Incredible atmospheres and fan culture

Until 1. FC Köln and Hamburg were promoted at the end of last season, the 2. Bundesliga for several years boasted more former German champions than the top flight. Storied clubs steeped in tradition and backed by huge followings – not just across Germany but around the world – find themselves languishing below their standards of decades gone by. All this makes for some incredible atmospheres that must be seen to be believed. And when you factor in the cost of a matchday ticket and beer, not to mention the free transport to the game, then no country rivals Germany.

It’s impossible to predict

For much of last season, 10 clubs were firmly in the promotion race until the final weeks, with the eventual top nine clubs separated by just 10 points. Elversberg upset the apple cart by finishing third and making it to the relegation playoff, just one point behind HSV. The league is simply impossible to predict, anyone can beat anyone and remains fiercely tight throughout. With a host of sides missing out on Bundesliga promotion last season, and the additions of relegated VfL Bochum and Holstein Kiel, along with 3. Liga newcomers Dynamo Dresden and none other than DFB Pokal finalists Arminia Bielefeld, the upcoming campaign promises to be even more unpredictable than the last.

A league of sleeping giants and big names

FC Köln and HSV may have earned promotion back into the top flight – the latter after a seven-year absence – but there are still a number of sleeping giants in the 2. Bundesliga. 1. FC Nürnberg, a nine-time German champion, have found themselves languishing in the second division since 2019. 1. FC Kaiserslautern – who won the Bundesliga in 1998 – found themselves in the 3. Liga in 2022 but since returned and narrowly missed out on the promotion playoff. Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin are two clubs steeped in history with exceptional fanbases, but find themselves stuck in the second division while Hannover will also be eager to return to the Bundesliga under Christian Titz. And when it comes to big names, there are few bigger than Miroslav Klose in German football, who coaches FC Nürnberg in what is his first professional coaching job.

GGFN | Harry Good 

At his official media presentation on Friday, Burkardt spoke of “constructive talks” and a “clear sporting perspective“. Both the player and his now former club also issued statements on the value of his years spent at Mainz. Burkardt moved to the FSV academy from his hometown club of SV Darmstadt 98 11 years ago when he was just 14. 

At a Sunday media session, Burkardt claimed that Eintracht had always been his favorite club as a child. Such affinities aren’t necessarily unknown among Darmstadt natives. Many who grew up in the Hessen capital support the larger nearby club. Some even cheer for both as the two cities aren’t totally inimical toward one another. In Burkardt’s case, his father supported Eintracht. 

Burkardt – flanked by SGE board-member-for-sport Markus Krösche on Sunday – spoke of cheering Eintracht on at the Waldstadion as a young boy. On the 34th matchday of the 2004/05 season, Burkardt was in the stands to witness the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga with a 3-0 win over Wacker Burghausen. It is the first stadium experience he can remember. 

Despite all of this, Burkardt still needed some convincing to make the move. In addition to all of the regular recruiting from the Eintracht administrative and coaching team, Burkardt’s national team colleague Robin Koch sent him a few messages whilst he was on vacation. Koch recently took up more of a leadership role in Dino Toppmöller’s team.

“The coach, sporting director and everyone else have been incredibly supportive,” Burkardt said on Sunday. “They kept calling, asking how I was doing and expressing their interest. That was very special. The sporting situation offers a great opportunity to take the next step in my development. I’m extremely excited about the Champions League, which was a huge factor in my decision.”

“Jonny brings a lot of qualities that will benefit our game,” Krösche added during one of his turns. “He has proven his strong finishing skills in Mainz, as well as his tactical understanding. He is an absolute team player on and off the pitch.”

GGFN | Peter Weis

Here is the GGFN’s mid-season 2. Bundesliga review and grades. 

1.FC Köln

Current position: 1st 

Current top goalscorer: Tim Lemperle (8)

Grade: B

Even a few weeks ago, it wasn’t clear who would be sitting top at Christmas but after four consecutive wins, Köln lead what is already an incredibly contested 2. Bundesliga. It’s a fantastic achievement for the club considering they have been under a transfer ban and under new leadership this season in Gerhard Struber. Köln had a rough start to life in the second tier and didn’t really find any momentum until late October. Since then, they’re unbeaten in nine and also find themselves in the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal. Expect Köln to be active in the January transfer window (finally) and add to their already solid squad. There have been rumours surrounding the future of top goalscorer Tim Lemperle, but if they can keep him until at least the summer, Köln may just find themselves back in the Bundesliga. Overall, reasons to be cheerful for Köln! 

