1860 München - SV Darmstadt 98

Once again, always the same with 1860, every season. They talk from promotion before the season starts but after 3 Rounds they are already under huge pressure according to their bad results so far. They were only able to collect one point out of 3 matches and this is for their aim much to less. Therefore they are on huge pressure before this match today, this is a must win game for them anyway. On the other side Darmstadt comes to Munich relaxed and with huge self confidence because it is different to 1860. The newcomer has made their work and they have already 7 points on their side and are unbeaten so far. This team is very hard to play with their excellent defensive and up front they have some good weapons.

Despite the first point last weekend in Heidenheim 2-2 1860 must go on and try to win this home match. If not, they are already out of the race after 4 Rounds and this is not their goal. They signed 3 new players during the week but they are not ready and all three should be not in the squad today. Maybe this gives Moniz more options but he has to count on the same as he had in the past or in Heidenheim. Some rumors also around midfield player Stark that he can leave the club but he made a good performance last time and this can be that he starts today. In this case all thoughts about a new club are gone. It can be that he plays a central role for the play from 1860 today. If Moniz decides that Stark plays, Leonardo can move forward while Steinhöfer is out of the team and then on bench. Both strikers Okotie and Wood are set to play although Okotie missed a penalty and waste some good chances but he is the top scorer from 1860 and therefore he is in the starting lineup again.

The newcomer has a great start in the first 3 matches and also in Cup they made a good job against giant Wolfsburg. Last weekend they had a weak first half but they were able to put some percent up and won in the end 2-0 to Aalen. Therefore Coach Schuster has no reasons to change his successful team. Despite the good start Darmstadt want more and they are going to get as much points as they can because sooner or later bad times will come. At the moment they are riding on a wave of success. Nevertheless the team must be focused on this encounter otherwise they are not able to get anything and all know this. With Exslager who is on loan from Colonge they have a player who could not convince in the past matches and this can be that he must on bench first and Sailer gets the place. Sailer is a hard worker in midfield and he runs most.

1.BL Saturday afternoon !!

VfL Wolfsburg - Eintracht Frankfurt

Wolfsburg come from a 1-2 lose to Bayern Munich to this encounter. It is very important for them not to lose again, better to win if they want to compete with the other teams on top of the table otherwise they have to look after other aims. With such an excellent squad and a lot of budget it is a must for them to fight for an CL spot. Coach Hecking maybe change a bit to the lose in Munich, Arnold is a good option and also in offensive he has a lot now.
Frankfurt with a win in the back can come here and look what they are able to get. But they do not like this stadium because in 12 attempts they won only 1. Nevertheless a new chance above all with their new coach Schaaf who was pleased with the start but he said that the whole team has to improve but step by step.


Bayer Leverkusen - Hertha BSC Berlin

Wow, wow, wow, Leverkusen is the best playing team in Germany at the moment. They absolutely dominated Dortmund last saturday and also in CL Kopenhagen was outplayed. Coach Schmitt has a very good idea how he wants to play and this is high pressing but it is also complex. The players must invest a lot and they have to run from beginning on. If they can play such a system for the whole season it is doubtful. Now they are at the beginning and all are fresh, so this is the key for their success. Also they score in all their matches very early what makes it also much easier. Above all Kießling has a huge run and he scores and scores.
Maybe hard times for Hertha today in Leverkusen but they had also a hard second half against Bremen last weekend. They were up 2-0 und played really strong but after the break Bremen scored with the first chance and after it Hertha was totally down. They are shocked and at the end they were not able to continue their good play from 1st half. This can be a key fact because if Leverkusen take the lead they have to bounce back. Some good news too, they signed Kalou from Lille what makes them stronger in offensive. But he is not in the squad today.


Werder Bremen - 1899 Hoffenheim

What a comeback from Bremen last weekend and now they are looking forward to go the next step but it would be not so easy today. Hoffenheim made a lot of good signings and the defensive line is much better as last season and they are hard to beat this time. Normally this match is a high scoring one but after Hoffenheim strength their defensive a lot it is a doubt in my eyes. Also I do not think that Bremen runs out and play very offensive as Coach Dutt said that 1899 is the favorite here.

Karlsruher SC - FC Heidenheim

After three successful road games KSC is back in their own stadium today. Their last match in "Wildpark" was four weeks ago and they hope that they can continue the winning streak they have started on the road now. The last match at home against Union was a bit unlucky and they got only a draw but the self confidence is high to get the first win against the newcomer from Heidenheim today. The situation is clear after Leipzig and Kaiserslautern dropping points yesterday KSC can with a win climb up to the top. If this task is so easy for the big favorite it is more as doubtful because Heidenheim started well and they collected already 4 points out of 3 matches.

