Finally, after two long months, football is set to return to our screens as the Bundesliga recommences for matchweek 26. And as the football returns from the COVID-19 hiatus, so does the drama with the title race, relegation battle, and chase for Champions League football all facing an important match week that features a Rivierderby, seeing Borussia Dortmund host Schalke, alongside a relegation six-pointer between Fortuna Dusseldorf and Paderborn. Elsewhere, Union Berlin host leaders Bayern Munich, and RB Leipzig welcome Freiburg as they look to continue what has been an incredible title race so far.
Bundesliga Predictions
Borussia Dortmund Host Schalke in the Rivierderby
The Rivierderby never fails to entertain and has rightfully been picked to headline the Bundesliga’s return. If last season’s stunning 4-2 victory for Schalke is anything to go by, we can expect goals in this fixture. Going into the game, preparation will play the most crucial part and how each team coped when unable to train together.
Form, on the other hand, will likely be of no use when determining the result of this game after a two-month break; the break would have been a welcome one from Schalke’s point of view, however. Before the unforeseen interruption, they were winless in five and struggling to maintain a top-six position. Dortmund, in contrast, were unbeaten in five and coming off the back of the 5-1 thumping of Koln. With that said, the game itself will be an important one as Schalke look to regain form and Dortmund look to keep the title race alive.
Leipzig Host Freiburg While Union Berlin Face Tough Bayern Munich Test
Matchweek 26 will also see Leipzig play host to mid-table Freiburg, and Bayern Munich travel to Union Berlin. Leipzig play on Saturday, before Bayern, and therefore have the chance to apply the pressure on the leading Bavarians; Bayern currently sit five points ahead of Leipzig.
A win for Julian Naglesmann’s side would see them rise to within two points of the pole position ahead of Bayern Munich’s game on Sunday. Form-wise, prior to the Coronavirus outbreak, Leipzig were unbeaten in their last five. Freiburg, however, had picked up just two wins in their last five. Bayern Munich were also on top form two months ago, winning their last five and scoring 16 goals in the process. This will perhaps worry Union Berlin, who hadn’t won in five before the break.
But, once again, after two months without football, preparation will play the most crucial part as sides look to return to football with a win.
LWOF’s Bundesliga Predictions
Saturday’s Games
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke
There is simply no better way to return to football than with a derby. With Borussia Dortmund looking to recommence the title race between themselves, Leipzig, and Bayern Munich, this game is a must-win. Schalke, too, could do with a win as they look to solidify their place in the top six. The game looks set to be an incredible return to the beautiful game and one that is full of goals.
Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Schalke
FC Augsburg v Wolfsburg
With Wolfsburg one point away from a top-six placement, the importance of this game couldn’t be reiterated enough, especially with Schalke facing a tough test in the form of Dortmund. Augsburg, too, will realise the importance of this fixture as they look to extend their five-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone. This makes for a competitive game with a result crucial to both sides.
FC Augsburg 0-2 Wolfsburg
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn
Going into the game, both Paderborn and Dusseldorf are in the relegation zone. Paderborn’s bottom-placed position, in particular, will worry fans. Dusseldorf will be looking to make a step in the right direction with a result taking them within one point of safety. A win for Paderborn would see them rise to 19 points but still ten points away from safety.
Fortuna Dusseldorf 1-1 SC Paderborn
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin
Matchweek 26 will also see a mid-table clash between Hoffenheim and Hertha Berlin. Both sides have failed to reach their targets so far this season and will be disappointed with their mid-table mediocracy. Hoffenheim, however, could turn their season around with a win this weekend. A win would see them go above Schalke and into the top six if results go their way. Meanwhile, a win for Hertha Berlin would see them go within four points of Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim 2-0 Hertha Berlin
RB Leipzig v Freiburg
Before the sudden suspension of football, Leipzig were seeking their first-ever Bundesliga title. Now, upon the league’s return, they will be hoping to keep the title race alive. They currently sit five points away from leaders Bayern, making a win over Freiburg crucial. Freiburg, however, will be hoping for a win themselves, as it could see them jump into the top six.
RB Leipzig 3-0 SC Freiburg
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach
Borussia Monchengladbach had provided us all with the surprise of the season before the suspension. They led the Bundesliga for some time before eventually being overtaken. Now in fourth, they will be hoping to secure their place in next season’s Champions League. But, with a tough test in the form of Frankfurt, victory may be hard to come by.
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-3 Borussia Monchengladbach
Sunday’s Games
Cologne v Mainz
Another important game in this week’s Bundesliga return is Cologne v Mainz. A win for Cologne could potentially see them rise a position to ninth and ahead of Hoffenheim. But, it is perhaps Mainz who require a result the most. A win would see them go further clear of the relegation zone to further secure their place in the division.
Cologne 1-1 Mainz
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich
With Bayern Munich hoping to extend their lead at the top, Union Berlin will be worried at the damage the Bavarians could inflict on their confidence. Bayern will be raring to go and ready to secure another title; Union Berlin in mid-table, do not have as much to play for. This will worry Union fans who could see their side suffer a heavy defeat on a much-anticipated return.
Union Berlin 0-4 Bayern Munich
Monday’s Game
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen
The last game of the match week will certainly be an interesting one. Leverkusen will be hoping to continue on their quest for top four whilst Werder Bremen will be desperate to secure crucial points in the relegation battle. They currently sit eight points away from safety, making this fixture as important as ever.
Werder Bremen 0-3 Bayer Leverkusen
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