Bundesliga 2015-16: Week 1 Preview

Werder Bremen vs Schalke 04

Saturday 15th August 2015 – 2:30 KO – Weserstadion

Four-time Bundesliga winners Werder Bremen have a home visit from Schalke 04 in their first match of the season, and “Die Gruen-Weissen” will hope to begin winding back the glory days, in the search for a successful season, after the disappointment of the previous campaign where they finished 11th. Schalke on the other hand had won of their worst seasons in recent history, finishing 6th, and after the departure of manager Roberto Di Matteo, “Die Koennigsblauen” will hope to rediscover the kind of form, and consistency, which made them regulars in the Champions League for years.

With lots of uncertainty surrounding the future of Julian Draxler, Schalke will hope that a good start to the season will be what it takes to convince him to stay for yet another season. May not be for long though, and I expect to see Draxler move to a bigger European club in the next few years. A win on Saturday however would certainly not go amiss for either side.

My Prediction: 1 – 1

Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Monchengladbach

Saturday 15th August – 5:30 KO – Signal Iduna Park

Last season was an out-of-body experience for Dortmund: their performances especially in the first half of the season was near-relegation standard, and despite a supposed renaissance later on in the season, Dortmund failed to get into the European places finishing 7th. With Juergen Klopp taking a break from football, new Dortmund manager  Thomas Tuchel has been left to take up the reigns, and Saturday will see him make his Bundesliga debut as manager of Dortmund.

Despite having the same name as them, Monchengladbach were an entirely different team last year, as they rose to an incredible third placed finish in the Bundesliga. This match will see two Champions League candidates go head to head, and both sides will be eager to draw some early blood on the rivals for the top four finish. It should be an enticing start to the season for both sides!

My Prediction: 2 – 2

Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Sunday 16th August – 2:30 KO- Volkswagen Arena

Last season was a memorable one for Wolfsburg: a terrific second placed finish which saw them push eventual winners Bayern Munich all the way. Along the way they played some fantastic, exciting football, and with some world-class players at their disposal, Wolfsburg will aim to go one step further this season.

Where Kevin De Bruyne will be next year is uncertain, but for now he is a Wolfsburg player and after beating Bayern on penalties in the Super Cup, his team are well-prepared for the upcoming season. Standing in the way in week 1 are Eintracht Frankfurt, who, despite finishing 9th last season, have the ability to beat the very best teams.

My Prediction: 2 – 1

Stuttgart vs Cologne

Sunday 16th August – 4:30 KO- Mercedes-Benz Arena

Stuttgart last won the Bundesliga in the 2006/7 season, and despite being one of Germany’s most prestigious clubs, “Die Roten” have had a slow decline in recent years, surviving by the skin of their teeth last year, where they came out 14th. Cologne on the other hand did not fair much better, however, as they finished 12th.

In a typical mid-table encounter, both sides will be gunning to get the points on the board early an avoid getting caught in a messy relegation dog-fight later on in the season.

My Prediction: 3 – 2

 

So there you have it: the preview of the first Bundesliga weekend of football.  We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you did, it would be brilliant if you could follow us on Twitter @TheSportLowdown and let us know your predictions. Additionally, please keep your eyes peeled on the weekend review which will be available to read on our site after the conclusion of the weekend’s fixtures.

Thanks.

Twitter: @TheSportLowdown

Twitter: @Dan_Culyer