All predictions for the 9th Bundesliga matchday 2025/26. From Bayern vs. Leverkusen to Cologne vs. HSV. Current form, stats and betting insights at a glance.
Matchday 9 of the Bundesliga promises thrilling encounters and drama at both ends of the table. League leaders Bayern Munich want to extend their flawless record as they face an in-form Bayer Leverkusen, who arrive with four straight wins but are still reeling from their heavy 2–7 defeat to PSG. Just behind them, the clash between Bayern’s pursuers awaits: RB Leipzig host VfB Stuttgart. Both teams have started the season brilliantly and will be eager to stay within touching distance of the summit.
At the bottom end, Mainz 05 are under pressure against Werder Bremen, while Union Berlin will be seeking redemption against SC Freiburg. The matchday will be rounded off by a fiery duel between the promoted sides: 1. FC Cologne take on Hamburger SV — a traditional encounter rich in history and emotion.
Augsburg suffered a 0–6 humiliation at Leipzig, exposing serious defensive frailties. The Wagner side’s line was far too high and too easily countered. Dortmund, meanwhile, clinched a late but deserved 1–0 victory over Cologne. The BVB showed clear dominance in the second half, long thwarted by goalkeeper Schwäbe before substitute Beier scored in stoppage time. Augsburg are likely to struggle containing the attacking power of the Black and Yellows.
Tip: Away win (2) + over 3.5 goals
Mainz showed a decent performance in their 1–2 defeat at Stuttgart but were again left empty-handed. Bremen gained confidence with their 1–0 win over Union. Once again, Marco Grüll was the match-winner with a stunning strike, securing the second consecutive home victory. Now they’ll aim to break their away drought. Expect a tight game with a slight edge for the more in-form Bremen side.
Tip: Away win (2)
Leipzig’s 6–0 was a statement — six different scorers, lightning transitions and ruthless efficiency. The Werner team showed why they are among the league’s strongest attacking forces.
Stuttgart also travel with confidence after turning the game around late in a 2–1 win over Mainz. Führich and Undav scored, and even keeper Nübel assisted the winner. Both teams are in top form — Leipzig just appear a touch more clinical.
Tip: Home win (1) + over 3.5 goals
Union Berlin must make amends after their 0–1 loss at Bremen. They lacked creativity up front and compactness at the back. Freiburg, meanwhile, suffered their third defeat of the season with a 0–2 loss at Leverkusen. After eight unbeaten competitive matches, Schuster’s team looked uncharacteristically passive and lost Lienhart to a second yellow. Still, Freiburg remain a stable side. In a close encounter, the result may hinge on form on the day.
Tip: Away win (2) + under 3.5 goals
St. Pauli remain in crisis. Following their 0–2 loss at Frankfurt, the Kiez-Kickers have now suffered five straight defeats. A goalkeeping error by Vasilj set them back early. Gladbach’s situation is similarly tense. Their 0–3 defeat to Bayern was their fifth of the season, compounded by Castrop’s red card. Expect a hard-fought clash on Saturday.
Tip: Draw
Heidenheim again failed to pick up away points in their 1–3 loss at Hoffenheim, showing too much passivity in the first half. Frankfurt celebrated their first win in over a month with a 2–0 against St. Pauli. Double scorer Burkardt was the match-winner, showing increasing form. Toppmöller’s side looked more stable defensively, conceding few chances. Frankfurt should have the edge thanks to superior individual quality.
Tip: Away win (2)
Bayern continue to surge: after their 3–0 win over Gladbach, Kompany’s side remain flawless. Kimmich and Guerreiro scored, with youngster Karl sealing the victory. The Munich giants look nearly untouchable this season.
Leverkusen’s 2–0 win was the perfect response to their 2–7 drubbing by Paris. Coach Kasper Hjulmand quickly steadied the team. Still, Bayern are likely to continue their run with another dominant performance.
Tip: Home win (1) + over 3.5 goals
Cologne fought bravely in their 0–1 defeat at Dortmund but were not rewarded for a solid defensive display. Goalkeeper Schwäbe kept them in the game with several strong saves, while El Mala and co. squandered golden chances. HSV missed numerous opportunities in their 0–1 loss to Wolfsburg — particularly bitter were Königsdörffer’s missed penalty and Muheim’s shots off the woodwork. Polzin’s team play attractively but remain too wasteful, which could again cost them.
Tip: Home win (1)
Wolfsburg celebrated a long-awaited relief with their 1–0 win at Hamburg. After six winless games, an early Daghim strike brought their second victory of the season. Keeper Grabara shone with several key saves. Hoffenheim impressed in their 3–1 win with dominance and efficiency — Kramaric starred with a goal and assist, Lemperle scored too. Wolfsburg want to build on their momentum, but Hoffenheim also arrive in form.
Tip: Draw
Top clash in the East: RB Leipzig (19 pts) host third-placed VfB Stuttgart (18 pts) – a true summit meeting between the two form teams behind FC Bayern. Both play at high tempo with aggressive pressing. The 6–0 at Augsburg was a statement: six different scorers, sheer joy and offensive power across the pitch. The attacking line of Baumgartner, Romulo, Nusa and Diomande seems unstoppable. Leipzig are unbeaten in eight league games and remain flawless at home.
Stuttgart also travel with confidence — the 2–1 win at Mainz was their fifth straight victory. Führich and the recovered Undav remain key attacking figures. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß has shaped a side full of courage and quality. In the last four direct meetings, Stuttgart have always come out on top – a real bogey team for the Saxons.
Forecast: Two teams in top form, but Leipzig at home are a class apart. Stuttgart will compete, but the hosts’ individual quality should prevail.
Top match at the Allianz Arena: Bayern host Leverkusen, with both sides entering under different circumstances. Bayern sit comfortably on top after eight straight wins, while Leverkusen, despite four league victories in a row, are mentally tested following their 2–7 thrashing by PSG. Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern show dominance, patience and class. The 3–0 at Gladbach showcased control and precision — Kimmich and Guerreiro scored, with youngster Karl adding a brilliant finish. Superstar Harry Kane remains the centrepiece with 12 goals already. Leverkusen, meanwhile, responded well domestically with a 2–0 over Freiburg but still look fragile defensively, especially on set pieces.
Forecast: Leverkusen’s technical quality is unquestionable, but Munich are currently in a league of their own. Bayern control proceedings, take their chances ruthlessly and extend their perfect run.
The duel of the promoted clubs: 1. FC Cologne host Hamburger SV — a fixture that stirs footballing passion. Both newcomers have impressed with brave, attacking football. Cologne’s 0–1 at Dortmund was harsh; they performed strongly but were punished late. With 11 points from eight games, Kwasniok’s side are doing well. Compact defensively, occasionally lacking only in finishing — as seen in Dortmund. Youngster El Mala continues to be a livewire in attack.
HSV, on the other hand, must find their footing again after two defeats. The 0–1 vs. Wolfsburg saw them miss countless chances, including a penalty. Coach Merlin Polzin demands more clinical finishing, especially from Königsdörffer, Dompé and Philippe.
Historically, HSV have the upper hand with four wins in their last five meetings, one draw — but the Bundesliga stage resets everything.
Forecast: History favours HSV, but Cologne seem slightly more mature and compact right now. Momentum is clearly with the hosts.
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