Dynamo Dresden - FSV Frankfurt

The atmosphere is not very good in Dresden because they are on a bottom place and they do not want to have the same problems as last season. So they must get back on track and this immediately today. Otherwise it looks like that Coach Pacult is the one who will be sucked. After 3 matches without a win and a lot of trouble in the summer break about him it can be his last chance maybe this sunday. The performances were not the best in the past and so the pressure against FSV Frankfurt is very high now. Of course the fans are behind the team and they push them all the match but they are already against the Coach a bit. Not an easy match as FSV coming from their first win and it seems that they are playing better together now after some problems in pre matches with injuries and a lot of new players while also some left the club. 

Overall the squad or starting lineup is not the same as last match against Union where the performances was awful. Gueye who saw the red card against Union is suspended here and Pacult must bring a new player for him, this can be new signing Schulz who gets his starting debut. Very strained are all around who the offense lineup would be. Some want that they play 4-4-2 instead of only one striker with Pote who has not scored in his last 17 matches. So they need to play with two strikers above all at home where they are in a must win situation now, so Dedic can be an option here and they should try it. Both played 2011/12 together and scored incredible 25 goals for Dresden, maybe some remember and maybe Coach Pacult. If both are in starting lineup the offensive position from Fiel is gone and he move back in central midfield while Menz is out of the team. But not enough with all the problems, as Coach Pacult gave an interview and he said that he is not very pleased that some from the press or around the club say in which lineup he has to play. Some play with the fire there now, I think he does the opposite they want and this give a lot of trouble :))

FSV travelled to Dresden with good mood because they got the first win and this was important for their self confidence and the upcoming matches. So they have a lot of motivation now and the team working better and better together and they know that they are able to have some success again. Till Tim Heubach the whole squad is available and gives Möhlmann a lot of options for today. Zafar Yelen is back in training but he is not yet by 100%, he said that he is on a good way but he needs 3-4 weeks more to be on top level. Both Albania national players returned healthy that Coach Möhlmann can count on the same starting lineup as last weekend.  

1860 München - FC Ingolstadt 04

The bavarian derby between 1860 and FCI with different signs.  Home side started well into the season with 2 wins from 3 matches and they are close to the top but they have to continue their winning way although their performance was very very weak in the last match. Nevertheless the points are there and no one ask how they won these but in the past years they had a lot of problems above all if they could reach the top places or should win to close the gap to the other teams they failed. This can be a thing they have to learn or do better as in the past and they are in the race from beginning on. The situation is clear, normally as with Ingolstadt they meet a team who have won nothing so far and also got not a single point. The statistic is also on their side because Ingolstadt could not win in 8 matches against 1860. Despite all Ingolstadt has a good team but they were even not able to put it on the pitch so far.

The management and coaches saw it very positive that they won 2-1 in Düsseldorf even their performance was awful because Top Teams win matches if they play good or bad the only thing was count is win and this was the case. Despite the bad performance what Schmidt saw he has a lot to improve above all their offensive play was bad and they created less and also their opening play was not the best. Seems a lot of work what they have done this week to get better prepared for the derby. Some changes maybe come as the training give some sign about. Yannick Stark is set to play on central position as he did in the past and he played well anyway but his partner Wannenwetsch was to weak and he is out of the starting lineup while wing Adlung move to the middle and plays beside Stark. This can be dangerous too because he is more a wing and gives with fast actions a lot of options and can create some. This is only because normal central player Stahl is still injured. For Adlung can play Tomasov on the wing who scored the winning goal in Düsseldorf and convinced his coach. Also in offensive gets Lauth a new partner with Hain instead of Wood. The defensive row was solid despite a lot of opportunities they gave away but the pressure from Düsseldorf was huge and therefore acceptable what they played there.

After three loses in a row FC Ingolstadt looks like a relegation candidate but they have a very good squad with a lot of good players but they were not able to play as team together and also score less what is one of the key points but the other is the defensive play. It looks like they come to a head or they have it already. Coach Kurz clam down and he does not change all what was good in preparation weeks for the season. He counts on what they have study and trained and also on the players he has available. Danny da Costa is back from suspension and he plays immediately while Morales move into the middle and plays on central midfield position beside Cohen. The place in midfield lost Pascal Groß who is out of the starting lineup. No other changes expected but one man makes some advertising in 2nd team from Ingolstadt who plays in Regional League Bavaria. Philipp Hofmann scored 6 goals in the past matches and was one of the man who lead this team to the top although he is very young but he showed his strength already in Paderborn last season. He can be an option for the offensive today. If Hofmann is in the team it can be some change in offensive where Caiuby or Korkmaz lose his place.

SC Freiburg - FSV Mainz 05

I wrote a lot from Freiburg last weekend and all my doubts were correct. Sorry but I do not know what all are having with Freiburg, they were taken huge last weekend and it looks like that they are taken this weekend again. Once again. Freiburg is not the team from last season. They lost almost their whole offensive with Kruse, Caligiuri, Rosenthal, Makiadi and Flum and also with Santini and Jendrisek two bench players and also offensive guys. So a lot of work to do for Coach Streich who has to field an absolutely new offensive. It was not all well in the past above all their Cup match showed a lot off weakness in offensive where they could not create much against a lower division team who was the better side additional. Of course they won after Extra time who cares but they showed not much against Leverkusen again. An absolutely plus from last season was that they played really compact, all together from Offensive to defensive but this is not the case at the moment because a lot of new players in starting lineup needs time and learn to know each other better and where my partner runs and so on. This need all a lot of time but time is to less above all if you play in Bundesliga and need to collect points or win matches. Additional problem can be EL in the future where they must manage Bundesliga, EL and Cup. I think this can be a bit to much for this team.

On the other side they face an opponent who has no worries and seems in good shape. Coach Tuchel understand it very well to work with young players and he gives them a lot of confidence anyway. So they gave some back last match with a good start into the season. Of course they want to continue this way and therefore Freiburg is the right opponent for them at the moment. Mainz lost not much from their squad and can count on almost the same, no they strength it more and this is the outcome what we have seen last weekend. The only problem this week for Coach Tuchel was the absent of several players, around 9 players were away for their national teams and if all return well and healthy it speaks nothing against the same starting lineup as against Stuttgart. The same squad then, Soto who was important player last season is not in the squad because he has to do some individual training after his injury but sooner or later he can be an option for Tuchel again. 

At the moment I see Mainz as the much better prepared team as Freiburg. Sorry but I do not understand why count so many around on Freiburg. This team lost 5 of their starters and 2 of their bench players, they signed a lot of new guys but it needs time and they are far away from last year's form or style of play. Additional they are on a 5 matches winless run against Mainz. Overall if we compare both the better choice can here only Mainz.