Karlsruher SC

Current position: 2nd

Current top goalscorer: Budu Zivzivadze (12)

Grade: B+

Consistency has always been an issue for KSC, a poor Hinrunde would be rescued by a great Rückrunde but it would always leave them mid-table. This season is different, Karlsruhe were unbeaten until late October and despite a one win in six-game run, the nature of the 2.Bundesliga this season meant they lose touch with the top three. Two wins to end the year meant KSC find themselves in the promotion places heading into the Ruckrunde. The pressure surrounding the bigger clubs around them in the table may play into their favour when it comes to the later stages of the season. It also helps that Karslruhe’’s captain Marvin Wanitzek is one of the best players in the league so far with eight assists and six goals, while Georgia striker Budu Zivzivadze is the league’s top goalscorer. Unlikes other teams (see below), Karlsruhe have stuck by head coach Christian Eichner, while he has stuck by the club, despite his rising stock and the pair are now reaping the rewards. KSC’s main issue heading into the second half of the season will be sureing up their defence as they have the joint worst goal difference in the top 10. 

Hamburger SV

Current position: 3rd

Current top goalscorer: Davie Selke (10)

Grade: C+ 

Again for HSV, it’s been about the lack of consistency. It’s been their history for the past seven years and whether history will repeat itself, we will most likely be left waiting until the final day of the campaign. HSV have only lost three times this season but it’s the 7 draws that has been their downfall so far. HSV went four games without a win during late October and early November which led to Steffen Baumgart getting the sack. Merlin Polzin now leads the side on an interim basis and it’s been a mixed bag with draws against Ulm and Darmstadt and wins against Fürth and Karlsruher. HSV’s first game back in the new year is against league-leaders Köln. You feel the outcome of this game will really determine whether HSV are looking for the trophy or just any form of promotion. Of course there’ll be many twists and turns to come but it’s a massive opportunity they can’t afford to miss. In a league where consistency is half the battle, HSV have some work to do. They’re in striking distance but will they make the final hurdle in a few months time? 

Elversberg 

Current position: 4th

Current top goalscorer: Fisnik Asllani (10)

Grade: A

Elversberg are in their second season in the 2.Bundesliga and are within touching distance of the promotion places. A win on their final matchday of the year would have meant they ended the Hinrunde top of the table. The secret to Elversberg’s rise is their defence, they have the third least amount of goals conceded in the league and have also kept six clean sheets. They have built this side with consistency in the dugout with Horst Steffen in his seventh year in charge, leading the club from the Regionalliga to their current positioning, as well as smart recruiting with Fisnik Asllani, Muhmammed Damar (both Hoffenheim) and Elias Baum (Eintracht Frankfurt) all joining on loan and playing important roles. Elversberg have experience in winning league titles as they won the 3.Liga in 2022/23 so they know how to keep their cool, but the question is, in the chaos of the 2.Bundesliga, can they keep their cool and do the unthinkable and get promoted to the Bundesliga? The dream of Regionalliga to Bundesliga in four seasons is definitely on. 

Magdeburg

Current position: 5th 

Current top goalscorer: Martijn Kaars (7)

Grade: C+ 

A point within second place, it’s been a fantastic hinrunde for Magdeburg. Similar to others around them, FCM have struggled for consistency and dropped points against clubs at the other end of the table. Having said that, they’ve only lost three times this season and finished 2024 with a fabulous 5-2 win against table-rivals Fortuna Düsseldorf. The big alarm for Magdeburg is they have the worst home record in the league. From 8 home matches, they won none, drew six, and lost two. In contrast, they have the best away record winning seven, drew one, and lost one. It’s a statistic which is almost hard to get your head around. If just a couple of those home draws were converted into wins, Magdeburg would be flying high in first. Overall, Magdeburg have put themselves in a brilliant position for promotion; they just need to drastically improve their hom form. 

