Stuttgart vs. Freiburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)
![Freiburg coach Julian Schuster ahead of the first matchday of the new 2024 2025 Bundesliga season against VfB Stuttgart, on August 22, 2024 [on August 22, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/julian-schuster.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Freiburg coach Julian Schuster ahead of the first matchday of the new 2024 2025 Bundesliga season against VfB Stuttgart, on August 22, 2024 [on August 22, 2024]")
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In a clash that could affect the race for Champions League football, Stuttgart will host Freiburg at MHPArena in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
The home team are one spot from the Champions League qualification places in fifth and have 29 points following their 2-1 win against fourth-placed RB Leipzig on Tuesday, while their opponents were beaten 4-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday and are in eighth place with 27 points.
We say: Stuttgart 3-1 Freiburg
Stuttgart's outstanding form in recent weeks should mean they come into Saturday's clash as clear favourites.
Though Freiburg will believe that they can threaten Stuttgart given the hosts have been somewhat porous defensively, the visitors have proven vulnerable at the back themselves, and their frailty could ultimately prove costly.
> Bundesliga Preview: Stuttgart vs Freiburg
Bayern vs. Wolfsburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Vincent Kompany's league-leaders Bayern Munich are set to host Champions League hopefuls Wolfsburg at Allianz Arena on Saturday in the Bundesliga.
Bayern have 42 points and maintained their four-point advantage on second-placed Bayer Leverkusen when the beat Hoffenheim 5-0 on Wednesday, while their opponents are seventh with 27 points after 17 matchweeks and defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 5-1 on Tuesday.
We say: Bayern Munich 2-2 Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg will surrender possession and look to make the most of counter-attacks, and they could have some success considering the hosts will be without Palhinha in midfield.
However, it is difficult to see how the Wolves can keep Bayern at bay, and the Bavarians are likely to have numerous opportunities in the final third.
> Bundesliga Preview: Bayern vs Wolfsburg
Heidenheim vs. St Pauli (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Two relegation-threatened teams, Heidenheim and St Pauli, will clash in a gameweek 18 Bundesliga fixture at the Voith-Arena on Saturday.
Both sides, currently tied on 14 points and above the drop zone on goal difference, will head into the encounter looking to increase the distance between them and the relegation zone.
We say: Heidenheim 2-2 St Pauli
Both sides have secured four wins in the Bundesliga this season, but the home team holds an advantage with a win and a draw in 2025.
The visitors, aiming to break their winless streak this year, will rely on their away form to secure a positive outcome, potentially leading to a 2-2 draw.
> Bundesliga Preview: Heidenheim vs St Pauli
VfL Bochum vs. RB Leipzig (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Under-fire RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose must hope that his side can beat last-placed VfL Bochum when they travel to Vonovia Ruhrstadion on Saturday in the Bundesliga.
The hosts are in 18th place with just nine points after 17 games but did beat St Pauli 1-0 on Wednesday, while Leipzig were beaten 2-1 by Stuttgart on the same day and are in fourth place with 30 points.
We say: VfL Bochum 1-0 RB Leipzig
Leipzig's offensive capabilities will likely be severely impacted by the red cards last time out, and they could struggle to create chances in the final third on Saturday.
Considering the hosts will be full of confidence after their recent victories, it would not be surprising if they managed to earn another three points.
> Bundesliga Preview: VfL Bochum vs RB Leipzig
Holstein Kiel vs. Hoffenheim (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Fighting for precious points as the race to beat the drop intensifies, Holstein Kiel will host fellow strugglers Hoffenheim in gameweek 18 of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season at the Holstein-Stadion.
Both sides, currently mired in the relegation scrap, will go into Saturday's fixture fighting to secure much-needed points in their respective bids to preserve their top-flight status.
We say: Holstein Kiel 1-2 Hoffenheim
While Hoffenheim are yet to record a win on the road this season, their stellar record against newly-promoted teams in their travels – as well as the leaky defence of the hosts at home – stands them in good stead to claim their first victory away from home this term.
Therefore, we reckon the visitors will register a 2-1 victory – their first away win of the season at the Holstein-Stadion.
> Bundesliga Preview: Holstein Kiel vs Hoffenheim
B. Leverkusen vs. Borussia M'bach (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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Xabi Alonso's seemingly unstoppable Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Borussia Monchengladbach to BayArena on Saturday in their 18th Bundesliga game of the season.
The champions are in second place with 38 points – just four fewer than Bayern Munich – and beat Mainz 05 1-0 on Tuesday, whereas the away team are 11th with 24 points and were beaten 5-1 by Wolfsburg on January 14.
We say: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Borussia Monchengladbach
Even though Leverkusen could be forced to field a weakened back three, it is difficult to see Borussia Monchengladbach taking advantage of any weaknesses given their poor offensive displays so far this season.
Additionally, Leverkusen's exceptional performances in the past months should give fans optimism that they can win yet again, and their strong home record suggests that the visitors are unlikely to leave with any points.
> Bundesliga Preview: B. Leverkusen vs Borussia M'bach
Ben Knapton