----------------------------

I am very proud to present you one of the best and most successful Service in the Network. For years, he draws attention to himself with his daily Newsletter. In particular, the large width of Sport is covered with it is outstanding. An absolute Premium Service with high Standard, you should not miss. However, convinced yourselves. Take a look at www.clubgowi.com

VfB Stuttgart - Bayer Leverkusen

First home match for Stuttgart after their defeat in 1.Round against Mainz 05. They did well in trainings camp and also in their preparation due to the season. They played some good friendlies and got also good result. Overall it look like that they are on a good way but the first match showed some different. Their defensive was very weak and according to the friendlies not visible. But Coach Labbadia said it in an interview already. All were available in training and they prepared very well and a lot of situations were played through. So all was ok and they conceded only 2 goals before the season but some things happened against Plovdiv or training that many problems arrived and all the good preparation was gone. According to Stuttgart news they face a huge problems with unavailable defenders. With Tasci, Niedermeier and Rüdiger (returns but not fit) they miss almost all of their central back. In this case Labbadia has to change a lot as he did already against Mainz and as he must against Leverkusen again. So it is absolutely clear that they have a big problem there but they have only young and unexperienced players available who played not often or do not know such situations. What to do, to buy new defenders or count on some who are already there. He count on players like Röcker and some others, also Schwaab must move from the wing into the middle and play as central defender. All the sequences they trained and what they have to do is more as invalid. They have to focus absolutely new now. Offensive looked well and they have a lot of options there and also the players are all able to get dangerous or make some trouble for the opponents defensive.

I wrote already some of Leverkusen last weekend but maybe I can repeat it a bit. Leverkusen is well balanced, did a good preparation and had not many changes in team above all in their starting lineup they can count on almost the same from last season, only 1-2 players are new but this should be not a big problem. What they are able to bring on the pitch showed they already twice. This was in Cup with an easy 6-1 and last but not least against Freiburg with 3-1. They have a lot of potential above all in their offensive what looks unstoppable at the moment. Sam, Son, Castro, Kießling are on fire. What make things a lot easier for them is if they can take the lead, they can run their counter attacks over their mentioned players above. All there guys are very quick and therefore they scored two of their 3 goals with such fast attacks. Leverkusen is not a team who force or press from beginning on, they count more on counter attacks what they are better prepared. But overall beside Bayern Munich and Dortmund one of the top teams in Bundesliga and they can repeat their success from last season.

With all the problems from Stuttgart in defensive it can be that Leverkusen take advantage with their excellent and experienced players. Coach Labbadia says it makes no sense to change my tactic and play more defensive style, it is nonsense. So he wants to play as in Mainz and try to make the game and put some pressure on Leverkusen, this can be a big mistake if Leverkusen can use their fast play. Also Kießling likes to play against Stuttgart as he scored a lot in the past against VfB. Sportmanger Bobic said that he does not like him :)) I can see some advantage for Leverkusen here. GL

1.FC Köln - SV Sandhausen

The pressure is high in Cologne and the management maybe made an mistake at they force the goal to get promoted. After three draws they need immediately the first win otherwise the are far away from the top places after 4 Rounds. This means they have to improve a lot and their performance anyway. A lot of players are not at their level and also in offensive they look very weak. The only man with Ujah is not enough there. But they meet an opponent who is not very good to play because they play really defensive and this is what the problem is for Cologne, they need much more space for their wings and therefore it can be a huge problem today too. Both matches ended with draw against Sandhausen last season. 

More as probably is this because Coach Schwartz is known for his defensive style and if they can hold Colonge away from their goal and hold some time a draw, maybe Cologne and their fans get angry and this can be one of the key facts here. The problems from Cologne are clear and sooner or later they open more and more and the space for Sandhausen gets bigger and their chances as well. This was seen in matches like Dresden, Düsseldorf, Paderborn and in Cup. So why not today again. No changes expected because Coach Schwartz was very pleased how his team played against Nürnberg and Cottbus last weekend where they got a draw what is not such bad but they were 2-0 up and could not hold this lead till the end. In this case captain Löning is again on bench.

Some more changes expected in lineup for Colonge today. Their performances were not the best in the past and maybe Coach Stöger changes some and try a new system or something he has in mind. One of these changes can be from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 with Ujah beside last weeks goal scorer Przybylko. Mattuschyk must on bench while Lehmann plays the central midfield position alone and he has to do a lot then but he is not the quickest one and this can bring some danger here. Maybe Halfar can bring some fresh power in Colognes play while Bröker and Thiel looked not very good and this can be the chance from Exslager who was not such bad after he came in. As you can see, Coach Stöger wants to try some new and bring new fresh and hungry players in the lineup to get the first win today.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - Erzgebirge Aue

Next match ahead but Kaiserslautern stands under huge pressure if they do not want to open the gap to the top places to beginning of the season they have to win this match, nothing else. But before this, they should invest a bit more in their performance above all in their defensive or offensive who looked not very well against Fürth. They must turn things around if they want to keep their aims alive. On the other side with Aue we have a team who won both opening matches but knocked out from Cup against 3rd league team Osnabrück very easy and lost against Aalen at home where they played really awful and lost deserved. But nevertheless they are huge underdog today and they can only win !!!

Maybe due to the problems from Coach Foda that some players were already away to their national teams he had to change some against Fürth and this was also a key fact. So, all back today and he can count on central midfielder Ring again who played not such bad and gave his team much stability in the past matches. All in all looks like that all players are ready and Coach Foda has to choose from a lot the only open position can be beside striker Idrissou because Occean did not convinced much in his start debut against Fürth and he must maybe back on bench while young Zoller who scored 3 goals already maybe move in. It seems the better choice for Lautern because they were much stronger and much more dangerous with him.

One of the relegation candidates surprised to beginning of the season but they are on a huge downtrend in their last two matches. They were not able to advance in cup and also get something against Aalen. All the problems are back and they should try to get back but it is not an easy one today. Therefore Coach Götz watched the match from Kaiserslautern on monday and he has some nice informations. Despite these things he must replace his captain Klingbeil because of illness. Pezzoni and Könnecke were both doubtful but they said that they are available today, if they are at 100% it is questionable. Also it is more as sure that Coach Götz change some of his last lineup because he made 4 changes before the match against Aalen and it looks like that this was one of the biggest mistakes he made so far there. No one could convince much and so he changes back maybe to old style. Also he put up a very defensive minded eleven.

VfL Bochum - FC St. Pauli

After national duties it is a bit different to other Rounds, so the 1.Bundesliga starts tomorrow with their matches and so the 2.Bundesliga comes into the window for an late match on friday. This is the match between former 1.Bundesliga teams but they had a lot problems in the past years and after having a lot of trouble last season with relegation trouble they looking forward for better times and maybe that they can stay away from this. Nevertheless but for promotion aims their are to weak anyway, so a good midfield place can be the choice maybe. Both teams started with a win, draw and lose into the season, with 4 points they are exactly on the position they deserved at the moment. The team who win today can climb up a bit and relax a bit more.

Bochum's start was well against Union Berlin, they won there with 2-1 but the other two matches they showed not much above all their big problems in offensive was seen from all. The goals against Union were some gifts and also a lucky wide shot. They were not able to create much and get dangerous enough to finish in the end. Coach Neururer said that he is thinking to change his system to a much more offensive one. He counts on 4-2-3-1 at the moment but with the problems one striker is to less in his eyes too. Offensive wing Cwielong is suspended for this match and this gives him a good chance to put in Aydin as the second striker beside unlucky Sukuta Pasu who could not convince much so far. Behind both can be the position from Tasaka as playmaker. Also Ken Ilsö can play this position but he is not 100% fit and only on bench maybe. The next problems are in defensive because experienced midfielder Tiffert is out, and he must bring a new one on this important position, Bulut can be an option there. But we have also some good news, Butscher is back after injury and is also an option as back wing where Holthaus must on bench then. Ok, Neururer has some options but the biggest problem is scoring ......

