1.FC Kaiserslautern - Eintracht Braunschweig

The first home game for Kaiserslautern, they meet Eintracht Braunschweig today. Both are teams who should be count to the promotion candidates this season but both started different. Kaiserslautern got a excellent start at newcomer MSV Duisburg with a 3-1 win while Eintracht Braunschweig was not able to win against Sandhausen in front of their crowd. No the got hammered 1-3 and stand under pressure already if they do not want to run behind for some time. 

After the very good start and excellent performance in Duisburg it is a lot of euphoria in and around the club but all of their responsible persons are warning and do not want to let the leave the ground unter their feed. Coach Runjaic said that he was very pleased with the performance in the first 30 Minutes but the rest was not was he expect form his team. Therefore he has already some points he can work on and show this his team already. Therefore they are far away from high flying, they have to repeat it every week and show that they are able to play for the top. Additional said Runjaic that they are to begin of the season and they have to improve from week to week. According to last game it is very open if he wants to change or allow his successful starting lineup a new chance again. He said in an interview that he gave that it is open on 2-3 position where to start but this was more a statement to hold the pressure in squad high and that no one can be sure if he starts again. It is all up themselves in the trainings week to prove them. 

Normally he can not change anything, the performance was to good from all. The new signings made a great job and put them on a good level right now. Nevertheless the mates on the bench Mugosa, Tommy and Görtler make a lot of pressure and they are very close to the starting lineup, if one of the starters slowdown a bit they are ready, of course. Also in defensive they have with Ziegler and Mockenhaupt some in hand who make some noise in training.

It was seen in their last test friendly already that they are not ahead of their standard level. Above all against Assel 1-0, Kiew and Rayo 1-2 they showed not the best performances but that they are still far away from their best was disappointing against Sandhausen in their first important home game this season. In offensive they are far away from good and has a lot to improve right now and in defensive they are very fragile for standards.

Coach Lieberknecht has to answer a lot of critical questions above all his defending line. He wants to count again on the 3 guys in central back and build up a wide midfield. The defending row can be changed because with Reichel is an option back after suspension form last season. He can be a key options maybe and build up this row with Correia and Decarli. New signing Baffo had some illness and he is not ready yet. Maybe a place on bench, similarly for Pfitzner too.

Both wings with Boalnd and Ofosu.Ayeh starts again while also both new central midfield players with Schönfeld and Matuschyk has their places safe too. Nevertheless all 4 has to improve a lot compared to the last game. In offensive it is a new face expected. Up front plays not Hochscheidt but rather Hvilsom gives his debut today. Hochscheidt moves back in offensive midfield and plays beside Omladic, both should help Hvilsom in front of the goal and assist him. This means that Zuck and Khalifi who played there are both out of the starting lineup according to their bad performances. Also not ready is Berggreen who face a knee injury and need still some time to get back on a good level.

1.FC Nürnberg - FC Heidenheim

It was a very disappointed first game for Nürnberg against Freiburg where they were not able to get more stability in their defensive row and lost deserved 3-6. To their first home game comes Heidenheim which they have not in their best mind after losing both games last Season to the newcomer. In Heidenheim 0-3 and at home 0-1, this means that they have to improve a lot to the last game and to the games last Season against the opponent today. They were not able to score a single goal in two games against this team, what is a big disaster for a club with such high ambitions. After the first game it is a lot of trouble in Nürnberg already and they should look forward to get all their power on the pitch today otherwise it can be a hard season again. On the other side Heidenheim comes to Nürnberg very relaxed, they have won the first game 1-0 to 1860 Munich and can go into this game without any pressure.

