The Matchday Preview

Another exciting Bundesliga weekend awaits. A top-of-the-table clash in Frankfurt, a must-win fixture in Bochum, & plenty of other exciting encounters!

Another exciting Bundesliga weekend awaits. A top-of-the-table clash in Frankfurt, a must-win fixture in Bochum, & plenty of other exciting encounters!

Season Prediction Accuracy: 26/45 (57.78%)

FC Augsburg v Borussia Mönchengladbach

FC Augsburg will open the Bundesliga matchday for the second time in three weeks with the league’s Friday night fixture. Last weekend, Die Fuggerstädter suffered a crushing defeat, where everything that could go wrong, did. RB Leipzig were 2-0 up within 15 minutes, Augsburg captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw saw his weak penalty saved in the 27th minute, and by the hour mark, Leipzig were cruising to a 4-0 victory.

Augsburg’s meager four-point tally is worrying, but even more concerning is their leaky defense, which has been a recurring problem. Jess Thorup’s side has yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding 14 goals in just five matches—third worst in the Bundesliga.

Much has been said about the loss of Ermedin Demirović up front. The Bosnian striker was exceptional last season, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists. However, the real struggle for Augsburg has been replacing key defensive players. Kevin Mbabu, Felix Uduokhai, and Iago, all regulars in last season’s backline, left the club this summer, and Thorup has yet to find a stable solution to fill their void.

Meanwhile, Friday’s opponent, Borussia Mönchengladbach, seems to be finding answers to their own defensive issues. Under Gerardo Seoane, Gladbach’s solid performances were finally rewarded with a second win of the season last Saturday. A team that conceded 66 goals last season looked much more secure at the back, and a dramatic 90th-minute header from super sub Tomáš Čvančara sealed a crucial 1-0 victory.

For Čvančara, the goal marks a potential turning point. Signed for €10.5 million last summer, the Czech forward arrived at the Borussia Park with high expectations. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his Bundesliga debut, but injuries and poor form had since stalled his progress. His goal against Union was his first since November 2023 and may just reignite his career in Germany.

Prediction: Draw

VfL Bochum v VfL Wolfsburg

Frustration has defined Bochum’s season so far. Peter Zeidler’s team has shown competitiveness and fight in all five of their Bundesliga matches, but individual lapses, technical shortcomings, and costly mistakes at critical moments have left them in familiar territory—a relegation battle with just 1 point from 5 games.