Stuttgart vs. RB Leipzig (Sunday, 2.30pm)
© Reuters
Stuttgart and RB Leipzig's Bundesliga campaigns commence with Sunday's showdown at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, with the former already taking to the pitch in DFB-Pokal action this term.
The hosts overcame Dynamo Dresden 1-0 with 10 men in the cup, while Domenico Tedesco's side recently went down 5-3 to Bayern Munich in a pulsating Super Cup clash.
We say: Stuttgart 1-3 RB Leipzig
While a Kalajdzic-inspired Stuttgart can feel optimistic about their chances of breaking down a Leipzig defence that has shipped goal after goal already this summer, the towering Austrian may not be in peak physical condition for the opening day.
Tedesco's squad is not in perfect shape either, but with Nkunku seeking to pick up where he left off and Bayern already feeling the full force of Roten Bullen's attacking talent, we are backing Leipzig to pick up a straightforward opening-day success.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
FC Koln vs. Schalke (Sunday, 4.30pm)
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Schalke 04's first game back in the Bundesliga after a year-long absence sees them face off against European contenders FC Koln at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday afternoon.
The visitors pipped Werder Bremen to the 2. Bundesliga title last term to earn promotion as champions, while their hosts managed to nab a spot in the Europa Conference League.
We say: FC Koln 2-1 Schalke 04
Putting five goals past a fifth-tier side is hardly a good indication as to how well Schalke will fare back in the Bundesliga, but Koln's confidence will have been rocked by their own DFB-Pokal exit.
The injuries to Baumgart's attacking options are not letting up either, but we still have faith in a Modeste-led Billy Goats side to shade a close contest in front of their own fans.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Ben Knapton