The start was a disaster and the team has a lot to improve, it can not be that they play two seasons in a row such a disappointed football without any mood and self confidence. They were 0-3 down after 13 Minutes and to half time 0-3. Ok, they showed a different face in second half where they come close with 3-4 but after a few minutes it was all gone because they conceded the knock out with 3-5. Coach Weiler is looking forward and he has put out the positive things what they have played in second half but if this help the team right now is not sure. He has made some changes to the break there and maybe he starts again with this lineup. He put in captain Polak beside Behrens in central midfield for more stability. In this case Polak can play the defensive part while Behrens can more a bit forward and assist Schöpf for more power in offense. Therefore the place from Stark is doubtful and he must on bench then. In attack it is possible that all three Gislason, Burgstaller and Blum can be out of the starting lineup but it more impossible that he gives them not his trust again. It was only 1 game and they should get the chance to recover.
The biggest change should be happen in defense. This was almost a disaster what happened there. They are not close to normal level there all. With Möhwald and Bulthuis played two guys there who normally do not play this position what was seen against Freiburg very well. Almost all goals comes over the side from Möhwald and he has had a very awful day. The other one Bulthuis has also a lot of problems and conceded a red card in the end of the game what put him out already. The first time Sepsi is in squad after his injury and he can be one of the starter on the wing. A big risky after an injury but what should they do with less alternatives on this position. The second man on the left wing is Leibhold but he should get some match praxis with the second team after his muscle injury and is not in the squad today. On the right back wing Möhwald has an awful day as already mentioned he can be replaced by the new signing Miso Brecko who came form Cologne yesterday. Of course he does not know the team but this is a better option as Möhwald as he plays this position for long time in his career.

One of the big surprise teams from last Season Heidenheim started well and Coach Schmidt was very pleased about the first game against 1860. Of course it was not all well but they got the calculated 3 Points and this let them work without any pressure this week. The only big thing they should solve for the upcoming games is in front of the goal where they need to many chances to score. They wasted with all their opportunities what makes Coach Schmidt not very happy. But the good thing was that they were able to create a lot and this is also one of the key facts for a small team that they know they are able to hurt their opponents and the power for such actions are there.
The fact that only 2 new signings are in the starting lineup with Feick and Frahn said all. The team is balanced very well and all know each other what is a big advantage to begin of the season when you can count on guys who played already last season there. The task in Nürnberg is a very hard one and Coach Schmidt expect a close game where they have to invest all what they are able to give. But nevertheless they want to be as brave as they can and hurt Nürnberg in their actual difficult situation. The starting lineup should be the same from last match day, all players are ready again, only long term injured midfield player Kitsch-Rivero is working on his comeback.

SC Freiburg - 1.FC Nürnberg

The monday game is between relegated Freiburg and Nürnberg. Both teams are promotion candidates above all both want to come back into 1.Bundesliga where normally their place is. Nevertheless they have to go through a hard Season and in the end they need a bit of luck to be on Top and get promoted. Despite some big loses in their squad Freiburg wants to begin as good as they can and hold  their big target alive on the other side had Nürnberg a very awful last season after their relegation. They hope that they have learnt form this and try to make it much better this Season.

The loses are huge for Freiburg if we take a look on the starting lineup form last Season. They lost their keeper Bürki to Dortmund, DEF Krmas to Kralove, MID Schmid to 1899, DEF Sorg and MID Klaus to H96, Mehmedi to Leverkusen and Darida to Hertha. This means they have to replace 7 players of their starting lineup. Additional left Riether to Schalke and 6 players more from second row the club. It is a big task for Coach Streich to build up a new and most important strong starting lineup.
Some of the players from last Season like Höhn, Höfler, Frantz and Philipp has to play an important role this Season. They are the guys who know the club well and should be the head of the team now, despite they are very young. The most important signing was Petersen who played already on loan last Season for Freiburg but they managed to get him from Bremen. Some of the 8 new players have their place in the starting lineup. From Bielfeld returns former keeper and talent Schwolow who has now much more experience and match praxis. He won the race against Klandt who came from FSV Frankfurt. Also new is DEF Kübler (SV Sandhausen) but he is not ready due to injury right now. This means that the defending row is build with well known guys. In midfield Höfler plays beside new signing Abrashi who came from Grasshoppers. If Coach Streich counts on Höfler and Abrashi is is very disappointing for captain Schuster who must begin on bench then. In midfield offensive is Grifp from 1899 a good choice who can create some and be one of the creative players from Freiburg. Kleindienst who comes from Cottbus is expected on bench due to slight injury he had under the week, also Kempf had some problems and on bench too. Also not available is Möller-Dähli injured.
The test matches were not as good as they prefer because they had some problems in the offensive play and were not able to score much. In 4 matches against Pauli, Spartak Moskau, Sandhausen and Malaga they scored only 1 time but conceded 4.

