With the international break finally over, it is great to have the Bundesliga back with some exciting fixtures to look forward to. Matchday three saw all but one match provide us with three or more goals so we very much hope for more of the same.
As we head into matchday four, here are five storylines to keep an eye open for.
Bayer Leverkusen to make a statement against Bayern Munich
The only two sides with perfect records so far in the Bundesliga go head-to-head on Friday as Bayern Munich welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Allianz Arena. Both sides have won their opening three games but it’s Leverkusen who currently sit on top of the table due to their greater goal difference.
This is set to be a fascinating encounter with a coaching battle of experience vs youth in Thomas Tuchel vs Xabi Alonso. Alonso has grown rapidly as a coach and would make a real statement in the Bundesliga if he can conquer Tuchel’s Bayern.
A chance for Darmstadt or Borussia Mönchengladbach to kick start their season
Despite only being three games into the season, this fixture between Darmstadt and Borussia Monchengladbach could be a crucial one and could shape the destiny for the rest of the season for one of these sides. Both teams have had a poor start to the season with Darmstadt yet to pick up a point and Mönchengladbach gaining just one so far.
Darmstadt will see this as a big opportunity to get their first points on the board by being at home and Mönchengladbach will be looking to exploit a side who have conceded the most goals in the league so far.
Deadline day signings to try and tighten Augsburg’s defence
Augsburg have conceded nine goals already this season and face another tough test this weekend as they travel to RB Leipzig. Two signings were made on deadline day in order to strengthen their defence. Japhet Tanganga and Kevin Mbabu arrived from Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham on loan. Tanganga has been suffering with a knee injury but may be available to make the matchday squad whilst Mbabu has been training regularly and is ready to play. Augsburg will need drastic improvement in their defensive organisation if they are to keep out Leipzig, who have already scored ten goals this season.
Borussia Dortmund looking to change worst start in Bundesliga for 14 years
Borussia Dortmund are currently sat in ninth place and are already four points behind top spot. Up next for them is a trip to Freiburg where they will be looking to avoid three straight games without a win. New striker Niclas Füllkrug suffered a thigh injury during the international break but started training again on Wednesday so fans will be looking to see if he makes the matchday squad. There has been talk of him starting next to Sébastien Haller to provide more firepower for Dortmund, but this may have to wait another week.
Another possible scoring spree for Stuttgart
Stuttgart are currently the top scorers in the Bundesliga, scoring eleven goals in three games. The top scoring player is also their striker Serhou Guirassy with five goals already. However, their 5-1 loss to RB Leipzig placed a dent in their perfect start and showed the unpredictability of the Bundesliga. This weekend they visit Mainz who are currently sat in 17th place with nine goals conceded. On paper, this seems another opportunity for Stuttgart to score some goals, but they will also want to fix their vulnerabilities at the back.
GGFN | Matthew Gritton
