Bundesliga Matchday 4: Go Ahead Believe That You Are the Chosen One (Bayern)

The Bundesliga certainly made its mark on the continental competitions this week. However, it was in the stands and outside the stadiums that had the most notoriety, while on the pitch itself the league’s clubs were merely mediocre. Most disappointing, of course, was our own side but results up and down the table were, for the most part, not inspiring.

Now the clubs return to league action and, as the league likes to do, upstarts are threatening the established order while sides with history grapple with the idea of being in the relegation zone. As always, our matches are divided into three tiers of must-see, catch it if you can, and I guess if there’s nothing else on.

Tier One

Hannover 96 v. Hamburger SV: At the end of this match, one of these clubs will stand alone atop the Bundesliga. However temporary and however early in the season, the fact both clubs are in this position are testaments to good early play. Matthias Ostrzolek (formerly of Hamburg) and Pirmin Schwegler should both return to action for the home side. For the visitors, new signing Sejad Salihovic may not feature in the starting XI, but help is needed on the wings with Rick van Drongelen and Filip Kostic both out for this match.

RB Leipzig v. Borussia Monchengladbach: All of the attention has been on the sensational Timo Werner. Amazing against Hamburg last time in the league, he fails to score against Monaco but scares the faithful by hinting at his desire to move to a larger club. Regardless, he’s on the energy drink club currently and looks to continue his impressive form against a struggling Gladbach. Naby Keita will miss this match due to a groin injury. Leipzig have scored all of their league goals in the second half this season, so don’t turn away if the scoreline is against them at halftime.

BVB v. 1. FC Koln: The Billy Goats brought disruption and fear to London. In this 1 v. 18 match-up, let’s see if their players can do the same on the pitch in Germany.

Tier Two

Bayern Munchen v. FSV Mainz 05: Some needed good news for Mainz is that Alexandru Maxim should return to the starting XI. He and his teammates will need to play exceptionally to slow down a rampant Bayern at home. James Rodriguez will continue to play as long as his exceptional level of play is, well, exceptional. Watch out to see if Mainz can exploit some issues on the left, as Rafinha will start most likely at left back with both David Alaba and Juan Bernat injured.

SV Werder Bremen v. FC Schalke 04: Both clubs are surprisingly healthy but both have different outlooks for this match. Schalke needs to maintain its lead over Bayern and continue its hot start to the season. Bremen, meanwhile, have a brutal opening few weeks and have already lost to Hoffenheim and Bayern. Talking points at home against Schalke could right the season.

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim v. Hertha Berlin: Both sides had less than stellar Europe league group stage matches this week, although at least Hertha grabbed a point. The home side is looking at possibly taking the top spot in the league with a resounding victory and a little help, with Hertha looking to get themselves on track in the league.

Tier Three

VfB Stuttgart v. VfL Wolfsburg: Liverpool fans will be tuning into this one as Divock Origi will likely get the start up top for Wolfsburg. With Mario Gomez out, the Liverpool loanee will be needed to provide some offence. Goals will be extremely important as the top four centre backs for the visitors could all miss this match due to injury or illness. Stuttgart are battling their own injuries but have a valuable trump card – they have yet to lose at home in 2017.

Eintracht Frankfurt v. FC Augsburg: So far Kevin-Prince Boateng has been as good as advertised. He will again feature for a Frankfurt club looking to land in the top six.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v. Sporting-Cub Freiburg: Hat tip to Freiburg for holding BVB to a draw last time out. This time, they travel to fellow struggler Leverkusen in an early relegation six pointer.