Two months after the Bundesliga was suspended, Germany’s top-flight league is back. This weekend, the Bundesliga returns. Here are things to look out for in Matchweek 26. Bet on the Bundesliga here.
Bundesliga returns: Ruhr Derby: Dortmund v Schalke 04
The Ruhr Derby, one of the fiercest derbies in football, takes centre stage this weekend as the Bundesliga returns. With Dortmund just four points off the top and Schalke pushing for a European place, the stakes are high in this match. Before the league was disrupted by the pandemic, Lucien Favre’s side were on a four-match winning streak. Therefore, they might have a slight edge in this game. Their bitter rivals Schalke failed to win any of their last five league games. Although you will not hear the fans’ vociferous cheers, this match should nonetheless be exciting.
Bundesliga returns: Race for the Golden Boot: Lewandowski v Werner
Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner have been in a class of their own in the Bundesliga goalscoring charts. The Poland international leads with 25 goals while Werner is second with 21 after 25 games. These two brilliant strikers will resume their battle for the Golden Boot this weekend. Lewandowski is looking to make it three Golden Boots in a row. Werner, who is eight years younger than the Pole is hoping to end that streak.
Bundesliga returns: Intriguing title race
This season’s Bundesliga is probably one of the tightest and intriguing title races in recent memory. Bayern have won the last seven league titles. However, last season’s triumph was by no means straightforward as Dortmund took them to the last day of the season. This season Leipzig have emerged as credible contenders alongside Favre’s side. Just five points separate Bayern and third-placed Leipzig. With just nine games left to play, things should get even more interesting.
New normal: Behind closed doors
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to disrupt many facets of life across the globe. Governments have banned gatherings of any form. Therefore, lengthy empty stadiums is something football will have to come to terms with. Given the importance of a good atmosphere inside the grounds, players will need to adjust this new normal. Can teams produce entertainment without crowd cheers?
Relegation six-pointer: Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn
Newly promoted Paderborn sit ten points off safety at the bottom. Werder Bremen are two points ahead of Paderborn with 18, and only four points behind Fortuna Düsseldorf in the relegation play-off spot of 16th. Dusseldorf hosts Paderborn in a crucial tie this Saturday looking to heap more misery on the bottom side. furthermore, with a tough list of fixture coming up for Paderborn, this is an important and must-win match for them. Can they end their four-game losing streak?