What to Watch In The Bundesliga This Week

To give Bleacher Report a little more variety in the World Football Section, I'd like to start a weekly preview of intriguing Bundesliga matches for everyone's enjoyment!

This weekend marks the start of football for several of the major leagues in Europe. While most fans are probably concerned with the start of the EPL, the Bundesliga offers some great matchups as well.

Friday 8/15/08

FC Bayern Munich v HSV

By far the most intriguing matchup up for this weekend. Jurgen Klinsmann begins his reign hosting northern power HSV. HSV are also breaking in a new coach in Martin Jol, late of Tottenham.

Last seasons fourth place finisher will put up a stiff test, even on away soil.  The loss of Van der Vaart will hurt Hamburg but they still are not without attacking options. The real center of Hamburg however centers around their defensive strongman Vincent Kompany, recently recalled from the Olympics.

Bayern are the strongest side on paper, but without Frank Ribery it is going to be interesting to see who Klinsmann picks to play. Also, this will be the first season they start with Michael Rensing between the sticks instead of the everpresent Oliver Kahn. HSV will be sure to test the young keeper.

Prediction: 2-1 Bayern

Saturday 8/16/08

FC Schalke 04 v Hannover 96

Obviously you would think I'm picking this matchup because I am a Schalke supporter, but it is also an intriguing matchup since it is the first match for new head coach Fred Rutten.

Schalke however will be without six first team players, including the two big signings from the summer, in the shape of Jefferson Farfan, Orlando Engelaar, Albert Streit, Peter Loevenkrands, Mladen Kristajic, and Manuel Neuer. The biggest loss being Neuer, who was a rock for Schalke last season between the sticks.

Hannover will look to exploit this lack of depth behind strikers Mike Hanke and Jan Schlaudraff. Altin Lala will be suspended for the match but they have a decent amount of strength to match up with Schalke's depleted midfield.

Prediction: 1-1

Wolfsburg v FC Koln

Wolfsburg have been making some serious waves since avoided relegation and hired Felix Magath after the 2006/2007 season. Serious offseason moves for Italian internationals Christian Zaccardo and Andrea Barzagli have raised the profile of the club significantly.

Koln, or Colonge in English, have also made a high profile signing of their own with Portuguese international Petit in midfield. The former club of Lukas Poldoski is new to the Bundesliga this season, but their coach Christoph Daum is a modern legend of the German game, and will get them playing well.

While Koln may be best side coming up from the 2.Bundesliga, they will not be able to match the power of Wolfsburg. A rock solid defense, which also includes Celtic target Alexander Madlung will most likely shut out Koln's offense. Striker Grafite can do some damage so this will probably be a Wolfsburg win.

Prediction: 2-0 Wolfsburg

Honorable Mentions

Bayer Leverkeusen v. Borussia Dortmund

Expect a close affair between UEFA Cup participants Bayer and a much improved Dortmund under new coach Jurgen Klopp.

Prediction: 2-2

Borussia Moenchengladbach v VfB Stuttgart

The Champions of the 2006/2007 season will try and bounce back from a tough campaign last season behind German international striker Mario Gomez. Borussia have bounced back up to the 1.Bundesliga and are also a strong promoted side.

Prediction: 1-0 Stuttgart

Cheers to the new Bundesliga season!