Soccer Free Picks

1* Eintracht Frankfurt (9:30 AM ET): While Frankfurt and Hertha Berlin are currently separated by only two points in the Bundesliga table, I think the "true" gap in talent between the two sides is far larger than the standings let on. Remember that Frankfurt finished in the top five last season, some 25 points ahead of Hertha. Starting with this fixture on Saturday, you can look for the two sides to start going in opposite directions.

I believe it's going to be a battle for Hertha to stay in the German top flight next season. They are tied for the second most losses (5) and second worst goal differential (-12) in the Bundesliga. Only bottom of the table Greuther Furth is worse off in both categories. This year's two promoted sides - Furth and Bochum - seem to have a grip on relegation as of right now. But I think Hertha and Augsburg aren't much better and one of them is going to end up in the relegation playoff. 

Through six weeks of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season, Frankfurt had not won a single match. That was pretty shocking in light of LY's finish. But even more shocking is the manner in which their first win came. They shocked table leaders Bayern Munich right before the International Break, coming from behind to win 2-1. It was their first win at Bayern in 21 years. Frankfurt has been the unfortunate "kings of the draw" this season (they have five) so they easily could be higher in the table. They showed what they are capable of their last time out and they should have no problem scoring goals Saturday against the side who has conceded the most times (20) in the Bundesliga this season. 1* Eintracht Frankfurt

Villarreal are coming into this game with no recent trend to the over in their matches. They have gone over 2.5 goals in 2 of their last 4 matches and in 3 of their last 6. When playing at home, that trend is completely different as they have gone over 2.5 goals in their last 4 straight on their home pitch. They have also scored 2 or more goals themselves in those games. They are facing an Osasuna side that have been trending to the over in their recent matches. They have gone over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 and in 4 of their last 6 matches. When playing away from home, they have gone over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 and in 6 of their last 8 matches, not including friendlies. They have also scored 2 or more goals themselves in their last 4 matches away from home. Villarreal is starting to show flashes again of the high powered attacking team that they were last year. Osasuna is also a very tricky team and they will find ways to score if your defense collapses, the side of the ball that Villarreal is weak on. There will be goals in this match between these two to push this one over 2.5 goals.