Last season, Bayer Leverkusen were quite simply breathtaking, completing the only unbeaten season in Bundesliga history as they were crowned champions of Germany for the first time in their history.
As well as this, Xabi Alonso’s side also won the DFB-Pokal but fell short of an unprecedented treble, losing the Europa League final to Atalanta.
Regardless, Die Werkself blew the competition away, as Bayern Munich’s supreme reign over German football came to an end, as Der Rekordmeister finished third behind VfB Stuttgart.
Despite Bayern breaking their transfer record to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, who himself broke numerous records in a phenomenal individual campaign, Thomas Tuchel’s side finished the campaign with no silverware to their name.
At the other end of the table, newly promoted SV Darmstadt were relegated straight back to the 2. Bundesliga after a miserable campaign, joined by FC Köln, who registered a dreadful 28 goals in the league last season.
However, with the new campaign set to begin later this evening, there are a number of questions on everyone’s lips, such as: who will win the Meisterschale and who will succumb to relegation?
To answer these questions, there is only one source to rely upon: Opta.
As reported via Sky Germany, Opta has predicted the Bundesliga table for the upcoming campaign based on a variety of statistics.
Who will be relegated?
Finishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga will be none other than VfL Bochum, who survived by the skin of their teeth in an enthralling relegation/promotion playoff with Fortuna Düsseldorf. last season.
With a meagre 33-point haul, Bochum will supposedly be joined with newly promoted Holstein Kiel, finishing one point ahead of Die Blauen.
As well as this, potentially surviving, depending on the relegation/promotion playoff, will be St. Pauli, finishing level on points with Kiel.
Who will win the Bundesliga?
While the relegation battle is always entertaining, the eyes of the watching world are always on the top of the table, where Stuttgart are predicted to finish fifth, RB Leipzig in fourth, while Borussia Dortmund will come third.
As for the title race, it is believed to come down to four points, where Bayer Leverkusen will ultimately come out on top, retaining their Bundesliga title with 72 points.
As previously reported, Xabi Alonso is not applying the same pressure as Opta on his side, stating that finishing in the top four would be an achievement for Die Werkself this season.
However, there is certainly an expectation for Leverkusen to perform this season, with them being the favourites of many, as well as the statistics.
GGFN | Will Shopland