The team from KSC plays very well and they are on a good position already this season. All players from last good performance in Düsseldorf are ready and therefore are no reasons to change anything for Coach Kauczinski. He is very pleased with his team but the pressure on the starting guys are very high because some of the bench players make a lot of alarm this training week. Above all in central back and in offensive he has a lot of options at the moment. Players like Gordon, van der Biezen and Nazarov has a lot of matches last season from beginning on and now they are only on bench. This can not be their vision and they are doing all in training to move back into the starting lineup. Maybe one of the strikers can get a chance today as the performance form Micanski was not the best in Düsseldorf.

Heidenheim's Coach was very pleased about the strength and also the play from KSC in the past matches therefore he said not much before this encounter. His only statement was that he gives a lot of compliments to today's opponent and that they need a very good day if they want to get here anything but he said also that his team showed already that they are able to compete with the teams in 2.BL. He worked hard during this week with his team that they can stop the mistake in defensive where they lost the points against 1860 Munich 2-2. The offensive is always able to put some pressure on the opponent and they are good enough to score. All players are available for this match, only Heise face a difficult injury and if he is not ready it can be that his replacement Vitzthum gets the first chance. He should be motivated anyway because he came from KSC to Heidenheim and therefore a special match for him. But also Robert Strauß is an option for this position and the decision maybe comes very late from Coach.

Union Berlin - 1.FC Nürnberg

Both sides are not very pleased with their start so far. They have much higher ambitions and with only 3 Points on their side they are far away from good after 3 Rounds. Union were not able to win a match so far, in league they got 3 draws and in Cup they knocked out against Heidenheim. Therefore it is a lot of room for improvements and with their great home supporters in the back it is not far away that they can get the first win today. The opponent from Nürnberg started well and all were euphoric about the following matches but after losing 3 matches in a row it is getting worse in Nürnberg. The fans are very angry and disappointed and the club’s management mangled itself. In this case a win will help to get back on track and allow Coach Ismael to work more relaxed.

Although Union took the lead last Monday against Bochum they could not hold it till the end. The first 60 minutes they looked the better side but in the end they had some luck too. Therefore they are still waiting for the first win but hope it there to get the job done today. After the good performance in Bochum Coach Düwel has no reason to change the starting lineup. They signed additional two youngsters this week with Thiel and Kobylanski what give a lot more options and both should be in the squad for first time. Club Icon Mattuschka starts again from bench, his replacement Jopek did a good job so far and he is getting better and better in this role as playmaker.

After the unexpected lose to FSV Frankfurt 0-1 last Saturday was the beginning of a hard week and a lot of trouble in Nürnberg. It was not easy for Coach Ismael to put the focus on the next match. But he can only work without any trouble and worries if success returns. For more options or to strength the team more they signed two new players this week with Celustka and Candeias where both have some training already and can stand in the startling lineup today. On the other side they miss again both veterans with keeper Schäfer and midfielder Polak. Both are not ready yet after their injuries while Petrak returns and can be an alternative for central back or central midfield. But after the last performances is basically not player safe and it can be a lot of rotation in starting lineup for this encounter. Although midfield player Timo Gebhardt made a good match against FSV and can have some hopes that he starts again. The rest in very unsure.

VfL Bochum - Union Berlin

After two rounds and the Cup last weekend coming both teams with different success into this encounter. The home team VfL Bochum did very well and they have already 4 Points on their side and with a win they can jump on the top today. Also in Cup they were able to beat 1BL team Stuttgart a good performance above all their counter attacks were great. Their opponent Union Berlin is winless in League, they started with two draws and could not convince much. Additional the cup knock out let them back a bit frustrated. Therefore they are looking forward to get the first win under new Coach Düwel.

Despite the good start and Cup surprise Coach Neururer was not pleased with all but nevertheless they are coming to this match with a lot of self confidence and it is absolutely nonsense to talk how they won the matches. They try to continue their run and why should Neururer change his team after their recent run. The same lineup which played in Aue and against Stuttgart from beginning on is expected. Above all one man stands in the window today, former Union player Terodde. He came from Union this season and has a very good start in Bochum with 5 goals scored already. Of course he is very motivated to scores his 6th goal against his former team mates. But not only he is motivated, also his actual team mates because they want revenge for the big 0-4 defeat from last season.