SC Paderborn

Current position: 6th

Current top goalscorer: Filip Bilbja (5)

Grade: B

Paderborn finished last season in 7th and have quite clearly kicked on from then. 6th place and  one of four teams just a point from 2nd, Paderborn are well in the mix for automatic promotion this season. The squad may not have many recognisable names when looking at other 2. Bundesliga clubs, however, they’ve recruited well and are playing good football. Paderborn have been solid at home and even more impressive away from home having only lost once on their travels. They haven’t had the best of records against those around them and that’ll be key as the season comes to a close. So far, an impressive campaign for Paderborn who are mixing it with the so-called big boys of the 2. Bundesliga. 

Hannover 96

Current position: 7th

Current top goalscorer: Nicolo Tresoldi (4)

Grade: C

Hannover are within two points of the promotion places, so all they would need is a good start to the year and they would be in the top three. Despite this, this was not good enough for Die Roten and they sacked Stefan Leitl replacing him with former head coach and player Andre Bretenreiter. Breitenreiter has experience winning promotion as he led Paderborn to their first-ever season in the Bundesliga as well as helping Hannover back into the Bundesliga in 2017. Hannover will have to hope this gamble pays off, as if it doesn’t it will be another long summer with star striker Nicolo Tresolid likely to depart.

Fortuna Düsseldorf

Current position: 8th 

Current top goalscorer: Isak Bergmann Johannesson (6)

Grade: C

Fortuna Düsseldorf are capable of sneaking into third position at the end of the season but like many around them it’s consistency that is harming their chances. Düsseldorf are a team that are capable of winning 5-0 and two weeks later losing 5-2, just as they did before the end of 2024. Düsseldorf went on a dreadful run at the tail-end of October and didn’t win another game until early December. Up until then, they were looking like one of the top candidates for automatic promotion. Going into the rückrunde, the squad will have to channel the form they showed earlier in the season. So far, it’s been a rollercoaster of a season and it’s showing no signs of slowing down for Düsseldorf. Buckle up! 

Kaiserslautern

Current position: 9th

Current top goalscorer: Ragnar Ache (9)  

Grade: C

You win some, you lose some; that’s been Kaiserlautern’s season so far. FCK are a team that can play out a boring goalless draw against Regensburg before playing out a thrilling 4-3 victory against Düsseldorf. Just on the outskirts of the chasing pack, it remains to be seen whether Kaiserslautern have the legs to keep up with the rest of them. They start 2025 with a run of three games they should be expected to win (on paper at least).  If they can get seven points for their opening nine, FCK’s season may just spark into life. Another team to keep your eye on, particularly in the early months of 2025. 

Darmstadt 

Current position: 10th

Current top goalscorer: Isac Lindberg (9)

Grade: C

Things could have been a lot worse for Darmstadt in their return to the 2.Bundesliga. In September the club were languishing around the relegation zone and looked like they were going to copy Arminia Bielefeld with a back-to-back relegation. However, they would sack Torsten Lieberknecht and replace him with Florian Kohfeldt. Since taking over ‘FloKo’ has only lost twice (a 2-1 loss to bottom Jahn Regensburg on the final matchday before the winter break and his second game in charge against Magdeburg), away from those losses Darmstadt have thrown the cat amongst the pigeons for teams chasing promotion with big wins against Köln and Kaiserslautern while also taking points off of Karlsruhe and Hamburg in draws. The highlight of Darmstadt’s season so far has been their 5-3 win against Schalke in Kohfeldt’s first game in charge when they were 3-0 down at half-time. Darmstadt are only four points off of promotion, so it is not out of the question but they will definitely be out to cause trouble once again for promotion chasers.  

1.FC Nürnberg

Current position: 11th

Current top goalscorer: Stefanos Tzimas (8)

Grade: C-

Average is the best way to describe Nürnberg at the moment. However, it is not all doom and gloom for Die Club as they only find themselves six points off of a promotion spot all while having the youngest squad in the league. Led by legendary German striker Miroslav Klose the likes of Finn Jeltsch, Berkay Yilmaz, Casper Jander, Jens Castrop and Stefanos Tzimas have all played important roles for Nürnberg this season. The young manager and young team combo will likely not work in the first season (as seen with Dino Toppmöller at Eintracht Frankfurt) but Nürnberg can continue to use this season to grow together as a team. The only downside is that they will lose their best player in the summer once again with Tzimas set to leave the team after they activate his €18m buy option and sell him for profit. With the money, Nürnberg can build a squad good enough for promotion.