Nürnberg was in the same situation last year as Freiburg this time. They had to build a new squad after losing a lot of players. This time they lost only Pinola from their starting lineup what makes it much more easier for them maybe. Also the Coach is not new as last Season and they hope to come better into the Season as last time. They gave Weiler the opportunity to build up the squad he likes. With 7 new players the Coach got what he preferred. He wants two new back wings and with Sepsi (Mures) and Leibold (Stuttgart II) he got them but both war not available due to injuries today. In this case they need a new plan what brings Bulthuis in a very good position but Weiler does not like him much but he must set on him as he has no replacement anyway. Normally they want to sell him but at the moment it is difficult with the situation. On the other wing new signing Möhwald from Erfurt has to play this position but he is normally a midfield player and this is not the best position for him right now. Above the defensive row plays Behrens who came from Darmstadt and let Polak behind him as he must on bench because Weiler prefer more a system with 4-1-4-1 and only 1 central midfield player. The wings are Stark and Schöpf who can help Behrens if the situation is there.
From the other new guys is Kirschbaum the new keeper while Gislason (Kopenhagen) should help Burgstaller to get the lone attacker Blum in some good actions in front of the goal. Kutschke (Paderborn) and Sylvestr disappointed in pre season what put them on bench today.
In all their friendlies they did very hard and it was not so easy as they should have want it. Against Regio Team Schweinfurt they won only 1-0, the next team form Regio Jahn Regensburg 1-2 and Prag 0-1. Against Würzburger Kickers and Celta Vigo they played only 2-2.

Greuther Fürth - Karlsruher SC

The two team who meet each other at the first Round had different stories last Season. The home side was close to be relegated while KSC was very close to get promoted but failed very very close in the end. Both teams want to look forward and forget all the negative things they had to be ahead for a better future. Greuther Fürth is aiming for a safe midfield place this Season while KSC wants to be on top again but they do not give out any statement according to much better teams and also much better budget the others have.

It was a big move this summer in Fürth, some of their important players left the club, also they have a new Coach on the bench. Stefan Ruthenbeck comes form Aalen and he knows the league very well despite he got relegated with Aalen. The players who left were MID Fürstner, K Hesl, STR Przybylko and some from the second row. But they signed 7 new guys who should help to bring them more stability and success in their play. Some former team mates from Ruthenbeck came from Aalen like Gjasula and Hofmann. Both are ahead of their rivals and should be in the starting lineup today.
Coach Ruthenbeck counts on a 4-1-4-1 or on a 4-3-3 system. In goal Mielitz has some advantage against Flekken and should start here. The new signing form Freiburg must show now that they are able to bring his performance constant over a Season and give his team some help. The defensive line should be the same as from last season because some of the players are not ready. With Schröck and Korcsmar are two players out injured. Marco Caligiuri should be the head of the defensive line.
In their offensive area they have a lot of open positions. Coach Ruthenbeck is not sure what he wants to field there but he is clever and he does not want to give out all of his tactics. But some winners are there with Zulu and Tropic, both should get a place in starting lineup. In this case it is close and Stiepermann can be on bench first. But if Ruthenbeck does not count on Berisha who need still some time it is not impossible that Stiepermann move into the starting lineup. In attack they have two options who are very good with Freis and Kumbela. One of them are on bench but Kumbela is not ready 100% and in this case Freis starts.
The test friendlies were good with 9 out of 9 but the last test was a big disaster in their own stadium against Celta de Vigo with 1-5.