Coach Frontzeck has no problems so far he can count on the same as he had available in the past. Out are Mohr, Schachten and Daube. Despite the bad performance against Bielefeld wants Frontzeck count on the same lineup. They played maybe well in some situations but in the end they were to harmless and this is exactly their biggest problem this season, after their top striker Ginczek left it is a huge hole there. They scored only a single goal in 3 matches and you can see where the problems are, not in defensive because they conceded only one. Although with some good players like Bartels, Thy, Buchtmann and Rzatkowski (former Bochumer) they are not able to finish their actions. Of course these guys are not known as scorer but if they want to win matches they must do the job. Almost the same situation as in Bochum, and the same idea from Coach, he wants to play with two strikers in an 4-4-2 system. Central midfielder Kringe who is more defensive minded must maybe on bench while Buchtmann plays beside Boll then and Bartels who was only substitute last match move in. Upfront is not out who get the place, if Nöthe or Verhoek but both are far away from their best form and therefore it is almost a coin flip who should play.

----------------------------

I am very proud to present you one of the best and most successful Service in the Network. For years, he draws attention to himself with his daily Newsletter. In particular, the large width of Sport is covered with it is outstanding. An absolute Premium Service with high Standard, you should not miss. However, convinced yourselves. Take a look at www.clubgowi.com

Karlsruher SC - Greuther Fürth

Round 4 is coming up and we have a Top match in 2.Bundesliga. Of course we need a few Rounds more that we can say this but there plays 3rd vs. 1st. The situation was different before the season, Fürth was relegated from 1.Bundesliga while KSC promoted from 3rd League. Therefore a good start for both so far but know one knows if they can continue with their level they showed already. In this case we have to wait some Rounds as I said already and after 6-8 Rounds you can say more about the strength and where they can be at the end of the season. Nevertheless both deserved their good start, KSC kept a clean sheet in all their matches so far while Fürth conceded only one but won all their matches. With a win or draw Fürth can remain on 1st place on the other side KSC with a win they can overcome Fürth. The only problem for KSC is that they never won against Fürth in the past 5 matches.

KSC Coach Kauczinski has all his players from last weekend available. He can count on the same what he did already in the first matches. The team looked well balanced and there were not many changes due to last season. Therefore all players worked together for longer time now and their success gave them confidence and motivation that they are on the right way. Above all their defensive is very strong at the moment but this was already in 3rd league the case. The only problem can be that some injured players need some time longer as expected because defender Stoll got injured in training again. Also with Gulde and Kempe they miss two players who are not ready overall. Due to the good and successful last matches some of the players can be sure that they have saved their places in starting lineup.

Well done, never expected such a good start from Fürth after their desaster from last season in 1.Bundesliga where they could not win a single home match. Nevertheless the hope is back and the team worked well and all their self confidence is back after the first wins. So they know that they are able to win matches in this league and also against Top promotion candidates like Kaiserslautern is but they stopped them last monday. Despite the win against Kaiserslautern Coach Kramer must change his offensive row because with striker Djurdic got an important and excellent player injured. He is out with knee injury for month now. Huge blow for them anyway. Mudrinski replace Djurdic at the moment, he comes in last monday and scored the winning goal. What a good advertise for him but he is almost the same player as Azemi and therefore Fürth search for a new striker who is the same typ as Djurdic. This can be that Mudrinski is only in team for a some rounds and must be back on bench then. But let's see what happen and what they are able to do right now. Overall the team played very well against Lautern and should be able to continue their run, not many changes expected in lineup.

Greuther Fürth - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Top match between 2nd and 3rd placed team on monday evening where both are unbeaten in their two matches so far. Moreover both teams won both matches and they can keep things easy with a win for a perfect start today. Kaiserslautern needs a win for the top while Fürth can be satisfied with a draw to be leader of 2.Bundesliga after 3 Rounds. But nevertheless it is only a short moment in a long season, the only thing what count is to be under the top teams at the end of the season. So both teams are not such blind and they know this already.

Ok, Greuther Fürth won all of their important matches so far, if in league against Bielefeld 2-0, Aalen 2-0 or in Cup but in all these matches they looked not such good as the result was. Of course they won these but they played not constant for 90 minutes. They had some good periods in these 90 minutes but they could not hold this high level for the whole match. Therefore this is their first big test against a team who wants to get promoted after failing so close last season. It was only due to keeper Hesl who saved a lot and the weakness from some opponent players who could not use their good opportunities can be Kaiserslautern a different team with their excellent players. They know how to use the good chances immediately. Coach Kramer knows all and he tries to get his players in the right position and find the right tactic as well, so he changes a lot for this match maybe because their last match was in Cup against a low division team and he let some players start who has not so much played so far. But against Kaiserslautern returns defender Mavraj, midfielder Zillner, Sukalo and Weilandt, striker Azemi who are all candidates for the starting lineup.

Also Kaiserslautern advanced in Cup easy with a 7-0 against a lower division team and Coach Foda let some players start who are normally not in the starting lineup, so he changes back as opponent Coach Kramer does. Therefore also many changes in starting lineup expected against their last match. But not all is such easy because we have international duty under the week with national teams and for this reason two players must leave Kaiserslautern's squad already. With Finland international Ring and Grecce player Fortounis  are two players who can be the different not available. The others are ready and back wing Löwe and Zoller should be in starting lineup again after his rest in Cup. For Ring plans Coach Foda with Jenssen but he could not convince much in Cup match, so it can be that he counts on other one or change his mind. In offensive is clear high flying Zoller must play and beside him Idrissou what gives Occean only a place on the bench but he comes in for sure against his former club. The motivation should be high anyway.

----------------------------

I am very proud to present you one of the best and most successful Service in the Network. For years, he draws attention to himself with his daily Newsletter. In particular, the large width of Sport is covered with it is outstanding. An absolute Premium Service with high Standard, you should not miss. However, convinced yourselves. Take a look at www.clubgowi.com

FC Schalke 04 - Hamburger SV

Hunter time? He likes to play vs. HSV

I think we have here a team who can be under the Top 4 in Bundesliga. Schalke managed the important 4th place last season and plays CL Quali against an team from Ukraine in some weeks. They must be aware that they have to start well and getting better in form form week to week if they want to reach the Group Stage from CL. So the start is very important in BL. If they play like in Cup against Nöttingen where almost all players take it to easy or maybe play a bit lethargic they have no chance. But Coach Keller said already that he does not want to see such a performance again. So if some players are not on the best level or weak at this time he has some more options as last season as they strength their squad from last season. Overall with Clemens from Köln, Szalai from Mainz who should help Huntelaar in scoring, Goretzka from Bochum and Santana from Dortmund. All these players are candidates for the starting lineup, so the pressure in training on a high level. The only imp. who left the club some days ago was Bastos who was not very lucky at Schalke and it was better for him to go. Starting lineup can be almost the same as last season, maybe Clemens on the wing can be a candidate to start, also Santana. Szalai made a good preparation and is an option if Keller counts on to strikers or maybe only on Huntelaar. We will see.