This is the next attempt for Union to get the first win this season and it also very important to bring the critics to rest. If they continue their winless run it is more as doubtful if new Coach Düwel can work without any pressure in the future. He is getting more and more in focus of the supporters if success fails. For this match he wants to let the defensive line unchanged but in the offensive he plans some changes to the Cup match in Heidenheim. It is very possible that Dausch who was very active after he came in in Heidenheim gets a chance from beginning on while Mattuschka could not use his chance there and should return on bench again. Up front Brandy is key there and start always while his partners could not convince so far. If Skrzybski or Nebihi starts today is very open. It is all up to Coach Düwel on what player he count to begin.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Eintracht Braunschweig

Both teams are maybe promotion candidates but both do not talk about it. They want look only from Round to Round and see what they are able to get for an outcome. FCK changed some to last season what was a big disaster in the end to miss promotion and maybe they have learned some for this season. Braunschweig was relegated although they are big fighters but in the end it was to less. This season they have a good team again despite some good and important players left.

It was more or less a big disappointment what FCK showed in the two first matches. Against 1860 Munich they were totally weak in the first 60 Minutes and they looked to be a deserved loser as they were 0-2 down and one man less too, but after Coach Runjaic made some changes the team waked up and they worked hard and they were able to turn this match and won in the end 3-2. One week later they were up with 1-0 in Sandhausen but were not able to finish this advantage and got a late equalizer. It was again a bad performance on the road as almost always in the last years, this continue in Cup in Wehen where they advanced only after penalty shot out which is maybe lucky. After three matches and maybe the performance from some players Runjaic think over some changes here, with Schulze who convinced not much in Cup can take Jean Zimmer the back wing position again. Although he was totally outplayed against 1860 from Bobby Wood. In central midfield we have Karl with a slight advantage against Orban, also Gaus is ready and can be a replacement for Matmour. Up front with Lakic but he has some in his back with Hofmann and Mugosa therefore he must bring some on the pitch anyway. New signing youngster Younes from Bor. M'Gladbach should be on bench first today. But he can be a good alternative for their play as he is a good and talented midfield player.

It was a hard start for Braunschweig, they come two times from behind to get a deserved draw in Düsseldorf 2-2 and at home they were a easy winner against Heidenheim but it was hard work. In Cup they advanced but the performances was awful against a lower division team from Bremer SV where they won only 1-0. For this reason some changes can be done by Lieberknecht today. Dogan is back after suspension also injured Hedenstad what means that Kessel and Henn must return on bench. Also in midfield they want to make some changes and the alternatives are there with Kruppke, Ryu and Khelifi. As striker is Nielsen set to play but beside him there can be Kruppke, Ademi or Bakenga. A special match today for Zuck who played several years for FCK but left the club and come over Freiburg to Braunschweig. He stands in the starting lineup today and for sure he wants to show that this was a wrong decision to let him go.

1.FC Nürnberg - FSV Frankfurt

After Nürnberg won their opener against Aue 1-0 all was ok and the fans are looking forward for a better and successful season but after losing the derby to Fürth 1-5 and also knock out of the Cup against 3rd league team from Duisburg 0-1 the situation has changed huge in Nürnberg and the fans are very angry about their team. Therefore the team and also new Coach Ismael stands under huge pressure today, everything else than a win is a disaster today. On the other side they face a team who made their weakest season start since 2008 with two defeats in a row and they come to Nürnberg with zero points on their side. But here they are not talking much and say this is almost the last change for coach Möhlmann, no, they count on him and they trust him. It can be very helpful that they come to Nürnberg and have nothing to play for, they are absolutely underdog here and no one expect something from them here. This can be a big plus anyway and also their record is very good, in 6 matches they were only beaten twice and got 4 draws. Nevertheless FSV had some changes in the break but they are not a team who is easy to play. Möhlmann is a fox and he knows all, also how to hurt Nürnberg.

After two defeats and a lot of trouble Coach Ismael is very relaxed but he talks that the starting lineup will be different to the last two defeats. First one is in goal, keeper Schäfer got injured and this is the time for the 21 years old Rakovsky, he has some experience as he was involved in 8 BL matches already but did poorly some time. Despite Angha could not convince in Duisburg Pachonik gets his place back on the back wing. The same in midfield where Gebhardt replace Evseev. But the problem here is that Gebhardt forced his starting place and he is in a situation where he must deliver now. In offensive was Sylvestr rested in Cup and came in late but here he get the place back and maybe Füllkrug must on bench now.

The two defeats in league let FSV think a lot and they decide to sign some new players like old guy Balitsch former FCN player and he should be huge motivated today to show that it was wrong to let him go. Next one is Dedic, he knows the league very well and he has some great seasons, matches already for some clubs. This gives Möhlmann much more options now and therefore he change also a bit. A big lose is central defensive where both defenders are out with Oumari and Schlicke, not an easy task here to replace both. So it is clear that the team must be build with players on different positions as normal. Konrad can play central back while Balitsch is an option in central midfield after two trainings weeks in Frankfurt. Maybe Huber is out too where new signing Chahed can get a chance. But nevertheless Coach Möhlmann gave not much informations about his lineup and therefore it is only a big gambling.