The KSC has done not so much on the market and they count more on a team from last Season. This could be an advantage because all know the style of Coach Kauczinski or it can be a disadvantage if some of them are meaning they are to safe and they have no fresh blood in their rows. From starting lineup they lost Yabo but they got some new guys as well with Thoelke, Köpke, Hoffer, Manzon. They are still searching for a replacement for Yabo but they have not found one so far. Also with Max and Hennings they have two players in their squad who wants to leave them. Above all Max wants to sign a contract in Augsburg.
Coach Kauczinski counts on the well known system 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2. Top Scorer Hennings got with Hoffer a new and excellent partner. They should hold the offensive flag high for KSC. But nevertheless they have also some problems at the moment above all on the right wing. With Traut, Valentini and Bader are 3 players out who can play there. According to this central defender Stoll must play this part now. But he has made some good matches on this position in friendlies. Also their playmaker Yamada is out injured.
In all their tests they made a good figure and lost only to begin of the trainings camp 0-1 against a lower division team. The other results were rather positive for KSC. Above all against Aarau 2-0 and Malaga 3-1 they showed their strength.

MSV Duisburg - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Two traditional teams play the Season opener this Friday. After two years MSV Duisburg is back in 2.Bundesliga and they want to start the Season well in their own Stadium while 1.FC Kaiserslautern goes in their fourth Season in 2.Bundesliga. Maybe it is a good sign for them because 2010 they managed after 4 years promotion. But nevertheless they have to build a new team again and this helps not much. They do a lot of understatement and avoid to give a real goal for this Season. The quality should be there for a top place but it is as every Season.

The euphoria is back in Duisburg after promotion and they are back in their home now again. They could hold all their important players, only a few from second row left the club. Therefore they can count on their successful team from last season and additional on their starting eleven as well. Although they signed six new players, only two managed it into the starting lineup while shortly signed central midfield player Holland is a candidate too but he is only a few days in training and not an option yet. The well balanced team knew each other well, only Bomheuer in central back and Bröker on the wing are the two new guys in starting lineup.

The other 4 guys are Iljutcenko and Brandstetter who both are ready and on the bench first while Poggenberg got injured in training and is out longer now, also Wiegel in not ready due to injury. Additional Wille and Scheidhauer are injured as well but not a problem at all for MSV. 

The test friendlies were successful to begin with two wins and a draw but the last major test against Bochum (1-2) and Porto (0-2) were both lost and was not the best for their self confidence.

Kaiserslautern must build a new team after 7 Starters left the club (Zoller, Demirbay, Matmour, Stöger, Heintz, Orban and Sippel). But they were able to sign 8 new players. DEF Vucur, MID Halfar, STR Przybylko, STR Mugosa which are all in starting lineup up for today. It is up to Coach Runjaic now to build up a successful team. It is also very open if he wants to play with two attackers or only one. The options are there with Mugosa or Görtler as replacement. Sure in the starting lineup is Przybylko up front, his partner is open.

Their key striker Hofmann left the club yesterday, he signed a contract at Brentford. Also Schulze, Gaus and Jacob are not available because all these guys are injured. The other new signings are expected on bench with Mockenhaupt, Alomerovic and Ziegler. Despite Vucur and Halfar are both parts defensive and midfield are very balanced with guys who are there already last season. So this can be an advantage maybe to begin as well. First keeper is Müller who won against Alomerovic and he knows the leagues already with some matches last season.

The test friendlies were very successful for Kaiserslautern. They were able to win 7 of these 8 games. Only against Danish team from Köge they lost 1-2, in all the others they showed that they are on a good way and had some great performances as well. The defensive worked very well and allowed not much while the offensive did a great job and scored and scored.