- Bayern Munich three points clear at the top of the standings
- RB Leipzig boast the best defensive record in the division
- Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt could serve up game of the weekend

The Bundesliga signs off for the final international break of 2024 in style this weekend, with the likes of Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund all facing potential banana-skin matches away from home.

Union Berlin vs Freiburg (Friday, 7.30pm)

Two things are usually guaranteed from Union Berlin this season, they do not lose at home and their matches tend to be low scoring, a pattern that can continue when Freiburg visit Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Union have taken 10 points from a possible 12 on home soil and only the top two, Bayern and RB Leipzig, have conceded fewer goals in this season's Bundesliga. The Iron Ones can edge this but do not expect a classic.

Score prediction: 1-0

Bochum vs Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Bottom-of-the-table Bochum have one point from nine matches, have lost five on the bounce and have conceded 12 goals in their last two games alone. What they do not need now is to be hosting a wounded animal in reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen have won just once in five games and shipped four against Liverpool in the Champions League during the week. Xabi Alonso's side should bounce back in this one and could do so in style.

Score prediction: 1-4

Mainz vs Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Mainz can add to Dortmund's away woes on Saturday by claiming a victory and, in doing so, condemn BVB to a sixth successive away defeat across all competitions.

Last season's corresponding fixture finished 3-0 in favour of Mainz and, although Dortmund can score this time around, another chastening defeat could be on the cards for Nuri Sahin and co.

Score prediction: 3-1

St. Pauli vs Bayern Munich (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Bayern Munich lead the way in the Bundesliga and have averaged over four goals-per-game away from home this season, although that eye-watering tally may take a hit against an improving St. Pauli, who head into the weekend sitting 15th, but have the joint fourth-best defensive record in the division.

Vincent Kompany's visitors may have to work hard for this latest victory, but a fifth successive clean sheet across all competitions is also on the cards.

Score prediction: 0-2

Werder Bremen vs Holstein Kiel (Saturday, 2.30pm)

Fresh from their first ever victory in the Bundesliga, Holstein Kiel could add to Werder Bremen's home woes by claiming a point at the Weserstadion.

Kiel's historic moment came as they saw off Hoffenheim 1-0 on home turf last week and they can frustrate a Bremen side who may be sitting in mid-table, but who have been picked up 10 of their 12 points on the road.

Score prediction: 1-1

RB Leipzig vs Borussia Monchengladbach (Saturday, 5.30pm)

It has been a difficult week for RB Leipzig, who lost at Dortmund for the first time in the Bundesliga last weekend before suffering a fourth successive defeat in the Champions League at Celtic.

However, Marco Rose's side have the best defensive record in the German top-flight and are unbeaten at home, two records they can protect against a Borussia Monchengladbach team they beat home and away without conceding last season.

Score prediction: 2-0

Augsburg vs Hoffenheim (Sunday, 2.30pm)

Augsburg are enjoying home comforts this season, picking up 10 of their 11 points at the WWK Arena and they can add to struggling Hoffenheim's woes in Sunday's early kick-off.

While their hosts have had a full week to prepare for this game, Hoffenheim were in continental action during the week and Thursday's Europa League draw with Lyon may have taken a lot out of Pellegrino Matarazzo's side.

Score prediction: 2-1

Stuttgart vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Sunday, 4.30pm)

This could be the game of the weekend in the Bundesliga, with Stuttgart unbeaten in 16 league matches at the MHPArena – a run that stretches back over a year – while Eintracht Frankfurt have won four of their last five across all competitions and thrashed Bochum 7-2 last weekend.

With both sides in form and amongst the goals of late, this could be an entertaining contest, but on home turf Stuttgart may just have the edge.

Score prediction: 3-2

Heidenheim vs Wolfsburg (Sunday, 6.30pm)

Heidenheim are in poor form domestically, although they did get a morale-boosting win away to Hearts in the Conference League during the week and they may be able to avoid defeat against another struggling side in Wolfsburg.

Wolfsburg have won just two of nine league games this season, but both those victories have come on the road. Last season's corresponding fixture ended all-square and a repeat outcome feels likely.

Score prediction: 1-1