Bayern München - VfL Wolfsburg

The highest League in Germany 1.Bundesliga open their gates this evening to start the new season 2014/15. The champion from last season Bayern Munich plays against one of the upcoming rivals VfL Wolfsburg. Although this encounter was very clear in recent years it can be a tough one for Bayern this time. In recent years they won all home matches against VfL very easy and with a big margin but to begin a new season you never know and it can be difficult after the World Cup according to their absent players.

What happen after a big tournament like World Cup or European Championship no one knows but we can take a look back and it was not always an easy start for Bayern. Sometimes they need a long time to get on rolling and also had hard times to reach in the end a Champions League spot. Ok, this is worst case now but with a lot of players returning late into team training and a lot of players are not at 100% it can be difficult. Also a long injury list helps them not much at the moment. A big problem is the position on the right back wing and in central midfield. After selling Kroos to Real Madrid they have big problems there because with Schweinsteiger, Martinez and Thiago are almost all out for this position. And Lahm is maybe needed on the back wing after the injury from Rafinha. They are searching for some replacements at the moment but it is not so easy above all other clubs know this and want more money for their players. Nevertheless this time Guardiola can only count on players who are there and ready, maybe he has to bring some new guys like Rode, youngster Gaudino or Alaba. Rode and Gaudino played already in Supercup against Dortmund and Bayern was far away to can hold the pressure high, so it is not the best option. Also in offensive is Ribery sure out and behind Robben is a big questionmark. It seems on all positions they have problems at the moment beside goal.

The VW Club from Wolfsburg invest again a lot and their aim is to get a CL spot this time after reaching the Euro League spot last season. OK, it must be seen how they handle to play two times in one week and if they get some injured players but the potential is of course there. I mentioned already if they get some injured players, I think the situation has come earlier as expected as with 1st keeper Benalgio, Peresic, Träsch, Ochs and Felipe are a few out. In Cup match against 2.Division team from Darmstadt they had to do hard work and they advanced after Penalty shot out. The 90 minutes or 120 maybe was not very good above all they had a lot of problems to break a deep and solid standing defensive line from Darmstadt. No idea to get through but this time they play an opponent where they try to stand good and solid and maybe start a few counter attacks over the fast de Bruyne or Olic. Some expect a very deep standing side from Wolfsburg, Coach Hecking tried to play with 3 central midfield players in training. This can be Gustavo, Guilavogui and Manada. Offensive he has some options with Hunt, Vierinha or Bendtner but last one is on bench for sure. In defensive he had a lot of problems because all back wings are injured with Ochs, Träsch and Jung above all in Cup must Vierinha play this position so it is good that Jung returns after injury. Benaglio will be replaced by Grün, he did it already in Cup and saved two penalties.

Both meet each other in Telekom Cup this pre-season already and Bayern won very easy although they played only 2x30 minutes. This time Wolfsburg will be much more prepared and they should not make the same mistakes again. I expect a very close match and therefore the HC -2 is set much to high for a season opener and the big problems who Bayern face at the moment against a team who has a lot of potential and the budget too.  

Sunday Cup games !!

Again some Cup matches, yeasterday we had 12, today 13. The matches yesterday I wrote was much more interesting as today and I am not very keen about the games today. But nevertheless I try to put some games up here.


Preußen Münster - Bayern München

The home team is not easy to play above all in their own stadium and it is a very hot atmosphere anyway. Some other big clubs lost here some time ago. Münster made a very good second half of the season last year and they want to continue the run but have some problems at the moment to find back to their excellent form. Although they are only average, this match can bring some extra motivation for sure. On the other side Bayern with a lot of problems, they have not all fully fit and some injury problems too. It is a long way they have to go now and Coach Guardiola said that they will have problems till the winter break. So in my eyes the HC from -3 for Bayern is set quit high with the situation at the moment and it is doubtful that they beat this. More as questionable because Münster sure plays defensive minded.


Eintracht Trier - SC Freiburg

This one can be interesting and if some of you follow the German Cup in recent years it is always some surprise if Trier is involved. They were able to beat here some BL teams already or make a lot of trouble to them. I am expecting them to do this again as they are always very hot at home and they have normally the weapons to surprise. The Regional Team can hurt Freiburg here if they are not ahead of their play. Coach Streich has to field up a strong lineup and they have to give 100% here if they want to advance to next round. HC -1,25 or -1 for Freiburg, maybe take the underdog here.