A lot of trouble again at Hamburg, they were very weak in pre matches and lost a lot of friendlies against lower division teams and so on. Sport Manager Kreuzer was often very angry about the players and how they react on the pitch and their body language was very awful. They talked a lot in Hamburg from EL and so on but if they continue like they did in friendlies they never reach this more they get in danger. Due to less money they have they could not sign huge or good players, they lost Son to Leverkusen who was important whit his fast actions. So they have with Zoua from Basel, Calhanoglu from KSC, Djourou who played last season for H96 but is injured now and Sobiech from Dortmund some new players. Bad result, mood not the best and a lot of trouble can make it more and more a very hard season for them. Some of the experts think already (like Franz Beckenbauer) Hamburg is a relegation candidate. Some more problems for Coach Fink because if his best scorer Rudnevs could not play due to illness he has a big problem in offensive.

Let's see who will be first off the mark here and which team can start well. Very important for both as all fans of them have a lot of expectation. Of course the home ground should help Schalke here and they have good fans who push them from beginning on and they were always able to score at home above all in their last two seasons they scored in all matches at home, only against Bayern München they were not able. I see Schalke as the better side and they should be the team here.

SV Sandhausen - Energie Cottbus

Lucky SV Sandhausen was relegated but they got a second chance only due to the problems from MSV Duisburg and because of no license for them. Therefore they are in 2.Bundesliga again although they are relegated. They want to do a lot of things better as last season and they want to remain this season. Of course everyone has his aims but I think it can be the next big step for them. To beginning of the season they managed a draw against Aalen at home and lost a bit unlucky against Aue 0-1 although Aue was a bit better and Sandhausen tried only to defend more. In defensive they played well so far but their offensive did not exist. They scored not a single goal in two matches and this should change today according to Coach and players. They got some self confidence back with knocking Bundesliga team from 1.FC Nürnberg out after penalties. This maybe can help to get into the match with full of confidence. Cottbus lost their first match but played an excellent second one against Paderborn at home where they won 4-0, sure maybe Paderborn was so weak this day but nevertheless they won easy. In Cup they advanced but it was hard work and nothing to see from their good play against Paderborn.

After the Cup match can Coach Schwartz count on the same eleven as he did against Nürnberg. Why should he change a winning team and with this self confidence now they can start all again today. It was a bit of a mess because 1st keeper Riemann was out the first two matches with injury but in Cup he saved to penalties and therefore he is set as number one now. He confirmed the trust in him. Also Thiede and Jovanovic could convince and should help to give the offensive more power and creativity. In this case Lönning starts from bench again if Coach decides against him and for Jovanovic. Danny Blum was substituted against Nürnberg but is out with an injury now and need some weeks for his comeback.

Cottbus face some problems because winning goal scorer Jendrisek is ill and not in the squad while Sanogo could not train much but said that he is ready for this match and due to less options form Coach Bommer he should be in starting lineup immediately. Beside Sanogo should replace Stiepermann Jendrisek what was the case in many matches last season when Sanogo and Stiepermann played often together. If the risk is to high with Sanogo maybe Mosquera is an option too but he convinced not much in the past. Dfensive and midfield are almost the same as in the past, only if Bommer decides that Bickel must on bench can replace Rivic him. This position is normally for the fast and quick Farina but he is out with injury.

Last season this match was won by Sandhausen 3-1 at a rainy November day.

Bayer Leverkusen - SC Freiburg

I think this is the best match to write about. So I decided to give some informations from both teams, do not know if you are already informed about both but nevertheless I give my opinion. First of all I want to give some interesting stats. Leverkusen like to play against Freiburg because they lost only one from their last 10 matches against them, but won 7 times !!! On the other side Freiburg is not known for the best starters as they wait since four years for a win now but from the last 4 openers they got at least 3 times a draw. 

3rd placed team from last season Leverkusen changed not much, ok they have now one Coach with Hypia instead of duo Lewandowski/Hypia from last season. Also they lost important midfield player Schürrle to Chelsea London but signed with Son from Hamburger SV a very good replacement for him. So it looks like that they are able to walk on with the same stability. In defensive they got some new players and gives Hypia a wide range to choose. All in all the same team from last season and they know each other very well and it was shown already in several matches, if friendlies or Cup match. The team worked well and is already in good shape. So no need for more time, they are ready. Keeper Leno is clear, defensive row can be Boenisch, Toprak, new man Spahic who has a lot of experience (Wollscheid), new man Donati (young player, need still a bit time I think / or experienced Hilbert plays). Midfield is the same as last season with Rolfes, Bender, Reinartz and Sam. Alone up front is top striker Kießling (this can be a problem if he gets injured / no replacement so far at an equal level), and a bit behind him maybe Son or Castro/Bellarabi can play this position.

Last season high flying Freiburg lost a lot of players and it is almost the same as every season, they have to start almost from new. This is one of the biggest task from Coach Streich again. He is not very pleased with all the players who left but he has to work with the new guys now and make them ready and hopefully as good as he can to be as good as last season. But this is almost impossible. With Kruse, Rosenthal, Caligiuri, Makiadi and Flum they lost a lot of potential and almost they whole offensive. They signed with Hanke, Mehmedi, Coquelin, Fernandes and Pilar some good one but it is almost the same, they need time. Time they do not have above all if we take a look at the their schedule. They play Euro League this season and it means a lot of more matches for a team who do not know this rhythm. All are new and almost the whole offensive. So things are clear and it was seen at their Cup matches against lower division side where they had a lot of problems above all in offensive where they were not able to create much and was additional the weaker side. Also with some luck too. Although the defensive row is the same from last season they made some big mistakes and open a lot of opportunities what their opponent could not use. 

Overall Leverkusen played well in Cup, won comfortable and has a well rehearsed team already while Freiburg has to replace 5 guys from last season. So 5 new one are in and their work and running ways are not all balanced what make it not easy for their well organized defensive from last season. In this case I see Leverkusen in a much better position as Freiburg at the moment and they are not able to continue their run from last season, they will get problems and they have it already. Advantage Leverkusen. GL

SC Paderborn - 1.FC Köln

Very nice matchup, both teams are with a win so far. Of course Paderborn got nothing so far and is much more under pressure as Köln today but with two times draw it is not much for Köln too. Above all they want to be one of the promotion candidates this season, therefore they have to win matches immediately or they open the gap to the top to much. It can be a hot one here, both need the win and both want the win, let's see which team is able to collect it.

After losing both league matches Paderborn got some self confidence with the Cup win against former league rival Duisburg. Also they are again underdog what makes it a bit more easier for them. No one expect here anything from Paderborn what is a big chance for Coach Breitenreiter. He changed some in his starting lineup for the Cup matches and while it was not such bad he counts maybe on the same guys again. Of course it was not all good above all they conceded again 2 goals although Strohdiek played for Amedick but this was also not such stable enough. Nevertheless he tries it again today. New signing Heinloth made a good matches and could convince his Coach for future tasks. Old man Krösche is also in the starting lineup because he is important to lead his team. Offensive with ten Voorde and Kachunga worked well and should be ahead of the others.

