Bundesliga, Germany’s top league: predictions on the five matches scheduled at 15:30
After the minor leagues and the German Cup, the Bundesliga also starts again. This weekend sees the start of the German top league again, and the question, for ten years now, is always the same. Will this be the year to break the hegemony of Bayern Munich, which has ruled far and wide for the last two decades? Teams like Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen will try again, but as usual, the Bavarians seem to have something more. The hope is to see a balanced and exciting tournament at least from second place down, as in the past season.
Meanwhile, the first day’s programme features several interesting matches. In the five matches to be played simultaneously at 15:30, the Berlin derby, Union versus Hertha, stands out. In recent years the hierarchies in this derby have been reversed, with the former fighting for Europe and the latter for salvation. Hertha, coached by Sandro Schwarz, is looking for redemption after coming close to relegation in the play-offs, but has never won in the last three meetings against Union. This time they seem to be in the right condition to snatch a draw in a match with at least one goal each.
Predictions for the other matches
Borussia Monchengladbach, coming off an anonymous and extremely disappointing season, should also avoid defeat. The Fohlen, who are trying to turn over a new leaf, have changed a lot and are aiming to return to Europe, as is Hoffenheim, their opponent on their debut: at Borussia Park, an entertaining challenge with more than two goals in total is looming. The same goes for Bochum-Mainz, with Bo Svensson’s men – the main surprise of the last championship – awaiting a complicated away match, especially after the many excellent disposals. Also in search of confirmation is Freiburg, who thanks to an excellent sixth place will participate in the Europa League this year. Victory on the Augsburg pitch seems within reach for Grifo and his companions. Last but not least, Wolfsburg, who will play against the newly promoted Werder Bremen in front of their home crowd, are also favourites.
Bundesliga: possible winners
Borussia Monchengladbach or draw (in Borussia Monchengladbach-Hoffenheim)
Union Berlin or draw (in Union Berlin-Hertha Berlin)
Freiburg (in Augsburg-Freiburg)
Wolfsburg (in Wolfsburg-Werder Bremen)
The matches with at least one goal per team
Union Berlin-Hertha Berlin
Bochum-Mainz
Bundesliga: matches with at least three goals in total
Borussia Monchengladbach-Hoffenheim
Bochum-Mainz
Wolfsburg-Werder Bremen