BTSV Schwarz-Weiss Rheden - VfR Aalen

BTSV played already in Cup and they know this business. First time they were involved they played the giant from München Bayern and they did a great job. They defend like hell and were only beaten with a low margin. This was their key aim and they did it. This time it is a more difficult one as VfR Aalen is a solid 2.BL team and they do not run forward and press and do all, this time maybe Rheden must come out of their comfort zone and try to play forward. If Aalen can manage to get the space they need, they win this one and the HC from -1 looks very tempting for me here.

Saturday Cup games !!!

A lot of Cup matches will be played today, also on sunday and monday. It is very hard to select out the best matches but I try to give some short comments about a few games for this weekend. We had already 3 matches yesterday and it was more a day for the underdogs as with Chemnitz and Duisburg both 3rd league teams could advance to the next round, only big team Leverkusen won easy against a team from 6. Division. Let's look at today's matches ......


Stuttgarter Kickers - Borussia Dortmund

This can be an interesting match although Dortmund is a number to high for the 3rd league team but it is sure that they play in the big Arena in Stuttgart and not in their stadium where they play normally. It is expected that around 40.000 supporters follow this match. It can be an additional motivation for Stuttgart and all the players give some percent more as normal. They never has a change to get such match, only in Cup and this the game of their live maybe. Kickers not bad, can make some trouble on a good day and showed this already some time ago. Last year they made a great match against a CL team (Celtic Glasgow), sure it was a friendly and preparation match but they have this in mind maybe. Dortmund is expected to field the same lineup as some days ago against Bayern. Only Schmelzer will miss due to injury and this is the chance for Durm who replace him then. The rest is unchanged, Weidenfeller, Hummels still out and Reus maybe in the squad but on bench. HC is set at -2,25 .... it is all about Dortmund if they want they beat it but the opponent is hard to play anyway.


FC Astoria Walldorf - Hannover 96

Interesting match here, Astoria is newcomer in Regional League South-West and made a good job so far. In 3 matches they can get 4 Points and have a good position in midfield now. Sure to begin the new promoted teams are always hard to play according to their good self confidence motivation and maybe unknown style of play. This can be maybe also a hard task for Hannover but if we look at the transfers what Hannover has made this summer they are clear favorite here and the HC from -2,25 or at the moment from -2 can be beaten from them anyway. According to the lineup it is almost the same from last season, therefore all players know each other and this can help to begin. Only with Kiyotake and Joselu are two players who can stand in the starting lineup but first one suffer some injury.


FT Braunschweig - 1.FC Köln

A big underdog here, they play only in Oberliga and should have no chance here against the new promoted CL team from Köln. Ok, it is always hard to come into such matches but the class should be enough for Köln to beat this big big underdog. HC from -2,25 or -2,5 can be a good choice here.


Bremer SV - Eintracht Braunschweig

Again a big big underdog who should have no chance against a good playing side from Braunschweig. If they get all their horses on the pitch I am pretty sure that they can beat this Bremer team very easy. They are to good and to strong to fail here above all they have the rhythm already and this can help Eintracht very well. The lineup should be almost the same form the last game.

Borussia Dortmund - Bayern München

Supercup !!!

It is the first big match from the big giants and rivals before the season starts with the Cup matches next weekend. The atmosphere is very hot because both Manager has forward this kind of match with some verbal attacks. Above all Watzke and Rummenigge are big involved and they do not like each other anymore. Rummenigge gave away some contract details about Reus and also that they want him and so on. Watzke is very angry about him now. But nevertheless the truth is on the pitch nothing else.

Both teams have a lot of problems as the World Cup players returned late and are not ready maybe and if, they are not at 100%. This can be a slight advantage for Dortmund because they have with Weidenfeller, Ginter, Hummels, Sokratis, Durm and Großkreutz not so many as Bayern Munich. On keeper position it should be not such a problem for Weidenfeller to play here, Ginter was in training some time now and he should play as Hummels is out for sure and Subotic is in training and do a good job but after his long injury Coach Klopp give him a rest here maybe. Sokratis returned very early and should be fit, Durm is not such a problem because Schmelzer plays on this position today. In midfield they have good guys only Sahin and Reus are missing due to injuries. Up front with Ramos who did a much better job as new signing Immobile who needs maybe some time to know the tactical things from Klopp better.

On the other side Bayern is not ready in my eyes, they made their preparation to the season without almost all their national player. They returned one week ago or some days earlier but this is not enough and with Ribery, Rafinha, Thiago and Schweinsteiger they miss for sure some injured. And the other national players like Robben, Lahm, Boateng, Götze are not at 100%. The only one from these maybe is Lahm who play from beginning on. Coach Guardiola field a lineup with players like Pizzaro, Hojberg, Shakiri and so on in midfield. He try to find the right mix between the players he has available in the past. It would be also very interesting to see how Lewandowski react after returning to the Signal Iduna Park today.