As always a lot of trouble in Köln and around but this is their style and they need it maybe. Coach Stöger said that no one can expect a save place in his team. They have to work hard all and recommend themselves in every training for a place in starting lineup. So with this he wants to hold the pressure on the players high and want to get more out of them as they are doing to bring at the moment. It was not all good what they did or played so far but Coach Stöger has found his lineup maybe above all the second half against Düsseldorf showed some of the team he counts in the future. So Matthias Lehmann is back in the team and also new man Halfar was a good investment. The only open place can be on Maroh's side? Who is the best partner for him, Nascimento or Golobarth? Offensive can be a fight against Thiel who scored the second goal in Cup or Bröker for the starting lineup. Maybe Thiel plays today as Bröker convinced not much so far. This sub can be some relief for lone striker Ujah.

FC Ingolstadt 04 - Karlsruher SC

A lot of pressure coming up for this home match because Ingolstadt started with two loses into this season and where not able to create much or finished some good actions. So they must start winning now if they do not want to stay longer at the bottom of the table and let the season be a very hard one. Their opponent KSC is unbeaten so far and they got a win at Frankfurt 1-0 and a draw against St. Pauli at home and their defensive is working well too because they kept in both a clean sheet. An interesting one ....

Last weekend they got some success with the advance in 1. Cup Round against an Amateur Team 4-1. But Ingolstadt has an absolutely big Sponsor in their back and they can react as fast as they can and after losing both matches in league they signed central midfielder Cohen from 1.FC Nürnberg and playmaker Hajnal from VfB Stuttgart. Both had gave good debuts and both should help to make them a bit stronger and better. The team looked a bit to young therefore they signed a bit older and experienced players who can lead the team beside Eigler. Coach Kurz is very happy about them and they are for sure in starting lineup today. On the other positions all is open and more and more changes expected. Danny da Costa is suspended today, so Morales can move back on his position while Knasmüller can play in central midfield beside Cohen. Also Roger played bad in Cup as defender and should be on bench while Gunesch replace him. In offensive all the same maybe, only youngster Hofmann could make some advertising for oneself with 3 goals in 2nd team from Ingolstadt who plays in Regional Bavaria.

KSC started well in League but knocked out in Cup against Wolfsburg. Sure they played well but they were not able to stop Wolfsburg. At some time they was very good in the match and made some good actions but overall if it was close, Wolfsburg put in the next gear. But nevertheless they got a lot of self confidence out of this match and looking forward to the next tasks. The defensive block should be the same as in the past, did they kept in both a clean sheet and they stand very well in these matches. Only, maybe in midfield some changes where Yabo could take advantage over Varnhagen. Also very hot is Micanski for this match, was he the one who were in Ingolstadt on loan last half of the season but got not many minutes there. So he wants to show some but it is very doubtful as he is ill at the moment and if he is not able to play, Rowen Hennings gets his place in starting lineup.

Bayern München - Bor. M'Gladbach

The 1.Bundesliga Season 2013/14 opens their gates on Friday 09.08.2013 with Champion Bayern Munich against their biggest rival in 70 years Bor. M'Gladbach. This can be a very interesting and entertaining match above all because no one knows what new Bayern Coach Guardiola plans for a system or what players he wants to field for his first important Bundesliga match. Nevertheless a lot of supporters (sold out) want to see the new style of play from Bayern, but he said it already in an interview today. The pressure is to high and the hype with him and around the club is too high. He is a normal Coach with some ideas to play football. Sure his team has to understand this but at all their friendlies it looks like that they are not on the end of their way. A lot of work to do above all to beginning Bayern played well and scored a lot but in the past it looks more they getting weaker and weaker and creating less and want only control the match and ball. Sure this is Guardiola style of play but when you forget to score it is hard to win matches. All know that it can be a very tuff start into the season. To many rotations he made in pre matches and many players played positions he never played before. This means it needs a lot of time more as the few weeks they had now. Sooner or later it works I am very sure but I predict not a very well start for them. They have a lot of potential with their best squad ever but hopefully no problems with unhappy players and so on. All can play in this team, but only 11 or 14 can play. So Guardiola needs a perfect handling about his players. Interesting which players are on the pitch tomorrow, sure not available is Gustavo ill, Götze only 3 trainings so far and Thiago is a big doubt because he has fever. Neuer in goal is sure, defending row can be Lahm, Dante, Martinez (Boateng) Alaba, midfield Kroos, Schweinsteiger (but not at 100% - Thiago), Ribery, Robben, Müller (Thiago, Shakiri), striker Mandzukic (Müller). 
One big problem they had in the past, they gave to many situations away in defensive, so their opponents created or got to many chances to score also in Cup match had Rehden two !!! On this level it can be that they can not keep a clean sheet as Gladbach is dangerous in counter attacks.

Difficult opponent Gladbach roll Bayern sometimes in the past above all in their Arena. They won 1-0 there and last season 1-1 (this was the Bayern Munich's last point they gave away in their Arena. - They are on a huge 8-0-0 winning streak). Nevertheless this shows that Favre knows how to hurt Bayern because this man is always good for some excellent tactics. All in all they have to do a lot better as they did in Cup against 3rd League team Darmstadt where they knocked out in Round 1 after Penalties. Many players were to arrogant and to cool in this match. So it can be that Favre changes some. Players who can be out of the starting lineup are Rupp, Hrgota, Korb and Kramer while Arrango who missed the Cup matches is ready to play again, also Younes after injury can be an option. I am expecting a deep standing Gladbach side to make the field as small as they can and go for their fast counter over Herrmann and Kruse. This can be a very good option as I mentioned above Bayern's problems in defensive in the past matches and they allowed to many, so Gladbach can hope here. But if we take in mind that they played already against each other in Telekom Cup some weeks ago where Bayern won the Final very easy and high with great combinations some think that this happen again but I doubt. This was preparation and now it counts.

The HC is set very high and I think this is almost so heavy above all Bayern is not on their highest level already. HC -2,5 or -2,75 are absolutely big in an opener. Sure, all possible but I think it can be a close one although Gladbach got not much in Munich but the past matches showed that they are able to hurt Bayern. A win for Bayern is possible but not with a huge margin, all Champions from last Season almost never lost in their openers (only Bayern 0-1 12 years ago / in Gladbach). GL  

Cup Matches on Friday

VfL Osnabrück - Erzgebirge Aue

It was not clear if Osnabrück plays such a good role as last season as they failed in their two promotion matches against Dresden and lost some imp. players. So they are not under the promotion candidates this season and more expect one season of improvements but they started very well and won both, no one have expected this. So they are not so bad as some mean. At home they are always very dangerous with their great fans in back. Aue on the other side started also well and won both too. Also a big surprise so far above all their win in Ingolstadt. So they can go relaxed in this encounter although they are favorite in this against 3rd league team from Osnabrück but it can be a very close one.


