The new Bundesliga season kicks off with everything we both love and hate: huge expectations, new coaches, ridiculous transfer sums, and the eternal question of whether Bayern will end up on top again. Leverkusen, under Erik ten Hag, is attempting a fresh start, Dortmund hired Kovac – a coach who prefers to bite his opponents rather than his own players – and Stuttgart must prove last year’s success wasn’t just a one-off accident. Add in two newly promoted clubs bringing their dose of chaos, plus relegation candidates already making themselves comfortable on the slippery slope. So yes, we’re in for another year of drama, surprises, and those moments where we ask ourselves: why do we put ourselves through this every season?
Top of the table: Title and Champions League
1. Bayern Munich
Bayern never lose their hunger for the title, and even when injuries pile up, their squad depth is simply overwhelming. With new talent and old routine, they’ll be top again – unless they invent one of those trademark internal crises.
2. Bayer Leverkusen
New coach, half the squad rebuilt – it smells like chaos, yet ten Hag brings structure and a clear plan. Not everything will run smoothly, but there’s enough quality to chase Bayern for a long time and finish second.
3. Borussia Dortmund
Kovac brings stability, and he does so faster than expected. The attack is dangerous, but Dortmund being Dortmund, they’ll still drop points where you least expect it.
4. Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt keep pushing upwards and dream of the Champions League. Solid defense and clever transfers make them tough, but the final touch of consistency is missing for a title race.
Strong, but not elite: Europe League and beyond
5. RB Leipzig
Ole Werner adds some fresh ideas, though he’s not the most charismatic of coaches. Leipzig remain a talent factory with plenty of power, but nerves often fail when it matters most.
6. VfB Stuttgart
A true wildcard: on their good days they play champagne football, on their bad days they stumble over relegation candidates. Still, it’s enough for Europe – not without plenty of heart attacks though.
7. SC Freiburg
Streich has gone one year ago, but his system’s DNA lives on. Freiburg remain tough, smart, and annoying for every big club – just not quite strong enough for the top.
8. Mainz 05
A squad full of underestimated players that, together, achieve more than anyone expects. Safe mid-table, with the occasional European dream floating by.
The big midfield muddle
9. Borussia Mönchengladbach
Stabilized but not shining. The Foals remain unpredictable, yet the full potential still goes untapped.
10. Hamburger SV
The dinosaur is back, full of energy and early-season hype. Defensive cracks appear later, but they’ll secure survival comfortably.
11. 1. FC Köln
Promotion joy quickly turns into harsh reality. With fighting spirit, passionate fans, and a little luck, Cologne clinch a safe mid-table finish.
12. Werder Bremen
Solid, unspectacular football – perfect for switching channels during the conference broadcast. Far from the top, but safely away from relegation.
13. TSG Hoffenheim
Caught between ambition and reality: too strong for the bottom, too weak for the top. Once again stuck in the middle, and no one really knows the plan.
14. VfL Wolfsburg
A club with money, stadium, squad – but no soul. Survival secured only because others are worse off.
15. FC Augsburg
Sandro Wagner generates headlines if not always points. Plenty of grit keeps Augsburg in the league – another razor’s edge escape.
Bottom of the table: Relegation and drop
16. Union Berlin
After years of fairy tale football, the magic fades: too many changes, too little cohesion. Union face the relegation playoff and must fight for survival.
17. FC St. Pauli
Brave and likable, but not durable enough. The home games will be electric, yet away form kills them – relegation looms.
18. 1. FC Heidenheim
The second year after the miracle promotion is merciless. Passion and team spirit remain, but quality doesn’t – Heidenheim drop out.
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