The Bundesliga season starts with a tasty fixture this weekend as Borussia Monchengladbach host Bayern Munich. The reigning champions head to Borussia Park to face their bogey team over the last few years.
The Bundesliga’s top teams have all changed managers in the offseason. Julian Naglesmann arrived at Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig and is expected to bring his tactical knowledge to the biggest team in Germany.
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Adi Hutter has taken over at Borussia Monchengladbach after leading Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League qualification last term. Hutter previously won the Swiss Super League with BSC Young Boys and will be expected to lead the Foals back toward the top six.
Borussia Monchengladbach have been excellent against Bayern Munich over the last few seasons. They are unbeaten in six of the last 10 matches against Bayern Munich in all competitions with five of those fixtures ending in wins.
The Foals won at home in 2020-21 against Bayern Munich and defeated Die Roten in preseason 2-0. Bayern Munich’s preseason should be taken with a grain of salt, however.
Bayern Munich coach Nagelsmann did not have his top stars available for friendlies. It resulted in Bayern Munich failing to win all of their preseason games for the first time ever. Perhaps the knock to Nagelsmann is the tactics can be too heavy at times.
RB Leipzig failed to win big games under his management and looked unable to score against teams they were pegged to defeat. Bayern Munich have not spent money this summer outside of Dayot Upamecano.
The side needs upgrades in certain areas especially striker as there is a lack of depth behind Robert Lewandowski. Bayern Munich must sell before they can spend heavily.
Nagelsmann has injuries going into matchday 1. Defenders Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard are both ruled out through injury. Eric Choupo-Moting, Omar Richards, and Corentin Tolisso are both doubts to play, while Alphonso Davies is just back from ankle ligament damage.
Hutter’s injury list has grown in the build-up to the game. Mamadou Doucoure is ruled out with a tendon injury, Breel Embolo has a thigh strain and won’t play, Manu Kone has a knee problem, and midfield ace Denis Zakarai is ruled out due to a lack of match fitness.
Ramy Bensebaini and Marcus Thuram are both doubts due to their respective injury issues. It is not a great way to start for Hutter.
Injuries and having a new manager will play their part on Friday night at Borussia Park. The issues should allow Bayern Munich to jumpstart their season with a win away.
The last five Bundesliga games between the German rivals ended with over 2.5 goals and this match should do the same.