Bundesliga Matchday 3 Preview: The (International) Week Ends, the (Club) Week Begins

Welcome back from the international break. Are you still nervous based on how Christian Pulisic played for the U.S. (you should be)? Let’s set that aside because now the real football has returned.

When we left our story, our beloved BVB were sitting atop the standings thanks to allowing no goals in their first two matches. As we all know, though, looking at the standings this closely this early in the season is a fool’s errand. Still, this match day is a critical one. Players are returning from the international break and clubs in contention likely have many key contributors a bit tired after playing twice for their country. In addition, for some clubs, European competition looms midweek meaning smart rotation may be key to staying alive in two competitions. What that means is this will be a week of interesting football.

As always, we divide this weekend’s matches into Tier 1 (Must See Live), Tier 2 (Catch on DVR), and Tier 3 (Eh, if nothing else is on).

Tier 1

Hamburger SV v. RB Leipzig: There is so much young exciting talent in this match made better by performances during the international break. On the home side is American hero Bobby Wood, who salvaged a draw for the Yanks against Honduras with a neat bit of skill. He and his mates will have to face Timo Werner whose reputation grows by the day. The last time these two sides met, Leipzig won convincingly 4-0 in the midst of their impressive winning streak last season. Based on early season form, however, the home side may have the upper hand.

Hertha Berlin v. Werder Bremen: This match is notable for many reasons, but a major one is that it will be the first top flight match in Germany refereed by a woman. As for the sides facing off, Bremen has a seven match unbeaten streak against Hertha – their longest against any current Bundesliga side. Also in the fun facts category, this match could be Salomon Kalou’s 100th appearance for Hertha in all competitions.

SC Freiburg v. BVB: Check out our site for the preview but as I always say, we are always must see TV.

Tier 2

Borussia Monchengladbach v. Eintracht Frankfurt: Denis Zakaria is impressing in the league for the home side. His passing rate this young season is 100% and he has already won player of the month honours. Frankfurt will likely unveil new signing Carlos Salcedo in this match, and you’d be crazy not to be excited to see how he and Kevin-Prince Boateng interact.

Wolfsburg v. Hannover 96: Wolfsburg return home for their first match of the season with a gift for the fans: Divock Origi signed from Liverpool. Hannover are flying high with three victories in their three competitive matches this season. Player to watch – Mario Gomez who has 10 goals in 10 career matches against Hannover.

Hoffenheim v. Bayern Munich: Is this the match where James Rodriguez makes his debut for Bayern? He played a full 90 minutes during the international break, so he could be in line for a start or at the very least minutes off the bench. The home side will be without Adam Szalai and Serge Gnabry, both of whom are nursing injuries.

Tier 3

FC Augsburg v. FC Koln: The visitors will have their eye on a bigger trip midweek when they fly to London and face Arsenal. Before that, they have to face a healthy Augsburg side that is confident but lacks a win in the season.

FSV Mainz v. Bayer Leverkusen: Keep an eye on Leon Bailey, the young Jamaican who has three starts this season in a crowed Leverkeusen roster. In the table, this is a possible relegation six pointer although both sides have shown more in the past.

Schalke v. Stuttgart: Both clubs have had up-and-down starts to the season and both spent some money on players at the transfer deadline. Seeing how the new faces integrate could be worth the price of admission.