Overall I see Dortmund in their own stadium much more prepared as Bayern at the moment. The advantage is on home side.

Greuther Fürth - 1.FC Nürnberg

As always top match in 2.BL on monday evening and this time we have the 257. derby between Fürth and Nürnberg. This is always a very hot match and no one want to lose this encounter. Last time could Fürth win in BL 1-0 in Nürnberg, the second match was a draw. Therefore Nürnberg wants revenge for this hard defeat. Both teams are aiming for a promotion spot but a lot of Rounds to play and a lot of work to do for both. As both started good, Fürth with 1-1 in Bochum and Nürnberg with 1-0 at home against Aue but it was shown form both teams that they are not ahead of their play at the moment and a lot of problems are there.

In Fürth it was more and more a shock after the message arrived that their strikes Azemi was involved in a heavy accident on Thursday morning. He is in hospital now and it is going better and better from day to day but if he can return on the pitch it is absolutely unknown. He has very heavy injuries on hip and pelvis with a lot of fractures. In this case we only can wish him all the best for his recovery and hopefully he can return to profi soccer again. All this news put the soccer in the back at Fürth and maybe they are not so focused on this encounter as all players think a lot of this situation. But as always live has to go on and they have to look forward. The team and the fans around want to start some actions to give him a positiv message this evening. Coach Kramer tried to look forward and give his players a positiv feeling before the match. No changes expected according to the interview from Kramer.

The euphoria is high in Nürnberg and Coach Ismael started well into the season with a win but it was hard work. Of course they were the better side but had a lot of mistakes in their play and it is not perfect yet. Therefore the young team has to learn and go step by step but they must go it without their leader Polak because he got injured against Aue and is out long term with a rib fracture. For him maybe U19 European Champion Niklas Stark returns into the team after coming back in team training after his vacation. This means that the defensive line and midfield is almost the same, only one change but the offensive position is very open. Ok, Sylvestr is set to play but beside him Pekhart made an awful performance and it is up to Ismael to bring in the much better Mlapa. After this changes was done against Aue Nürnberg was much more dangerous and Mlapa gave the assist to the winning goal by Sylvestr.

Both teams have to play a lot for, therefore it looks like that this one is more a tactical match as an open one.

SV Sandhausen - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

The distance between both towns are only 100 km and this means that a lot of FCK supporters travel to Sandhausen. The stadium is a small one and therefore it is expected that it is sold out today. Above all the FCK fans are very hot after the big match on monday where they made a big match and turn a 0-2 into a 3-2. The team and all want to walk on today but away from home it is always a bit different for Lautern as the last seasons showed. All in all they were not able to get much in Sandhausen in the past. On the other side Sandhausen after losing the first match stands a bit under pressure to avoid the totally worst case after two Rounds.

But with what players should this task be done because Coach Schwartz miss 6 players today. All are injured or suspended (Jovanovic, Adler, Achenbach, Tüting, Kratz and Zillner). Also some good news with Pfertzel and Kübler war two players back in team training since this week. After losing the first match against a newcomer Darmstadt a lot of changes are expected because they play not well and this means that the team is not balanced enough, maybe with a few changes and also tactic wise to 4-4-2 with two strikers at home to be more dangerous.

Not much to change for the FCK Coach after such a good second half against 1860 and the big big moral they had on this day. Only suspended 1st keeper Sippel will be replaced by Müller what was the case against 1860 already. He is a young but talented keeper and he can be the future for FCK anyway. One of the best sub last match was to bring the young Stöger as playmaker and he was the man who turned the match for FCK. With his really great passes and dribbling made a lot of confusion to the opponent. Therefore he will start today from beginning. The rest will be unchanged as it is not needed.

Eintracht Braunschweig - FC Heidenheim

Very interesting match today, because with Braunschweig we have a relegated team from BL while Heidenheim promote from 3.BL. This is maybe the first big test for Heidenheim today if they are able to compete with the big teams in 2.BL. Braunschweig had a good comeback in Düsseldorf where they could equalize in the end after coming from behind two times. On the other side Heidenheim fall behind early at home but managed the first win in their fresh 2.BL history. This match can show where the way from Heidenheim are going but it is early in the season and the newcomer are full motivated and have a lot of power and also the moral is very good. So a surprise is maybe not so impossible.

