Wolfsburg vs. VfL Bochum (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Wolfsburg host VfL Bochum at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday in the opening weekend of the Bundesliga.
The two sides meet after successful seasons last year, albeit in different divisions.
We say: Wolfsburg 3-1 VfL Bochum
Wolfsburg should be expected to win their opener comfortably against a newly-promoted side. Bochum may cause them some problems, particularly if Wolfsburg make a shaky start, but the hosts should have far too much quality for their opponents. Mark van Bommel will be expected to begin his tenure with a win.
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Union Berlin vs. B. Leverkusen (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Two teams that earned European qualification in last season's Bundesliga meet on this season's opening weekend on Saturday.
In contrast though, Union Berlin's finish was an outstanding achievement, whereas Bayer Leverkusen's was certainly a disappointment.
We say: Union Berlin 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
We think this will be a tight affair between two fairly matched teams from last season. Leverkusen are probably still the stronger of the two sides but Union's strong home form is not to be underestimated so we think this one will be a draw.
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Stuttgart vs. Greuther Furth (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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One previously-promoted side meets a newly-promoted side on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga this weekend.
Stuttgart enjoyed an impressive return to the top flight in Germany last year, whilst Greuther Furth return for their second ever Bundesliga campaign.
We say: Stuttgart 2-0 Greuther Furth
Despite the missing Kalajdzic, we think Stuttgart should win their opener comfortably to continue on from their impressive season last year. They should have too much quality for the newly-promoted Greuther Furth, who could be in for a long season indeed.
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Augsburg vs. Hoffenheim (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Augsburg host Hoffenheim on Saturday on the opening weekend of the 2021-22 Bundesliga season.
Both will be looking to build on their wins in the first round of the DFB-Pokal in their first competitive matches of the season last week.
We say: Augsburg 2-1 Hoffenheim
Goals are probably to be expected between the two sides yet again but we think Augsburg will just edge this one. It is likely to be close after finishing last season in similar positions, and with both missing players and looking to find their feet in the opening match.
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Arminia Bielefeld vs. Freiburg (Saturday, 2.30pm)
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Arminia Bielefeld will begin their 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign on Saturday as they welcome Freiburg to the Bielefelder Alm as the side aims for a more impressive season.
The visitors head into the game on the back of a strong pre-season and a victory in the DFB-Pokal as the club looks to build and push further up the league table this time around.
We say: Arminia Bielefeld 1-3 Freiburg
Even though Freiburg struggled away from home last season, the club will have plenty of confidence heading into this fixture that they can get the job done to start with a bang.
With Arminia Bielefeld having had difficulties it will certainly be a tough opener for them as Freiburg have the experience and quality edge as they will aim to push on to fight for a European place this season.
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Dortmund vs. Frankfurt (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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Borussia Dortmund welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Signal Iduna Park in Saturday's late kickoff on the opening weekend of the Bundesliga.
Both sides have new men in charge after taking part in this summer's managerial merry-go-round in Germany.
We say: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Eintracht Frankfurt
Goals should be expected between two attacking sides but the quality of Borussia Dortmund and home advantage should see them through. Any side that possesses Erling Haaland also gains a huge advantage, particularly after he has already begun the season with a hat-trick in his first match.
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Barney Corkhill
