Hertha BSC title chances
Pros : Leading the way currently, Hertha already have an advantage (all be it a small one). Their home form has been excellent, with only one defeat on their own patch and racking up 9 wins so far. The loan signing of Andrey Voronin has given them an extra cutting edge up front.
Cons : Away from home, their form has been patchy. 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats isn't exactly title form and will have to improve to give them a chance of success. Keeping strikers Voronin and Marko Pantelic fit is imperative, as they lack any other real goalscorers.
Hamburg title chances
Pros : Much like Hertha, Hamburg's home form is exemplary. This is the main reason for their strong campaign so far. A strong squad has also been key. Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric have been excellent up front, while Piotr Trochowski has been the main creative threat.
Cons : Too many defeats to inferior opposition has stopped Hamburg from pulling away. Most of their 6 defeats have come to struggling teams that should be beaten comfortably. The loss of Vincent Kompany and Nigel De Jong has weakened the side defensively.
Hoffenheim title chances
Pros : The surprise package of the Bundesliga have caught everyone napping. Their all out attacking style has seen them build up a big goal difference, which could prove important. Strikers Demba Ba, Vedad Ibisevic and Chinedu Obassi have all benefited from each others company and their goals could prove vital. New keeper Timo Hildebrand should help defensively.
Cons : A long term injury to Ibisevic is a blow. Moving into a new stadium half way through the season can't help consistency either. The back four look vulnerable (they've conceded 9 goals to Leverkusen alone) and playmaker Carlos Eduardo is struggling to maintain form, which won't help matters. Could fall away in the coming weeks.
Wolfsburg title chances
Pros : Currently the only team still undefeated at home. Felix Magath's side have taken 9 wins and a draw from their 10 home games. Although they don't win much away, they pick up valuable draws that will go along way in the race. The addition of Italian duo Zaccardo and Barzagli at the back have made them strong defensively, while the emergence of Edin Dzeko has taken the goal scoring burden off Grafite.
Cons : Their good run in the UEFA Cup could come back to haunt them. Having a small squad, fatigue and injuries could threaten their impressive home record. Desperate for a new goalkeeper as Andre Lenz and Diego Benaglio often look vulnerable.
FC Bayern title chances
Pros : Bayern certainly haven't hit top gear yet, but have the players who can make a difference. Frank Ribery is starting to hit form, while Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose look capable in front of goal. Bastien Schweinsteiger can be a match winner on his day, and their away form has been better than most.
Cons : Defensively Bayern have struggled. They concede far too easily, and on occasions, have conceded heavily at home (5 against Werder, 3 against Bochum, etc.). Michael Rensing is finding it difficult to replace Oliver Kahn in goal, while Massimo Oddo and Christian Lell have been unconvincing at the problem right back position. Their Champions League campaign could be a distraction.
One things for sure. The title race will go all the way to the wire.