FC Heidenheim - 1860 München

Top promotion candidate from 3rd league Heidenheim has a very good squad this season, after they missed 3rd place at the last matchday they strength their team additional and so Coach Schmid has a lot to choose from and also some more options for gives him a wide range of systems and tactics he can play with. They started average because their home match was only a draw against relegated Regensburg where they were two times up but in the end they could not hold it. Some of good players are not available at the moment like 1st keeper from last season Sabanov, striker Thurk and Mayer. 
1860 after losing 0-1 at St. Pauli what was not a bit curious they won with a late goal from Stoppelkamp 2-1. So they are on the way but it can be a very hard match for them above all Heidenheim can hurt them anyway. This match needs all the concentration and effort they have to win this. They miss with Vallori and Bierofka good players but they should be replaceable.


RB Leipzig - FC Augsburg

After a long time and a lot of money invested RB Leipzig got promoted last season. Their aim is to go up till 1.Bundesliga. The money is there with Mateschitz and sooner or longer they are one of the teams they can reach it. It looks like a second Hoffenheim is coming. They started well and with the goals from captain Frahn they are on a good way. The team is very young because they want to count on young talented players to go the next step and this is to play a good role in 3rd league. Some of the experts said that they are one of the teams for promotion. So let's see what they are able to bring in the future.
Augsburg with an average preparation above all their offensive making a lot of problems again. This was one of the key points last season already. This continues again and they are searching for some new strikers at the moment but if they can sign or get some is not out so far. This is their first imp. match this season while RB Leipzig has a lot of more match praxis already. Also they miss a lot of players like keeper Manninger, Ottl, De Jong, Werner and Bance.   

VfL Bochum - Dynamo Dresden

Both teams started well into the new season above all Bochum where no one knows how strong the team are after their big loses from important players like Goretzka, Rzakowski, Dedic and Kramer. They surprised in Berlin and won, sure with a bit luck but deserved 2-1 against Union. On the other side Dynamo gave a great fight for Köln and got a point in the end what was also very good and not so undeserved as well. So with a win today, both can get closer to the top of the table and can celebrate a good start.

Maybe Bochum is one step ahead from Dresden because Coach Neururer can count on insider Florian Jungwirth you came into the squad this summer. So he can give some good information about the style and system of play and gives Neururer a better look how to play against. For Jungwirth it is a special match and he wants to show his former coach and team mates that this was the wrong decision to let him go. He is in the starting eleven for sure and beside Tiffert and Latza he build up a good midfield row. Moreover they have not many problems, so that Neururer can count on the same eleven as against Union, only defensive wing Bastians is out with injury what gives youngster Holthaus an opportunity to start today. All the other position are the same as mentioned but striker Sukuta Pasu has a lot of problems in pre season and at 1.Round too, he was not up to his best shape but he getting the next chance today.

Almost the same situation for Coach Pacult as Neururer has. Because with Dedic he has a former player from Bochum in his rows and he can ask him too about Bochum's play and system. The only different thing is that he is out with illness and could not train. For this reason it is almost the same eleven expected and also system with 4-2-3-1 with Pote alone on the position up front. Also owing that both alternatives Benyamina and Müller could not convince in test match against Bautzen where they lost 0-1. All in all their defensive stands good against Köln and should be the same also midfield with Menz and Losilla on central position while behind Trojan is a questionmark. He is not at 100% fitness at the moment and this can be the chance for Kempe today who was and active player after he came in against Köln also he scored the equalizer what gives him hope that he starts today.

Karlsruher SC - FC St. Pauli

Both teams started well and both won their opening match with 1-0. KSC as newcomer after one year in 3.BL played not such bad against FSV Frankfurt and won with a header from Peitz after corner with 1-0. Pauli played average as 1860 was much closer and had some good opportunities but as always sooner or later a counter attack did it in their favor. Thy with a shoot outside the box scored the winning goal with some help form 1860 keeper Kiraly. So both teams started better as last season and both are on a good way and can play maybe a bit more relaxed as they had lost the first match. Pressure is gone but we will see who KSC can handle the big euphoria around and with 20.000 supporters in their back it can be help or burden. Nevertheless the team is almost the same as last season and they know each other very well what give them a bit more of advantage.

Home side miss again defender Gulde and Stoll but both are well replaced by Gordon and Mauersberger who did a good job so far. Also Dennis Kempe and midfielder Krebs are out with injuries so it looks like that KSC Coach can count on the same as last weekend in Frankfurt. Due to their solid performance it is not obvious that the same eleven starts again. But he wants more self confidence and power from his team, they made it good against FSV but St. Pauli is maybe a better opponent today, so he asks for more concentration.

As I mentioned above, St. Pauli won at least 1-0 but it was not such a good performance from them. They bought some new players and they need time that they work well together. It was more as questionable what they put on the pitch. Of course in some actions is light but it was more dark as light. But everyone knows that they have to improve a lot and they work hard for it, week for week and sooner or later they reach the level they want. Frontzeck practice with his team to the same time as they play today. They should learn to play in such hot conditions they have today with around 38 degree. So all players know what happen today. On the other side he has to replace Schindler, Schachten, Mohr and Daube who were not in the squad against 1860 already. So almost the same are on the pitch as to beginning.

Erzgebirge Aue - SV Sandhausen

Although both teams are relegation candidates as most of the experts expected them at the bottom of the table they started both without a lose. Sandhausen got a point at home against Aalen while Aue started very well with a win in Ingolstadt but they got a lot of help from Ingolstadt's midfielder Morales who made two big mistakes which Sylvestr used to his two goals. Kick off time is not very good because it is very very hot at the moment in Germany and we have 30+ degrees. So This can be a very tight match for both.

Coach Götz could not field his last winning lineup, no he must change. Ok, Kirchstein who won the fight against Männel is back and ready again after his head injury against Ingolstadt and should be in starting lineup what puts Männel on the bench. But the suspended Novikovas is out for today after receiving two yellow cards against Ingolstadt and for the second the following red. First alternative can be Kocer but also Miatke can be in and at this position as well. On the good 4-2-3-1 system from Götz they want to count again because they did well and so the team like this with one striker Sylvestr and Janjic behind of him. The others are more defensive minded and should help to hold their opponent away from dangerous situations.

Sandhausen do not know after their 0-0 against Aalen where they stand at the moment because they were relegated but only due to Duisburg got no license for 2.Bundesliga they are in again. They changed a lot in their team and this is not all done without any problems. They need still time to know each other better or know the running ways from all team mates. A lot of work to do for Coach Schwartz but he is very confident that they are much better as last season. It was a gift for them that they play in 2.Bundesliga again. In offensive they had the bigger problems against Aalen, there was a lot of mistakes and they played without any pressure and created almost nothing. For the future they hope that Jovanovic can help but he is not at 100% at the moment after coming from Duisburg. Defensive looked well and so they should have a chance here.

