Round six picks

If Bundesliga score predictions were the Eurovision Song Contest then the DW soccer pundits were Norway last weekend, scoring nul points with our self-penned flop "Week Four." After matchday five's midweek games, we've been upgraded to Bulgaria standard after a plucky but paltry performance which - truth be told - couldn't have been any worse than our previous display.

However, not ones to dwell on the past, we once again don our silk shirts, gold medallions and inappropriately tight trousers to present another rendition of Bundesliga predictions for your entertainment in "Week Six."

Friday, September 24

Cologne – Hoffenheim

Cologne are getting an early reputation as spoilers this season after holding Bayern Munich to a draw and stymieing Mainz until late on in the last couple of games. Mainly due to outstanding performances from goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon, Cologne are proving obstinate opponents and Hoffenheim will have to find the form that beat Werder Bremen 4-1 on the opening day to get a result. That said, Cologne are having a hard time scoring, so if Hoffenheim can get on the board, they should win.

Prediction: Hoffenheim 1-0

Saturday, September 25

Bayern Munich – Mainz

The reigning champions face the league leaders in an intriguing game. Will Bayern's last-gasp victory over Hoffenheim in midweek kick-start their season? Do upstarts Mainz have the juice to topple the ultimate symbol of the Bundesliga establishment? After collecting eight points from five matches thus far, Bayern have yet to show much of their traditional dominance, while Mainz’ confidence has swelled. Home advantage will help Bayern but if Mainz keeps their fearlessness attitude, a draw is on the cards.

Prediction: 1-1

Frankfurt – Nuremberg

Frankfurt already look in trouble, placed second from bottom with four defeats in five, but most of their defeats have been close and their one victory was a rout. What seems clear thus far is that they have trouble scoring consistently and are prone to lapses in concentration. Nuremberg are scoring even less (just five goals so far), but have a very tight defense (they’ve given up just five as well). This one has stalemate written all over it.

Prediction: 0-0

Schalke – Moenchengladbach

Schalke finally got points on the board in midweek thanks to a late winner from Klaas Jan Huntelaar against Freiburg. It was still a shaky performance from Felix Magath's side and while it was a welcome boost, things look to be far from sorted in Gelsenkirchen. Moenchengladbach, however, look even worse. They’ve let in a staggering 17 goals thus far, and may have had their spirits broken after they surrendered a lead at home to lose to St. Pauli on Wednesday. Schalke will have a slight advantage in form, but don't expect a classic.

Prediction: Schalke 2-1

St Pauli – Dortmund

Dortmund are rampant at the moment and are scoring goals for fun. Their style and scorelines are testament to a team with confidence at full tilt. New signing Shinji Kagawa is proving to be a revelation while Lucas Barrios has picked up where he left off last season. St. Pauli have been a pleasant surprise so far with some solid performances but with BVB currently on fire, it should be a busy day for the Pauli defense.

Prediction: Dortmund 3-1

Stuttgart – Leverkusen

Sloppiness cost Stuttgart points at Nuremberg in midweek and Saturday's clash with Leverkusen will show how hard that defeat has brought them back to earth after their 7-0 demolition of Moenchengladbach last weekend. That score, as well as the performance which delivered it, may prove to be an anomaly in a season which could turn into a slog. Leverkusen has yet to catch fire this season though, and Stuttgart may be able to nullify what little threat they do have.

Prediction: Stuttgart 1-0

Bremen – Hamburg

An attractive North German derby with the potential to go goal crazy, this match is hard to call. Hamburg started the season strong, with Ruud van Nistlerooy playing like a man possessed, but have fallen off in recent weeks. Bremen, meanwhile, are capable of the sublime or the ridiculous in any given match - either hammering teams or getting trounced. After getting spanked 4-1 by Hannover in midweek, it may be time for another upswing. But Hamburg have a defeat to Wolfsburg to get over too. Home advantage could be key.

Prediction: Bremen 3-2

Sunday, September 26

Wolfsburg – Freiburg

The Wolves now know how to win again and Edin Dzeko has remembered how to score but the main reason for Wolfsburg's sudden return to form is Diego. The little Brazilian has rediscovered his Bundesliga boots after a season in the stingier Italian league and is the class act Steve McClaren's team needs to compliment Dzeko. Freiburg, who have had a good run so far, gave Schalke a scare in the week but I expect Wolfsburg to go further down the road to recovery. Home win.

Prediction: Wolfsburg 2-0

Kaiserslautern- Hannover

Kaiserslautern were reminded what an unforgiving place the Bundesliga could be in midweek, shipping five goals to Dortmund. But they beat Bayern 2-0 and have held their own in other tough games before Wednesday's drubbing. Hannover have had a fine start to the season, only losing one game so far, and took Bremen apart on Tuesday night. Kaiserslautern are no pushovers but Hannover may have the impetus with them in this one.

Prediction: Hannover 2-1

Last week's result: 4 points

Mainz – Cologne 2-0

(DW Prediction 0-0)

Hannover – Bremen 4-1

(DW Prediction 2-4)

Hoffenheim – Bayern 1-2

(DW Prediction 1-2)

Leverkusen – Frankfurt 2-1

(DW Prediction 1-1)

Dortmund – Kaiserslautern 5-0

(DW Prediction 2-1)

Hamburg – Wolfsburg 1-3

(DW Prediction 2-1)

Moenchengladbach – St. Pauli 1-2

(DW Prediction 2-0)

Freiburg – Schalke 1-2

(DW Prediction 1-1)

Nuremberg – Stuttgart 2-1

(DW Prediction 1-2)

Total for the season: 19

Three points for a correct score prediction
Two points for a correct margin prediction
One point for a correct winner prediction

Author: Nick Amies
Editor: Matt Hermann