Despite the first match Coach Lieberknecht plans some changes in his starting lineup. It was not all well above all in first half where they have a lot of respect and were totally outplayed from Düsseldorf, only in second half they showed their fighting spirit and made a better performance who lead them to the deserved point in the end. One change was already done in Düsseldorf where midfield player Hochscheidt got injured, for him came youngster Zuck in the team and he will play on the wing today again. Also Kruppke who has not his best day up front maybe can move back into the midfield line while Bakenga and Nielsson build up a more dangerous offensive duo. If Liebeknecht choose this option Korte can be out of the starting lineup. This was the offensive part and the defensive part stays unchanged according to less alternatives he has at the moment.

With a very good start into the new season and a new adventure for Heidenheim because they never played such high so far. They managed it and the moral and mood is very good after it and why should Coach Schmidt changes here some if the team wins. Therefore all are expecting the same lineup as to the opening match but one sign was very clear. Janzer played a really great match after he comes in and put a lot of pressure on his team mate Leipertz. Maybe Schmidt think about to change this guys and let Janzer begin instead of Leipertz. But it is not out yet and according to the news from the trainings week all players are ready and the coach can choose from all. It is clear that he does not want to give something out before the match and hold the focus from all high. Of course some players are key players and can not be changed like Schnatterer but some surprises in lineup makes it more different for the opponent and maybe hold the good atmosphere in team alive.

Let's see how the newcomer can react today against a team who should be a class above FSV.

Union Berlin - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

An important match ahead because both teams need the win if they want to hold contact to the top group or otherwise they are more or less a bit down and need longer to comeback to the top. Both started with a point but only Union was satisfied with it, Düsseldorf was not pleased that they gave this match against Braunschweig out of their hand after leading two times. At the end they got a draw but for their aims they have this season maybe to less above all if they play at home. On both sides the euphoria are still there from the supporters therefore they should try to win this one otherwise the good atmosphere change and this can bring some very hard weeks.

Some is new in Berlin, they changed the Coach, also the System from last year, they play now more 3-2-3-2 and although they play only with three mens in defensive line they made a good and stable defensive match against KSC last weekend. Ok, KSC was more or less absolutely harmless in offensive and therefore not much danger for Union in this one. Maybe this can change today because with Düsseldorf comes a team with much more offensive power. According to the news and that this part was very good in the last match Coach Düwel want to keep all the same. But on the offensive part they have a lot to work and it looks like that they are very stronger last year when old and experienced player Mattuschka lead the team. But Coach Düwel does not like him much and let him on bench in the last match, maybe this time again. They played without any idea and more or less to slow and harmless to overcome a solid defensive line. It would be interesting to see what Düwel try today. If he let the starting lineup unchanged or maybe he can count on Mattuschka but what part will he play? The Union Coach see more a striker in him therefore one of the two Brandy or Skrzybski must on bench, better option should be central midfield where Özbeck and Kreilach played but this is no option for the Coach. The wings with Köhler and Trimmel has to improve too but no pressure for them as the alternatives are to less at the moment.

After the match against Braunschweig Düsseldorf was not very pleased with the result but they had a very good first half and played really well but after the break they did not much and sit back more and more what brought a lot of danger and also two goals against them. The power and cleverness from first half's play was totally missed in second and therefore a deserved draw. Coach Reck was more as mad after the match and he wants to look on all players this week and maybe change the team in some part of his lines. Also he wants to push the team that they are comeback to the good play before the break. A big plus was midfield player Liendl who played a really great first half but missed all in second. It is not out if Reck changes here or he let him out again. But it is not all changing players he also think about the tactic and maybe this one will be changed too. Last time it was a home game and they played more offensive and now away from home where Düsseldorf had a lot of problems in recent years it is maybe a more defensive minded lineup. Some rotation in starting lineup are possible above all Pohjanpalo was very weak and should be replaced by Benschop who made a good game after he came in. Also Boly is an option for the offensive while Halloran can be the one who much on bench.

Nice matchup here, I look forward to the game and hopefully an exiting one !!! GL

Jahn Regensburg - SpVgg Unterhaching

3.Bundesliga !!!

This bavarian Derby will be played today and after two Rounds it looks like an important for both teams if they do not want to stay longer in bottom region of the table. Ok, both started well but they have to continue the way, Regensburg with one win and one lose while Unterhaching is unbeaten so far with two draws.

