Guirassy is the main attacking threat, with Brandt, Beier, and Adeyemi providing important support. At home, they have 6 wins, 2 draws, and no losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 16:4, highlighting their dominance. Their style of play is offensive, featuring high pressing and control of the tempo.
St. Pauli is currently in 17th place with 12 points and is fighting to stay in the league. After playing 16 matches, they have three wins, three draws, and 10 losses, with a goal difference of 14:28, which shows they have issues both in scoring and in defense. Their form is weak, with few wins and frequent negative results.
Offensively, St. Pauli creates a limited number of chances and often relies on individual efforts, while their defense is frequently under pressure. Hountondji is the most effective player up front, with Sinani and Kaars providing support. When playing away, they have one win, two draws, and six losses in nine matches, with a goal difference of 6:13, highlighting their vulnerability outside their home ground. Their style of play is defensive and reactive.
Dortmund will control the game through possession and high pressing, while St. Pauli will defend deep and look for rare chances on the counterattack. We expect the home team to win and score at least two goals during the match.
1 & T1 2+ (Dortmund to Win & Over1.5)
Predicted CS: 3:0
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FC Koln vs Mainz
FC Kоln is currently in 12th place with 17 points and has had a mixed season with many ups and downs. After playing 17 matches, they have 4 wins, 5 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 25:29, showing limited offensive effectiveness and an unstable defense. Their form is weak, with several losses in recent matches and struggles against stronger opponents.
Offensively, they rely on individual talent and set pieces, but often have trouble creating clear chances, while the defense tends to falter under continuous pressure. El Mala is the main attacking threat, supported by Kaminski, Bulter, and Waldschmidt. At home, they have two wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 15:14, which provides moderate confidence. Their style of play is combative, with high intensity, but lacks consistent control.
Mainz is currently in 16th place with 12 points and is fighting to stay in the league. After 17 matches, they have two wins, six draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 17:29, which shows serious issues in scoring and defensive stability. Their form is unstable, with draws and narrow losses, but they also have some occasional positive results.
Offensively, Mainz creates very few chances and usually relies on counterattacks, while their defense is often under pressure. Amiri is their most creative and dangerous player, with Lee Jae-Sung providing important support from the midfield. Away from home, they have one win, three draws, and four losses in eight matches, with a goal difference of 10:17, highlighting their vulnerability. Their style of play is reactive and focused on results.
Koln will try to take advantage of their home support and set the pace, while Mainz will play cautiously and look for opportunities through counterattacks. Both teams have defensive weaknesses, so we can expect at least one goal from each side.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Hamburger SV vs B. Monchengladbach
Hamburger SV is currently in 14th place with 16 points and is having a tough season with many ups and downs. After playing 16 matches, they have 4 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, with a goal difference of 17:27, indicating issues with defensive stability and not enough effectiveness in crucial moments. Their form is inconsistent, with occasional wins but lacking continuity.
Offensively, HSV relies on direct play and individual talent, but they often struggle with organizing their attacks, while the defense can falter under pressure. Lokonga is the most creative player, with Philippe and Vuskovic being important figures in the team. At home, they have 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 13:9, which gives them a slight advantage. Their style of play is energetic but not well-controlled.
B. Monchengladbach is currently in 10th place with 19 points and is having a somewhat stable season. After playing 17 matches, they have five wins, four draws, and eight losses, with a goal difference of 23:29. This shows they have offensive potential but also some defensive weaknesses. Their form has been inconsistent, with wins and losses in the recent matches.
Offensively, Gladbach plays fast and dynamically, often attacking through the wings, while their defense sometimes leaves space behind the last line. Tabakovic is the main attacking threat, with Diks and Machino providing support. When playing away, they have three wins, one draw, and four losses in eight matches, with a goal difference of 11:12, indicating variable performances. Their style of play is dynamic, focusing on transitions.
Hamburger SV will try to take advantage of their home support and aggressive approach, while the visitors will look for control through quick attacks and quality finishing. The match promises uncertainty and goals.