Hertha Berlin

Current position: 12th

Current top goalscorer: Florian Niederlechner (5)

Grade: C- 

Roughly mid-table on 22 points and a goal difference of 0, it’s been a frustrating watch at times for Hertha fans so far this season. The club were hoping to push on this season and be in with the mix for promotion but it hasn’t quite materialised as of yet. Form has been a big issue with Hertha winning a few before going winless for a couple of matches. Having lost their last three matches before the end of the year, Hertha’s task of pushing for promotion is looking more distant. However, the squad are capable of doing just that and in a league which is so close, all it takes is a run of four fixtures and Hertha could be right up there again. Hertha could be one to watch for a late push in the second half of the season. Overall, it hasn’t been great so far but Hertha’s season is far from over. 

Schalke 04

Current position: 13th

Current top goalscorer: Moussa Sylla (11)

Grade: D

Drama is never far away from the Veltins Arena nowadays, but most of is is happening off the pitch. On it, Schalke looks closer to 3.Liga level than Bundesliga level and constantly rely on Moussa Sylla (11) and Kenan Karaman (10) for their goals. Manager Kees van Wonderen claims he is not Harry Potter when it comes to helping the club, but die Konigsblau need more than a magician to help them have any chance of returning to the Bundesliga. Their financial issues off the pitch put restrictions on who they can sign and hire, and the fact that there are rumours of selling Sylla in the winter to help ease these issues shows the state Schalke are currently in. They will need a miracle to even try and challenge for promotion this season and it wouldn’t be unlikely if they end the season with a different manager as they prepare for another year in the second division. 

Greuther Fürth

Current position: 14th

Current top goalscorer: Noel Futkeu (7)  

Grade: C-

Having finished 8th last season, this isn’t exactly where Greuther Fürth want to be going into the rückrunde. Currently on 20 points, Fürth will be nervously looking behind them rather than up unless they can pull consecutive wins together. The team went on a dreadful run in November before winning against Hertha and Hannover which has made their league position slightly better. Their home and away record is nearly identical and it’s clear that Fürth are capable of putting in a performance against some top teams. They don’t have the ability to push for promotion but should be good enough to avoid a relegation scrap. 

Preußen Münster

Current position: 15th

Current top goalscorer: Joshua Mees (4)

Grade: C+ 

Having won back-to-back promotions, Münster have catapulted themselves into one hell of a division against some of Germany’s most historic and traditional clubs. 15th heading into the new year is a fantastic achievement for the club. The aim for the season is to survive and that’s exactly what they’re doing so far. They’re three points ahead of automatic relegation and four points from 14th. Münster’s aim in the new year will be to close the gap on those above them whilst keeping their noses in front of the chasing pack behind them. Münster are a low scoring side (18) but at the same time don’t concede many (23). They’ve had some memorable victories against Hertha Berlin and Düsseldorf but will need to get more against the teams around them. Münster’s season hangs in the balance but they’re doing all they can to survive. 

SSV Ulm

Current position: 16th 

Current top goalscorer: Semir Telalović (5)

Grade: C-

Ulm are exactly where you’d expect them to be having just come up from the 3. Liga. They knew they’d be fighting for survival and the fact that they’re not bottom and two points from safety, they’ll be somewhat content with that so far. Ulm have become masters of the draw recently having shared the spoils in four of their last five league matches. It’s a good sign if they can see out games against the likes of Hertha and HSV but they’ll still need to turn some games from one point to all three if they want to survive. That’s the big task in the rückrunde for Ulm. 

Eintracht Braunschweig

Current position: 17th

Current top goalscorer: Rayan Philippe (9) 

Grade: D

It’s another season of battling for survival at Braunschweig having just avoided the drop in their last campaign. Going into the new year, the side have lost their last three and failed to score in their previous four; during this time they’ve also conceded nine goals. Simply put, Braunschweig can’t score goals and can’t keep them out. They have a poor record against the teams around them but occasionally pull the rabbit out the hat and somehow beat Hamburg, Hannover, and Greuther Fürth at home. Top goalscorer Rayan Phillippe is responsible for 56% of all Braunschweig’s goals this campaign. You fear that should he get injured, the club would find themselves in the third division next term. 