It is almost all new in Regensburg, new Coach, new Players, new tactic or System they play and so on. Before the season I said it is hard to see them in upper table position although the Manager talk from such aims because they did not give a lot of important players a new contract. The best scorer Amachaibou, also the midfield players Kotzke, Haag and Müller are a big lose while the other who left are maybe replaceable. They signed a few new guys but all not so known at the moment. All players are from Regional League Teams and they have not played on such a level as 3rd league. The only is maybe Erwig-Drüppel from Eintracht Braunschweig but the others are all fresh and new faces in 3.Bundesliga and all are more or less young. But overall a lot of good talents are signed like Greipl from 1860 II or Lienhard from Zweibrücken, also Steininger from Fürth II. The new Coach Schmitt has to form a new and balanced team and he did it well what I have read above all in the first home game where they beat MSV Duisburg very easy and they should have won higher as only 3-1. They play a different style to last season. From more controlled defense to a more offensive style what Schmitt has in mind and they play from the first to the last minute forward and try to put pressure on the opponent. Ok, first home game it worked well but away from home they were beaten from Stuttgarter Kickers 1-3 although they were leading again. Maybe on away games it is better to change the offensive play a bit. But overall a good performance in both matches.

Again and again, a lot of problems for Christian Ziege above all with the young team he has available. All good players left the club again and they signed also only players from lower leagues because their financial play ground is very limited. It would be very interesting if the young team can hold their game alive for longer time as last season. If all know they played a really great first half of the season but after the winter break they were horrible and did not win much and in the end it was very close to the red zone and almost they had to go down. But with players like Rohracker, Steinherr, Sternisko they lost big quality and of course some others too. The players they signed are all from lower leagues and all almost unknown. It is almost the same what Ziege has to do as in Regensburg but he has some other problems as well because with Hummels and Götze are two important players long term injured now and they are hard to replace. They managed to get a 0-0 in Kiel and also a good result 3-3 against Wehen who are one of the promotion candidates this year. The team is in tact and maybe they have a good moral as well but sooner or longer I see them to get more and more in danger (see last season).

1.FC Kaiserslautern - 1860 München

Here we have the last match of the Round 1 where former Bundesliga clubs face each other. Once again, both are candidates for the promotion but what we have seen in the last seasons they failed always. Nevertheless they want to start again this season and try to be under the top 3 this time. Maybe both have learned a lot in the past seasons, Kaiserslautern was the last two seasons very close but could not manage it till the end or maybe the pressure was to high. On the other side 1860 spoke every season from remaining into the 1.Bundesliga but they did only talk and on the pitch it was much different. Every season they are part of the promotion candidates but they failed always, and they are eleven years now in 2.Bundesliga. A huge time what all say and they want to change it. All talk from promotion also their new Coach Moniz. Let's see what they are able to play for. Both teams are very promising to get the job done.

It would be very interesting how Kaiserslautern react after losing both top strikers with Zoller and Idrissou. Also some other left the club and they want to start new but have a very solid team available and because of the injuries from Tim Heubach and Michael Schulze Coach Runjaic wants to count on a starting eleven without any new signing. Therefore all players know the system and tactic from Coach and they can be well prepared for this first match on Betzenberg. Despite of playing without any new player today a lot of new faces are anyway in the starting lineup. With keeper Sippel we have the same, also central back with Torrejon and beside him Heintz or Orban. On the right back Jean Zimmer is a new face on the other side left back Löwe is the same. For the central midfield position they have a lot of options with Karl, Jenssen, Ring and Orban maybe too. But from these guys only two are in. Offensive wise they want to start with only one striker Lakic up front and three offensive midfield player behind like Matmour, Gaus and Kevin Stöger who is also a new face to begin.

The opponent from Munich has made a lot of changes too. With Lauth they left one of their club icon because they did not gave him a new contract and also offensive wing Stoppelkamp is a big lose in my eyes. But nevertheless they have to build up a new and strong team with the players they have available now. According to the news is Sanchez injured and is not able to play although he travelled with the team. Therefore Moniz must change a bit in midfield, and this is the change from new signing Leonardo who came late and has a lot of fitness deficit but could start today. He should build up a strong midfield with Bedia and Weigl while Adlung, Wood and Okotie plays the offensive part and should try to finish they attacks. In goal for 1860 again veteran Kiraly and the defensive line ahead him can be Steinhöfer, Vallori, Schindler and youngster Wittek. This lineup is not the expected one but they must change a bit because with Woitkowiak they got a player injured in the last test against Stoke and also because of the fitness from new defending chief Kagelmacher who is not at 100% and need some time to be there. Is looks not so bad but it would be very interesting what new Coach Moniz could arrange with his new time so far. The last season they had a huge problem to score but this time they play much more offensive as the preferred system for new coach is 4-3-3 and this is as always the Netherlands style and it is well known from the World Cup. But it is not a big surprise as the Coach comes from the Netherlands.

So, hopefully we can see a good and open match here with a lot of highlights. All the other matches were more boring and it was a low scoring Round so far.