1.FC Kaiserslautern - FC Ingolstadt 04

Different signs before this encounter today while Kaiserlsautern played a good opener and won their match easy against Paderborn 1-0, of course they could have won higher but missed to much above all Idrissou had not his best day in front of the goal. Had Ingolstadt much more problems, sure they played overall well and constant also with much more ball possession but made to many individual mistakes above all Morales gives two away for Aue who could win in the end 2-1. So Ingolstadt started with the same problems as last season but they are not chanceless at Betzenberg. They count on their strength away from home from last season, hopefully they are still there. Kaiserslautern is the big favorite in this encounter but coach Kurz know how to play against them and bring them in danger because he was Coach there after he was sucked 2012. Some motivation additional against his former club and also to push his team and find the right attitude to steal some points. Huge task as with the good start Kaiserlsautern has the fans in their back again and the euphoria is huge at the moment. That all go the normal way Coach Foda is warning his team that they must be as concentrate as they can because in every match they must start from new.

Against last season Kaiserslautern has a much bigger squad above all in midfield and up front Foda can choose from a lot and therefore no one is safe. He can change for every match and this can lead to a higher position fight in training sessions. A lot of quality there and the players push each other to the next level what makes it more easy for the coach too. Some indicate from Foda that he wants to change was mentioned already under the week. He can count on a more offensive style of play above all at home and therefore bring some players who stand for this. But overall, not decided. So he has some options with Stöger, Drazan, Wooten, Borysiuk, Jenssen and Fortounis who were all not in the starting lineup against Paderborn, instead of these guys Karl, Ring, Matmour and Gaus played. So let’s see what his decision is today.

On the other side Ingolstadt must change anyway. Their weakest man from last match Morales is suspended and he was the guy who put Aue in a good position with his two big mistakes. Maybe Kurz is very happy that he has not the problem to bring him again, so he can change without worries. On an interview he mentioned that he can figure with the return of Groß beside Knasmüller on the position in central midfield. Also Jessen should be huge motivated because he is on loan and wants to show his potential but he was not in the starting lineup last weekend. Instead of him Kurz counts on Soares but it can be different today. Moreover there can be more changes but Kurz does not want to tell more about his lineup. The only thing he mentioned is that this match can be a good one for them above all his team has not the pressure and is not favorite anyway. So he can play much more relaxed but of course focused enough to hurt Kaiserslautern a bit.   

Arminia Bielefeld - Union Berlin

Arminia Bielefeld hosts Union Berlin in their first home matches after returning into 2.Bundesliga again. Both teams were not very successful in 1.Round because both lost their opener, so this can be an important match for both. They are under pressure because if they lose again they are at the bottom of the table from beginning on and it is not such easy to turn things around in this close league. Of course Bielefeld’s lose by Greuther Fürth was maybe expected from some experts but the defeat from Union at home never. Some talked from promotion candidate Union but they were not able to hold the pressure away and failed huge. Therefore it is very important now to change this.

Arminia wants to try all to get the three points in front of their fans. But Coach Krämer must replace again an important man as he must with 1^st keeper Platins in first match but Ortega did a good job but next man out is Müller who was in good shape and played very well against Fürth but he is not available due to injury today. Therefore Schönefeld moves forward behind striker Klos while Petersch gives his starting debut for Arminia on the wing today.  Also some other changes are possible above all in central midfield where Jerat made to many mistakes against Fürth and can be replaced by Riese who can move in for him. The alternative on this position Fießer is still injured or not ready and fit. So Caoch Krämer can only count on what he has available.

After their disaster last Sunday it can be that Coach Neuhaus changes some. It would be interesting if he count on the same starting eleven as against Bochum or change as he has a lot of alternatives this season because of their bigger squad they have. So no one can be sure that he plays again. It is all about training sessions and trust from the coach. Some changes can be Özbeck or Brandy who had not their best day against Bochum. For them it can be that Dausch moves in or maybe also for Köhler who was not in his best shape. Young striker Skrzybski should be also an option upfront. So the fight for the places is much bigger at Union as last season and maybe put up the quality as well. But they have to bring it on the pitch first.

Fortuna Düsseldorf - Energie Cottbus

Monday evening and last match of Round 1 where relegated Fortuna Düsseldorf plays against Energie Cottbus. Both teams did not mentiond any aim for this season but both expected to play a good role above all from some experts. Nevertheless both want to start well into the new season and hold contact to the top of the table. Therefore it can be a very interesting match above all Düsseldorf at home in their stadium where a lot of support is expected can help them to play more offensive and create some. So this can be a good opportunity …..

After relegation Düsseldorf has all their important players in their squad again and moreover they strength it a bit. For this new Coach Büskens can choose from a lot and also some alternatives in his back. Not available should be their playmaker hope and new signing Kenia who is not fit 100% after late joining and less training but he should be on the bench maybe. According to this news Coach Büskens has to count on a 4-4-2 system at the start but not a big problem at all because he let play this often in friendlies. His team should be good enough and well balanced to play this. At home with two strikers Benschop and Reisinger is always a good choice. Save in starting lineup should be important guys like Latka, Lampertz, Bellinghausen and Bozek while the other positions above all on the wing and goal are a bit more open. With Giefer and Rensing they have two excellent keepers, both have the potential to play today but only one can. Some around the club said that Giefer wins this race due to better preparation. New signing Rensing came from Leverkusen but must on bench again, as he was in Leverkusen last season. But what I know left Rensing the squad after Büskens decision and Büskens has to take 19 years old youngster on bench as substitute for Giefer. Therefore Rensing is not in the squad today. The other position can be back wing where Balogun and Levels fight for a place and here can give the better offensive play the advantage for youngster Balogun who played most of the time last season already in 1.BL.

Almost same situation in Cottbus but here it is sure that Almer stands in goal today. He came from today’s opponent Düsseldorf where he never could overcome Giefer and played less. So he should be huge motivated and show his former club that he was the wrong decision to let him only on bench last season or let him go now. It looks like no worries for Coach Bommer but exactly a few days ago his important central midfielder Banovic got injured and he is out some time. For this he must find a new partner beside Kruska, this can be new signed youngster from Bayern Munich Mrowca or still even other player? In offensive he counts on the well known players like Sanogo and Farina from last season. Additional some new blood with experienced players like Takyi and Jendrisek too.  

Union Berlin - VfL Bochum

Beside top promotion candidates Kaiserslautern, Köln and Düsseldorf expect many experts Union Berlin as one of these candidates as well. They have a very good squad and they strength it again this season. Their stadium is ready and a lot of support are expected in the next weeks above all if the results are good and the euphoria continues like in their friendlies where they got a lot of good results. One of these experts was Peter Neururer who is coach from Bochum and he never got any point there. This he wants to change today but he said it already that this can be a very hard task.

Union Coach Neuhaus had a lot to do to make things easier and let the pressure not get to high. It is very hard at the moment because all around the club a in an absolutley hype with Union. Hopefully the players can react with all the big expectations. But the team looks more relaxed and want to start better as last season where they had a lot of problems to beginning. Some of their new guys are already set for starting lineup and Neuhaus counts on defender Eggimann, midfielder Kreilach, Köhler and striker Brandy. He has also some weapons on bench and can bring some additional what makes it much easier this seasosn. So no worries if one of the guys are not on his best day. The only missing they have is Jopek who is injured but in offensiv they have a lot.

