The Bundesliga is finally starting the new season and, as every year, we can expect exciting duels, surprising twists and turns and plenty of discussion.
The first matchday is always particularly interesting, as it provides the first insights into the teams’ form after the summer break.
Let’s take a closer look at the nine games and venture a prediction:

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Bayer 04 Leverkusen (23.08.24, 20:30)

Analysis: Gladbach start the new season with a year under coach Gerardo Seoane, but have had a mixed preparation.
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning champions, showed strong form in the summer break and have often dominated in recent duels against Gladbach.
Leverkusen, also strong away from home, are likely to underline their role as favorites.

Prediction: 1:3 for Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

1. FSV Mainz 05 vs. 1. FC Union Berlin (24.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: Mainz were convincing defensively in preparation and will rely on their home strength.
Union Berlin have not yet fully found their feet under new coach Bo Svensson, but remain a dangerous opponent, especially away from home.
The encounters between these two teams have often been close and competitive in the past.

Prediction: 1:1 draw.

FC Augsburg vs. SV Werder Bremen (24.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: Augsburg struggled with injury problems and showed weaknesses in preparation, especially in defense.
Werder Bremen, on the other hand, have been stable and will go into this match with confidence.
Bremen have often been successful in recent away games against Augsburg, which could also be the case this time.

Prediction: 1:2 for Werder Bremen.

RB Leipzig vs. VfL Bochum 1848 (24.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: RB Leipzig showed their impressive attacking power in preparation and go into this clash as clear favorites.
The last few meetings with Bochum have always gone in favor of Leipzig, who hardly show any weaknesses at home.
Bochum, now with coach Peter Zeidler, will find it difficult to take anything worthwhile home with them.

Prediction: 4:0 for RB Leipzig.

Sport-Club Freiburg vs. VfB Stuttgart (24.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: Freiburg have established themselves as one of the strongest home teams and also showed solid performances in preparation, especially defensively.
Stuttgart had mixed results in the test matches and have traditionally struggled in Freiburg.
Freiburg should have the edge again this time.

Prediction: 2:1 for SC Freiburg.

TSG Hoffenheim vs. Holstein Kiel (24.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: Hoffenheim have had a mixed preparation, but go into this game with a certain amount of home strength.
Holstein Kiel, being promoted, will try to operate from a compact defense.
Hoffenheim’s experience in the Bundesliga could ultimately be the deciding factor, but Kiel could be good for a surprise.

Prediction: 2:1 for TSG Hoffenheim.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt (24.08.24, 18:30)

Analysis: Dortmund start with Nuri Şahin as their new coach, who has had little time to make his mark.
Nevertheless, Dortmund showed stability in the test matches.
Frankfurt, who are always dangerous away from home, will find it difficult to cope with Dortmund’s home strength.
The past duels speak in Dortmund’s favor.

Prediction: 2:1 for Borussia Dortmund.

VfL Wolfsburg vs. FC Bayern Munich (25.08.24, 15:30)

Analysis: Wolfsburg under Ralph Hasenhüttl were not entirely convincing in their preparations and face a major challenge against Bayern, who have had a strong preparation despite new coach Vincent Kompany.
The last duels in Wolfsburg usually went to Bayern, who are also favored this time.

Prediction: 1:3 for Bayern Munich.

FC St. Pauli vs. 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 (25.08.24, 17:30)

Analysis: St. Pauli return to the Bundesliga and are frenetically supported by their home fans. However, Heidenheim with long-term coach Frank Schmidt is an extremely difficult opponent who is likely to have set up his team perfectly. Both teams could start nervously, which could result in a close game.

Prediction: 1:1 draw.

The first matchday of the new season therefore promises plenty of excitement and some interesting encounters. While some teams are still working on their form, others could make a statement right away. It remains to be seen what surprises the Bundesliga has in store for us this time!

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