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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
22 Apr 2026 | Sportsbetting
Bundesliga matchday prediction 2025/26 – Matchday 31
All predictions for Matchday 31 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. From Leipzig vs. Union to Heidenheim vs. St. Pauli. Current form and tips at a glance.
approx. 3 min.
Bundesliga matchday prediction 2025/26 – Matchday 31
Matchday 31 is all about decisive moments, even though one decision has already been made: FC Bayern clinched the German title early last matchday. The top of the table is now settled, but things remain all the more exciting further down. Especially in the race for European spots, everything is still up for grabs. Several teams are locked in a tight race for the Champions League and Europa League spots—every point could make the difference here. The situation at the bottom of the table is even more dramatic. Wolfsburg’s crucial victory has reignited the relegation battle; the gaps are tight, and the tension is mounting. Direct showdowns like Heidenheim vs. St. Pauli or Wolfsburg vs. Gladbach promise to be particularly thrilling.
Merkur quick tips for the 31st matchday of the Bundesliga
Leipzig vs. Union Berlin
The 3-1 win in Frankfurt was a clear statement in the race for the Champions League: well-organized, efficient, and with the necessary individual flair at the decisive moments. The Saxons look particularly dangerous on offense. Union Berlin, on the other hand, is hovering in the middle of the table with its sights set on the bottom. With 32 points and a six-point lead over the relegation spot, the situation isn’t critically dire—but it’s not entirely reassuring either.
Tip: 1
Mainz vs. Bayern
Mainz has recently proven to be a tough opponent, thanks in particular to their fighting spirit and ability to mount late comebacks—the 1-1 draw in Gladbach is the best example of this. Bayern, on the other hand, arrives as the newly crowned champions. The Munich side impressively demonstrated against Stuttgart just how quickly they can turn a game around. However, a slight dip in intensity following their title win cannot be ruled out.
Tip: 2 + over 3.5 goals
Wolfsburg vs. Gladbach
Wolfsburg may have finally celebrated a victory again with their 2-1 win in Berlin, but their performance was anything but convincing. The Lower Saxony side owes the three points primarily to their goalkeeper, Grabara. Gladbach, on the other hand, carelessly squandered a chance to break free from their slump. Against Mainz, they were on course for victory for much of the match before a late blunder ruined everything.
Tip: Draw
Augsburg vs. Frankfurt
Augsburg is coming in with confidence. Their late win in Leverkusen was a bit of a fluke, but it’s exactly the kind of result that builds confidence. Goalkeeper Dahmen, in particular, was outstanding, and up front, Rieder showed that FCA can strike with clinical precision. Frankfurt, on the other hand, has looked surprisingly passive of late. In the 1-3 loss to Leipzig, they lacked both defensive intensity and offensive punch. Their body language after falling behind, in particular, left much to be desired.
Tip: Draw
Heidenheim vs. St. Pauli
Heidenheim suffered another setback recently, but put in a decent performance at times against Freiburg. The problem remains their offense: a lot of effort, little reward—especially in the final third, where they lack precision. St. Pauli, on the other hand, was the more active team against Cologne but failed to hold on for the win. What made it particularly bitter was that a late penalty cost them crucial points.
Tip: Draw
Köln vs. Leverkusen
Cologne did manage to pick up a point against St. Pauli in their last match, but their performance wasn’t particularly convincing, and the potential loss of Ache is a major blow. On the positive side: morale is high, and the team is staying in the game. Leverkusen, on the other hand, beat themselves against Augsburg. They were dominant and created plenty of chances—but failed to capitalize. The loss was bitter indeed and highlights a current problem: they control the game brilliantly but lack efficiency in front of the goal.
Tip: 2
HSV vs. Hoffenheim
Disappointment has returned to HSV following the North Derby. The 1-3 loss in Bremen once again exposed defensive problems—compounded by a heated final stretch featuring red cards that have caused unrest. Hoffenheim, on the other hand, arrives with momentum. The late victory over Dortmund shows just how dangerous TSG can be—especially with Kramaric as a clinical finisher.