Jahn Regensburg

Current position: 18th 

Current top goalscorer: Kai Pröger (2) 

Grade: D- 

It’s been a miserable hinrunde for Regensburg who are now odds on to go straight back down into the third tier. Their season already looked dead and buried when they lost 8-3 away at Nürnberg back in late October. This prompted the manager to be sacked and for Andreas Patz to come in. Remarkably, Regensburg went on to win their next two in all competitions and finished 2024 with a win at home to Darmstadt. They’ve been through some tough moments this season but avoiding relegation is still possible. They’re three points from Ulm in 16th and play them in late January. Is the great escape on for Regensburg?

GGFN | Jamie Allen & Jack Meenan 

As well as this, Xabi Alonso’s side also won the DFB-Pokal but fell short of an unprecedented treble, losing the Europa League final to Atalanta.

Regardless, Die Werkself blew the competition away, as Bayern Munich’s supreme reign over German football came to an end, as Der Rekordmeister finished third behind VfB Stuttgart.

Despite Bayern breaking their transfer record to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, who himself broke numerous records in a phenomenal individual campaign, Thomas Tuchel’s side finished the campaign with no silverware to their name.

At the other end of the table, newly promoted SV Darmstadt were relegated straight back to the 2. Bundesliga after a miserable campaign, joined by FC Köln, who registered a dreadful 28 goals in the league last season.

However, with the new campaign set to begin later this evening, there are a number of questions on everyone’s lips, such as: who will win the Meisterschale and who will succumb to relegation?

To answer these questions, there is only one source to rely upon: Opta.

As reported via Sky Germany, Opta has predicted the Bundesliga table for the upcoming campaign based on a variety of statistics.

Who will be relegated?

Finishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga will be none other than VfL Bochum, who survived by the skin of their teeth in an enthralling relegation/promotion playoff with Fortuna Düsseldorf. last season.

With a meagre 33-point haul, Bochum will supposedly be joined with newly promoted Holstein Kiel, finishing one point ahead of Die Blauen.

As well as this, potentially surviving, depending on the relegation/promotion playoff, will be St. Pauli, finishing level on points with Kiel.

Who will win the Bundesliga?

While the relegation battle is always entertaining, the eyes of the watching world are always on the top of the table, where Stuttgart are predicted to finish fifth, RB Leipzig in fourth, while Borussia Dortmund will come third.

As for the title race, it is believed to come down to four points, where Bayer Leverkusen will ultimately come out on top, retaining their Bundesliga title with 72 points.

As previously reported, Xabi Alonso is not applying the same pressure as Opta on his side, stating that finishing in the top four would be an achievement for Die Werkself this season.

However, there is certainly an expectation for Leverkusen to perform this season, with them being the favourites of many, as well as the statistics.

GGFN | Will Shopland

Haller was an unused substitute in both games against Paris Saint-Germain, and has missed Borussia Dortmund’s last four Bundesliga games: Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Augsburg and Mainz.

“Sébastien Haller continues to have minor problems. His goal is to be back for the final [on June 1].”

Edin Terzić provides an update on Jadon Sancho

Ahead of their final Bundesliga game, Terzić confirmed that Jadon Sancho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens had colds at the start of the week, but the English duo returned to training on Thursday. Mateu Morey is also suffering from a cold, something which Borussia Dortmund’s medical staff are observing.

In addition to Haller, Ramy Bensebaini and Julien Duranville are also sidelined.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Manu’s Game of the Week: Heidenheim vs FC Köln

My match of the week is Heidenheim vs Köln. Everything will be on the line here for Köln. But it is an almost impossible task. Not only do the Billy Goats need to beat one of the strongest home teams in the Bundesliga, but they also need to do it with a big goal differential and hope that Union Berlin lose to Freiburg. That seems almost impossible. But don’t despair just yet Köln fans, the final matchday of the Bundesliga has seen bigger miracles in the past, and it isn’t over until it is over.