3+ (Over2.5)
Predicted CS: 1:2
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Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen
Hoffenheim is in 5th place with 30 points and is having a solid season with a good balance between results and performances. After playing 16 matches, they have 9 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 34:21, showing a strong offense and decent defensive stability. Their form is positive, with more wins in the recent rounds and noticeable improvement in their gameplay.
Offensively, Hoffenheim plays fast and direct, with many contributions from the back, while their defense sometimes leaves space but generally operates in an organized manner. Asllani and Kramaric are key creators and scorers, with Lemperle providing important support. At home, they have five wins, three draws, and no losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 20:12, giving them a serious advantage. Their style of play is offensive, with a high tempo and pressure.
Bayer Leverkusen is currently in 6th place with 29 points and has a season with some ups and downs, but also high quality. They have just one point less than their opponent today. After 16 matches, they have 9 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 34:24, showing a strong attack but a vulnerable defense. Their form has been inconsistent, with wins and a few unexpected losses recently.
Offensively, Leverkusen relies on quick transitions, width on the wings, and aggressive pressing, while defensively they often leave space behind the last line. Schick is the main attacking threat, with Grimaldo and Poku as key figures in creating chances. Away from home, they have 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in 7 matches, with a goal difference of 15:14, indicating effective but unstable performances. Their style is dynamic and attacking.
Hoffenheim plays more aggressively and with control at home, while Leverkusen looks for quick attacks and transitions. An open match with chances on both sides and a high tempo is expected.
3+ (Over 2.5)
Predicted CS: 2:2
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Wolfsburg vs Heidenheim
Wolfsburg is currently in 11th place with 18 points and has had a season full of ups and downs, lacking consistency. After playing 17 matches, they have five wins, three draws, and nine losses, with a goal difference of 26:37, indicating serious defensive issues. Their form is unstable, with occasional wins followed by heavy losses, especially against stronger opponents.
Offensively, Wolfsburg can be dangerous with quick attacks and individual talent, but their defense often breaks under pressure and makes positional mistakes. Amoura is the top scorer and a major threat, with Pejcinovic and Wimmer as important offensive options. At home, they have three wins, one draw, and four losses in eight matches, with a goal difference of 11:17, showing they lack stability even at home. Their style of play is direct and physical, but tactically it is not well-balanced.
Heidenheim is currently in 18th place with 12 points and is struggling to stay in the league. After 17 matches, they have three wins, three draws, and 11 losses, with a goal difference of 16:38, which clearly shows their weak defense and limited attacking ability. Their form is poor, with a series of losses and only a few positive results.
Offensively, Heidenheim relies on set pieces and direct play, but they often struggle to create chances from open play. Schimmer is their most consistent scorer, with Pieringer providing support, but they lack width in their attack. Away from home, they have one win, one draw, and six losses in eight matches, with a goal difference of 6:19, making it one of the weakest performances in the league. Their style is mostly defensive, with a low line and attempts at counter-attacks.
Wolfsburg will try to impose their tempo and pressure, while Heidenheim will play more defensively and wait for a chance from set pieces. A match with the home team taking the initiative and creating more chances in front of the guest’s goal is expected.
1 (Wolfsburg to Win)
Predicted CS: 2:1
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RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich
RB Leipzig is currently in 3rd place with 32 points and has a strong home advantage this season. After playing 16 matches, they have achieved 10 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, with a goal difference of 32:19, indicating a well-balanced team with strong scoring and solid defense. Their form has been inconsistent, with a few away losses, but they appear stable and confident at home.
Offensively, Leipzig plays quickly, using high pressing and vertical attacks, while their defense remains compact and disciplined on their home ground. Baumgartner and Openda are key players, with Simons acting as a creative link between the lines. At home, they have 7 wins and 1 draw in 8 matches, boasting a goal difference of 21:6, which is one of the best performances in the league. Their style of play is intense, aggressive, and focused on domination.