Let’s see what Bochum is able to bring this season above all after some of their imp. players left the club. It is hard for Neururer but he must do a go job if he wants to hold his team away from danger zone where they stand last season for long time. The biggest problem they have is scoring goals. Not one of his stikers could convince in friendlies so Sukuta Pasu, Aydin and so on must do a better job and get better in form. The system he wants to choose is more a 4-3-3 and make some pressure over the wings with Tasaka and new signing Cwielong. Absolutely new is their midfield with Tiffert, Jungwirth and Latzka who should replace Rzatkowski, Goretzka and Kramer. For defensive row it looks like that he can count on the same as last year, only Bastians as back wing is new. So it can be that Bochum needs some time to be on the level and know each other better above all their midfield.

Greuther Fürth - Arminia Bielefeld

Fürth's Coach searching for the best lineup today

This is the season opener for two teams who are normally known for 2.Bundesliga. Fürth made a one year trip to 1.Bundesliga but had never a chance there while Bielefeld had to go down in 3.Bundesliga and had some bad times above all in financial sector. But they worked well and this is their success now, their comeback in 2.Bundesliga. Relegated Fürth wants to start winning again in 2.Bundesliga above all at home where they won nothing in 1.BL and their last win was against St. Pauli in their own stadium in their promotion season. Additional they want to bring their fans back on their side and give them something to celebrate in the future again. 

Nevertheless Fürth looked very well in their friendlies and they got some great results above all against Celtic Glasgow they played really well and won in the end 6-2. What is an absolutely surprise, of course it was preparation but with such margin it was a surprise. After their disaster season last year they changed some. Some players had to go and some came but they found some good one on the market. With Nehrig, Klaus, Nöthe, Prib left some starter Fürth while with Brosinki, Sukalo, Sparv and Korcsmar they bought some who have the potential for starting lineup. Above all they are more dangerous at free kicks because with Mavraj and Sukalo they have some very good and tall players in their rows.

After some years away, Bielefeld is back. Let's see if their squad is strong enough for 2.Bundesliga. They signed not a lot and in this case they count almost on the same lineup as they did last season. Their only blow is that 1st keeper got injured and is out for 6 weeks now. This is the chance for their second keeper. Hopefully he gets some match praxis in friendlies so he can be an important man today. All the others are the same and maybe the system is a big different as they do not play like in 3.Bundesliga. I expect a much more defensive minded team and only with one striker upfront. This should be their 3rd league top scorer Klos. But overall they are well balanced and know each other very well.

Dynamo Dresden - 1.FC Köln

This is the last match of Saturday when Dynamo Dresden hosts 1.FC Köln. It looks like a good encounter at 1.Round. Big favorite in this one should be promotion candidate Köln, who wants the return after disappointing last season while Dynamo Dresden wants to play a good season without any worries after their bad last season where they stayed only after relegation win against Osnabrück and saved 2.Bundesliga.

Their relegation battle costs a bit of the new season as they played 1-2 weeks longer and therefore they had not the time immediately to prepare for new season. So Coach Pacult had less time here but they should be on a good level even without 1-2 weeks less on training. Coach said that his team is on their normal level after third round, so hopefully they are not down already if they lose some. But nevertheless they want to try all to get as much points as they get and they never give a match away. Also their big crowd in their back above all at home matches helps a lot too. One important and good thing ist hat the striker duo Pote and Dedic is back for Dresden. Dedic played one season for Bochum and signed for Dresden now. He was on loan in Season 2011/12 and played really great together with Pote. This can be an important advantage for Dresden this season if both are without injury worries. Also new midfielder Menz and Mravac who gets the place from Susac can be two more new guys in starting lineup, so it is not much and they are well balanced from last season. This can be also good fort hem if they know each other better.

But on the other side Köln has the same advantage because with Clemens they lost one of their best players but signed some quality new. With Golobart who plays for long term injured McKenna beside Maroh and Risse in midfield they got some good players in their rows which can help to be more dangerous infront of the goal. Also Nascimento miss out this match due to privat things. New coach on the line is Stöger who came from Austria Wien where he won the title last season. He plays a 4-1-4-1 system in almost all friendly matches so it is expected that he counts on this again today. Youngster Gebhardt could use his chance and should be in starting lineup while new signed Halfar needs some time. Also showed Matuschyk the better preparation as Lehmann and he can hope fort he place before the back line in central midfield. Ufront can be Risse, Ujah and Bröker who should build a dangerous offensive.

SC Paderborn - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Again a lot of support expected for Kaiserslautern today

The german sports journal „kicker“ made and interview with all Coaches before the start of the season and almost all named Kaiserslautern as one of the top or hottest contender for the promotion to the Bundesliga. After failing in relegation last season they want to go the last step now. But their kick off to the new season at Paderborn in Benteler Arena is not an easy one. On the other side it is also a very good chance for home side to bring some fans back as they did not well last season above all at home. If they start with a win it can be that some of their fans come often. A huge crowd is expected with around 10.000 fans in the stadium, which are 2000 from Kaiserslautern maybe. It is very hot in germany now and this can play a big role in this match. Both teams must divide their power.

New head coach Andre Breitenreiter must replace two regulars in his first match as 2.Bundesliga coach. Captain Markus Krösche must occur because of light problems while free kick specialist Alban Meha has some knee problems and could not train so far. Despite these two missings Breitenreiter has a lot to choose and he has must find the right mixed for the starting lineup. In defenisve it is all open, new signingsHünemeier and Amedick compete with last years master power Strohdiek for two places. Another new man maybe starts from beginning on, with striker Rick ten Voorde who came from NEC has settled in quickly and hit on his debut for Paderborn a week before against Aston Villa.

At Kaiserslautern it is not so easy to be in starting lineup because they signed a lot of new players which should help to bring more competition into their squad. No on is safe now and he must show this every week on the pitch that he must start. Therefore there are still some questionmarks for the lineup. Only sure is that Torrejon, Alushi and fresh injured captain Bunjaku who is out longer are all not in the squad. So, Idrissou gets a new partner upfront and this can be new signing Occean from Frankfurt or Zoller from Osnabrück. Let’s see what Coach Foda wants to play for a system. This can be also very important for choosing his lineup.

Let's start the new Season !!!

After a long break and a well deserved vacation, I'm back now and I will continue my blog in the new season. I hope that this is again assumed as numerous as in the last. I hope to welcome lots of visitors again. It will be like last season I will give previews to some German League matches, all the other Sections who are new I post only Picks. I have mentioned it already so once again I have added two new Sections, which you can reach if you click on the Tabs on the top. Both Sections are only filled with Tips without previews. At "Plan Picks" I want to give tips from the European Top Leagues like England, Italy, Spain or France. The next Section is called "Pick of the Day", in this Section I try to give the best tip of every day. They can come from different areas of sports and leagues. I hope to make my blog a little bit more attractive with this update.

All new Posts or Picks from both Selections are posted on Twitter as well, so you can get informed immediately by following me. Thanks in advance.

My batteries are full and I am ready to look forward to the new season and hopefully to welcome a lot of followers.

Good luck and the best wishes for the new Season 13/14