FC Bayern Munich – 1. FC Union Berlin
Situation: First against fourth, that’s a top game purely in terms of the table. But leaders Bayern are the clear favorites – especially in their own stadium.
Statistics: FC Bayern has yet to lose a game against Union Berlin (seven wins, three draws).
Personal: Defender Upamecano is probably fit to play again for Bayern after a bruised thigh. After the unsuccessful rotation in the cup, Union should start again with captain Trimmel and hopeful Rothe.
Special: Bayern have already scored 29 goals, equaling their own league record after eight matchdays.
Eintracht Frankfurt – VfL Bochum
Situation: Eintracht is in a good position in sixth place, Bochum is already under a lot of pressure as they are bottom of the table without a win.
Statistics: The balance in 73 duels so far is almost even. Frankfurt won 29 times, VfL won 26 times.
Personal: Eintracht has to do without the suspended Theate and the injured Kristensen. Boadu is still out for Bochum.
Special: Frankfurt is a difficult place for Bochum. The last VfL victory on the Main was more than 17 years ago. In April 2007, the Bochum team won 3-0.
Holstein Kiel – 1. FC Heidenheim
Situation: Newly promoted Kiel is still waiting for the first Bundesliga victory in its club history. After a strong start, Heidenheim has not won three league games in a row. During the week, both teams were eliminated from the DFB Cup by second division teams.
Statistics: It is the 16th competitive game between the two clubs. The Heidenheimers have had the upper hand eight times so far. Kiel won four times and there were four draws.
Personal: Kiels Arp is closed. Heidenheim can play with the best possible cast.
Special: Kiel is threatened with a negative record. A club has never lost the first five home games in its Bundesliga history. Coach Rapp’s team currently has four bankruptcies.
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim – FC St. Pauli
Situation: After a mixed start to the season, Hoffenheim is in the bottom of the table in 15th place, as is the newcomer from Hamburg in 16th place. Both have now found each other and are in improving form.
Statistics: Both teams only met four times and each won one game.
Personal: TSG is missing five injured professionals. Geiger could be an option for the squad again. St. Pauli has to do without six players.
Special: Hoffenheim coach Matarazzo and Pauli’s coach Blessin both successfully completed the DFB coaching course in 2016. Blessin was also a player at TSG from 2005 to 2006.
VfL Wolfsburg – FC Augsburg
Situation: The Wolfsburg team now want to confirm their cup triumph against Borussia Dortmund in the league. They are running according to expectations as 14th in the table. still far behind.
Statistics: Augsburg hasn’t won away from home for more than seven months. The last success was a 3-1 win in Wolfsburg on March 15th – and cost the then VfL coach Niko Kovac his job.
Personal: The Croatian Labrovic returns to the FCA goal. Among those missing from VfL are the suspended Wimmer and the ailing Bornauw.
Special: Augsburg’s Rexhbecaj played for VfL for twelve years in the youth and professional ranks. His father works as a groundskeeper for the club.