Bayern Munich is at the top of the table with 47 points and is having a dominant season with clear control over the championship. After 17 matches played, they have 15 wins, two draws, and no losses, with an impressive goal difference of 66:13, which clearly shows the difference in quality. Their form is excellent, with a series of convincing victories and high efficiency.
Offensively, Bayern is the strongest team in the league, with quick combinations, width on the wings, and constant pressure, while the defense works securely and rarely allows clear chances. Kane is the absolute leader and top scorer, with Olise, Sane, and Gnabry as constant threats from the background. On the road, they have 7 wins and a draw in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 27:6, showing that their dominance is not limited to home games. The style is attacking and controlling.
Leipzig plays aggressively and at a high pace at home, but Bayern has the quality to impose their game even in such conditions. An open match with tempo and goals on both sides is expected.
4+ (Over 3.5)
Predicted CS: 1:3
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Stuttgart vs Union Berlin
Stuttgart is in 4th place with 32 points and has a very stable season, especially at home. After playing 17 matches, they have 10 wins, 2 draws, and 5 losses, with a goal difference of 32:25, showing effective offense and solid balance in their play. Their form is positive, with several consecutive wins and strong performances against direct competitors.
Offensively, Stuttgart plays quickly and organized, with good ball circulation and timely entries into the final third, while their defense is generally compact, although they can leave space under high pressure. Undav is the top scorer and a key figure in the attack, with Demirovic and Leweling providing significant support. At home, they have 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 12:10, confirming their stability. Their style is proactive and offensively oriented.
Union Berlin is currently in 9th place with 23 points and has had a season with mixed performances and results. After playing 17 matches, they have 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 23:26, showing some balance but also a lack of consistency. Their form is unstable, with a mix of wins and losses in the recent matches.
Offensively, Union relies on direct play, set pieces, and physical battles, but they often struggle in positional attacks. Their defense can be strong, but they tend to crack under pressure when playing away. Ansah is the most effective in attack, with Burke and Doekhi being important players on the team. On the road, they have three wins, one draw, and four losses in 8 matches, with a goal difference of 8:13. Their style of play is aggressive and reactive.
Stuttgart will control the game through possession and tempo, while Union Berlin will look for chances from set pieces and transitions. A match is expected where the home team takes the initiative, but at least one goal from both sides is anticipated.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Augsburg vs Freiburg
Augsburg is currently in 15th place with 15 points and is having a tough season with clear issues in consistency. After 17 matches, they have 4 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses, with a goal difference of 18:33, which clearly shows weaknesses in defense and limited offensive production. Their form is negative, with several losses in recent rounds and only a few positive moments.
Offensively, Augsburg relies on direct play and individual solutions, but they struggle to create clear chances, while the defense often breaks under pressure and makes positioning mistakes. Rieder is the most effective player, with Giannoulis and Komur providing support from the background. At home, they have 3 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses in 9 matches, with a goal difference of 10:16, indicating a limited advantage. Their style of play is fighting, but tactically simple.
Freiburg is currently in 8th place with 23 points and is having a solid season with a recognizable style. After playing 17 matches, they have 6 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, with a goal difference of 27:29, showing a balance but also some instability in defense. Their form is inconsistent, with good performances followed by dips, especially when playing away.
Offensively, Freiburg plays in an organized manner, with a patient attack and a strong focus on set pieces, while their defense is compact but can be vulnerable during quick transitions. Grifo is a key player and leader in the attack, with Manzambi and Matanovic providing important support. When playing away, they have two wins, two draws, and five losses in 9 matches, with a goal difference of 11:19. Their style is disciplined and tactically mature.
Augsburg will try to impose a physical game and rhythm, while Freiburg will look for control and chances through organization and set pieces. A tactical match with a low number of goals is expected.
GG (BTTS-Yes)
Predicted CS: 1:1
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Looking back at Bundesliga Matchweek 17 predictions and ahead to Bundesliga Matchweek 19 predictions helps illustrate how teams are progressing through the season.