Manu’s Predictions:

• Stuttgart 3-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Darmstadt
• Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Augsburg
• Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 RB Leipzig
• Hoffenheim 2-1 Bayern Munich
• Werder Bremen 0-2 Bochum
• Union Berlin 2-2 Freiburg
• Wolfsburg 0-2 Mainz
• Heidenheim 2-1 Köln

Stefan’s Game of the Week: Union Berlin vs Freiburg

My game of the week has to be Freiburg’s trip to Köpenick. Although Christian Streich’s record against the capital side is far from outstanding, he’ll likely expect a strong performance from his team based on the fact that European qualification is still on the line and the simple matter of it being his final match in charge of the club. In stark contrast, despite fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, back-to-back defeats to Köln and Bochum suggest that Union have given all they have this season. The best they can hope for in this game is a draw, which would suit both teams well.

Stefan’s Predictions:

• Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Darmstadt
• Union Berlin 1-1 Freiburg
• Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Augsburg
• Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 RB Leipzig
• Wolfsburg 1-0 Mainz
• Hoffenheim 2-2 Bayern Munich
• Werder Bremen 0-1 Bochum
• Stuttgart 2-0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Heidenheim 2-1 Köln

Scores after MD33: Manu – 201, Stefan – 213

GGFN x Manuel Veth & Stefan Bienkowski

However, there will be one game on Saturday where the emotions will be felt perhaps more than anywhere else. Despite Borussia Dortmund and Darmstadt having nothing to play for, it will be the final home game for Marco Reus.

As the Westfalenstadion say goodbye to their beloved hero, Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić has ensured that the Dortmund faithful will be able to do so in style. Speaking ahead of Die Schwarzgelbens clash against the already relegated Darmstadt, Terzić confirmed that Reus will lead the side onto the pitch as captain:

“I remember the first conversation with Marco Reus at my house when I was interim coach. Back then, I made a promise to him. I was able to remind him of that when he received the trophy in Berlin. There were certainly things this season that weren’t so easy for him or for me. Against Darmstadt, he will lead the team onto the field as captain.”

Nevertheless, it is understood that Emre Can will remain as captain for Dortmund’s Champions League final against Real Madrid. If BvB were to prevail, there is still a feeling that Reus would be given the opportunity to lift the trophy.

GGFN | Will Shopland

As if Stuttgart aren’t already having an incredible season with Sebastian Hoeneß taking the Swabian club to Champions League football for the first time since 2010, but they could yet finish above Bayern Munich. Should Stuttgart beat Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayern Munich lose against Hoffenheim, VfB will clinch second place.

The European places

Because Borussia Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, the Bundesliga receives a fifth spot for next season’s competition. Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, RB Leipzig and Dortmund will all be playing in the premier competition.

However, Europa League and the Europa League Conference is yet to be decided. Eintracht Frankfurt, who sit sixth, will secure a Europa League place if they gain a point or more against RB Leipzig, or Hoffenheim fail to beat Bayern Munich. Alternatively, if Eintracht lose, Hoffenheim have to overturn a three-goal difference.

If Hoffenheim beat Bayern Munich and Eintracht lose to Leipzig with a three-goal swing, TSG will secure sixth.

As for the Europa Conference League, Freiburg can finish seventh if they beat Union Berlin and Bayern Munich fail to beat Hoffenheim. Even more exciting, if Bayer Leverkusen with the DFB Pokal against Kaiserslautern, seventh place now becomes a Europa League spot with the team in eighth going into the Europa Conference League.

If Borussia Dortmund win the Champions League, places one to six will play in next season’s competition with the team in seventh qualifying for the Europa League and eighth place in the Conference League. That of course means Heidenheim (9th), Augsburg (10th) and Werder Bremen (11th) could yet play European football next season.

The relegation battle

And just as exciting as the fight for the European places, is the relegation battle. Darmstadt are already relegated after just one season but after FC Köln secured a stoppage time win over Union Berlin last weekend, the Billy Goats could yet finish 16th, a place in the relegation playoff.

For that to happen, Köln have to beat Heidenheim and hope Union Berlin lost to Freiburg with a swing of four goals. If Union avoid defeat against Freiburg or Köln fail to beat Heidenheim, they will finish in the relegation playoff.

