Bundesliga, after their success in the opener Borussia Dortmund will try to stay full points by winning the derby with Bochum: predictions.
In the large group of teams that are on full points after the first day, there is also Borussia Dortmund. The yellow-and-whites needed to chase away the ghosts of that missed victory against Mainz that in the last round of the last Bundesliga caused them to lose the title in the photo finish, serving it on a silver platter to rivals Bayern Munich.
A bitter disappointment that can hardly be erased any time soon. The season of Edin Terzic’s men, however, began with a victory: the match against Cologne was decided by a goal by Dutchman Malen two minutes from the end. On the second day for Borussia comes another Ruhr derby, the much more heartfelt one with Bochum. It was a nightmarish start for the Thomas Letsch-coached lineup, literally overwhelmed by Stuttgart, which handed them five goals on their debut without conceding any. The yellow and blue had not impressed even in their first official match in the German Cup, losing on penalties to a lower-ranked opponent Arminia Bielefeld.
For Borussia Dortmund a match on paper within reach, impossible to say otherwise, but in recent derbies Bochum has always thrown its heart over the obstacle and it would not be a surprise if it managed to score at least one goal against Terzic’s team. Possible away success as well for Union Berlin, which got off to a strong start right away. The Capitols, who could enlist Leonardo Bonucci in the coming hours, made their debut with a clear 4-1 win at Mainz and should repeat against newly promoted Darmstadt.
The predictions on the other matches
Postponed, for now, Italian-US coach Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Hoffenheim, defeated 2-1 by Freiburg a week ago in front of their own public. The Sinsheim team made an interesting market but has not yet got into gear and needs as soon as possible to clear the dross from last season, in which it was saved only at the last.
Matarazzo
Hoffenheim, which in the second round will pay a visit to newly promoted Heidenheim, whose Bundesliga adventure began with a narrow defeat at the Wolfsburg ground (2-0). Matarazzo and his men should at least avoid defeat, but watch out for the great enthusiasm that will be in the Voith Arena, where for the first time Heidenheim fans will witness a top league match. Great balance is expected instead between Cologne and Wolfsburg. The Billy Goats, though losing, did not demerit in Dortmund and should be able to counter the green-and-whites, who are expected to face more probing tests after the comfortable victory that came in the opener with Heidenheim: a draw is not to be ruled out. Finally, success within reach for Christian Streich’s Freiburg against Werder Bremen: at home Grifo and his teammates are always very solid and should settle Ole Werner’s men.
Bundesliga: possible winners
- Hoffenheim or draw (in Heidenheim-Hoffenheim).
- Wolfsburg or tie (in Cologne-Wolfsburg)
- Union Berlin (in Darmstadt-Union Berlin)
- Freiburg (in Freiburg-Werder Bremen)
- Borussia Dortmund (in Bochum-Borussia Dortmund)
The games by at least one goal per team
- Bochum-Borussia Dortmund