Tip: 2 + under 3.5 goals
Stuttgart vs. Bremen
VfB Stuttgart held their own for 30 minutes in Munich, but were then overwhelmed by the champions. What made it particularly bitter was that the game completely fell apart within a matter of minutes.
The mood in Bremen was quite different: The 3-1 victory in the northern derby against HSV was a real breakthrough. Werder played efficiently and with fighting spirit, capitalizing on their chances consistently, led by Stage, who scored twice.
Tip: 1 + over 3.5 goals
BVB vs. Freiburg
At Borussia Dortmund, some of the pressure has eased, as second place is all but assured. As a result, the focus has already shifted noticeably to next season. SC Freiburg, on the other hand, continues to rack up points consistently, plays efficiently, and appears extremely solid. Even in close games, the Freiburg players keep their cool—a clear advantage in the final stretch of the season.
Tip: Draw
Merkur Bundesliga matchday predictions: The highlights of matchday 31
When 17th-place Wolfsburg faces 13th-place Gladbach, the stakes are clear: it’s a matter of survival. Wolfsburg finally showed signs of life with its win at Union, while Gladbach missed a chance to break free from the relegation battle after suffering a late blow against Mainz. The standings make it clear: both teams are right in the thick of the relegation fight, and every point could be decisive.
Wolfsburg’s win in Berlin looks better on paper than it actually was. A shot-on-goal ratio of 5 to 25 speaks volumes; without an outstanding performance from Grabara, those three points would hardly have been possible. Still, a sense of achievement can unleash tremendous energy, especially in the relegation battle. With 24 points now, they’re back in the mix, and hope is alive.
Gladbach, on the other hand, put in a solid performance for long stretches against Mainz, led 1-0 for much of the match, and had the game under control. But as has so often been the case this season, consistency is lacking—an individual mistake in stoppage time cost them two points. With 31 points, the Foals are above the relegation zone, but their position is far from secure.
Prediction: A classic nail-biter. Wolfsburg will come out with a lot of energy, while Gladbach will try to hold their ground. It’s a closely contested match where anything can happen
It doesn’t get much lower than this. Heidenheim (18th) hosts St. Pauli (16th)—a matchup that will have a huge impact on the relegation battle as the season winds down. The situation is clear: Heidenheim desperately needs points, while St. Pauli wants to climb out of the relegation zone as quickly as possible.
FCH recently showed a glimmer of life, going three games unbeaten, but suffered another setback against Freiburg. The problem remains clear: plenty of effort and fight, but a lack of precision and creativity in the final third. Even during decent stretches of play, there are too few clear-cut chances. Still, Heidenheim will give it their all at home. Especially in these “do-or-die” games, the crowd can be a real factor.
The Kiezkickers are also deep in the relegation battle, but at least put in a spirited performance in their recent 1-1 draw against Cologne. One thing stands out: St. Pauli often looks solid and organized, but has major trouble sealing games early on. Many matches remain close, which can quickly become dangerous at the bottom of the table.
Prediction: Heidenheim will put up a fight, while St. Pauli will look a bit more organized. In the end, the visitors’ greater stability could pay off—but it’s a true 50-50 game.
Despite the loss to Bayern, VfB Stuttgart remains firmly in the race for a Champions League spot. The first half-hour in Munich, in particular, demonstrated the team’s potential—dominant, courageous, and skilled. But it also became equally clear that even small mistakes are immediately punished at the top level.
Werder Bremen, on the other hand, is coming into the match on a high. Their 3-1 victory in the northern derby against HSV was not only emotionally significant but also a real statement in the battle against relegation. Stage, in particular, was in top form, and Werder finally showed some efficiency in front of goal again.
The match is likely to follow a predictable pattern: Stuttgart will dominate possession, while Bremen will lie in wait for mistakes. The key will be how effectively VfB Stuttgart capitalizes on its dominance and whether Werder Bremen can capitalize on its few chances.
Prediction: Stuttgart has the stronger individual players and is the clear favorite at home. Bremen has momentum on its side, but its defense will be too vulnerable to hold out for 90 minutes.