Bochum (14th) and Mainz (15th) can no longer be automatically relegated, but can finish in the playoff. If Bochum avoid defeat against Werder Bremen, Mainz lose at Wolfsburg or Union fail to beat Freiburg, their Bundesliga status is guaranteed.

As for Mainz, if they win in Wolfsburg or draw and Union fail to win by 12 goals, or if they draw and Bochum lose or Union fail to beat Freiburg, they will stay up.

If Union beat Freiburg and Mainz or Bochum lose, they will also stay up.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

Manu’s Game of the Week: Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg

My match of the week is Bayern against Wolfsburg. First and foremost, as I am at this game. But also, I think it will be fascinating to see how Bayern will react to getting kicked out of the Champions League midweek. Plus, what is the latest in the coaching search. In many ways, I think the drama surrounding this game will be fascinating to follow. Wolfsburg, in the meantime, have looked improved and they might give Bayern a run for their money.

Manu’s Predictions:

• Augsburg 0-3 Stuttgart
• RB Leipzig 2-0 Werder Bremen
• Freiburg 2-1 Heidenheim
• Gladbach 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
• Köln 1-2 Union Berlin
• Mainz 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
• Darmstadt 1-3 Hoffenheim
• Bayern Munich 2-2 Wolfsburg
• Bochum 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Stefan’s Game of the Week: Freiburg vs Heidenheim

My game of the week has to be Christian Streich’s final match in front of the Freiburg fans, as the club face a Heidenheim side that will still be gunning for a late European spot. Freiburg haven’t been great at home recently, but I suspect the emotions on the day should make for a fantastic occasion and help the side get through and pick up all three points in what should be a very tight encounter between two good teams.

Stefan’s Predictions:

• Augsburg 1-2 Stuttgart
• RB Leipzig 2-0 Werder Bremen
• Freiburg 3-2 Heidenheim
• Gladbach 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
• Köln 0-1 Union Berlin
• Mainz 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
• Darmstadt 0-2 Hoffenheim
• Bayern Munich 1-1 Wolfsburg
• Bochum 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen

Scores after MD32: Manu – 194, Stefan – 208

GGFN x Manuel Veth & Stefan Bienkowski

Manu’s Game of the Week: Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich

I am headed to Stuttgart vs Bayern Munich on Saturday. But that’s not the only reason that is my match of the week. I think this is going to be a very entertaining fixture on and off the pitch. I am very curious to see how Bayern will approach this just days ahead of facing Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League. Plus, there is all that noise with Ralf Rangnick now having turned down an offer to join the club. As for Stuttgart, they will fully open the MHP-Arena, just days after qualifying for the Champions League. This will be a celebration for the club and should create a fantastic atmosphere.

Manu’s Predictions:

• Hoffenheim 0-2 RB Leipzig
• Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Augsburg
• Wolfsburg 2-0 Darmstadt
• Werder Bremen 2-0 Gladbach
• Stuttgart 2-2 Bayern Munich
• Köln 1-2 Freiburg
• Union Berlin 1-1 Bochum
• Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
• Heidenheim 1-1 Mainz

Stefan’s Game of the Week: Union Berlin vs Bochum

Half the games in this matchday’s roster matter very little, but there’s no doubt that Bochum’s trip to the German capital is an undeniable relegation six-pointer. Union Berlin have been in a dreadful run of form over the past few months and this home tie with Bochum feels like their last opportunity to firmly keep the threat of relegation at bay. Equally, following an unexpected win last weekend, Heiko Butscher’s side will fancy their chances to cause an upset. Both times will be gunning for all three points and that should make for an excellent game.

Stefan’s Predictions:

• Hoffenheim 1-2 RB Leipzig
• Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Augsburg
• Wolfsburg 2-0 Darmstadt
• Werder Bremen 2-1 Gladbach
• Stuttgart 2-1 Bayern Munich
• Koln 0-2 Freiburg
• Union Berlin 1-0 Bochum
• Eintracht Frankfurt 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
• Heidenheim 1-2 Mainz

Scores after MD31: Manu – 188, Stefan – 206

GGFN x Manuel Veth & Stefan Bienkowski