Title contenders and relegation battles: Three storylines to watch out for in Matchday 3 of the Bundesliga
With the first international break of the campaign having to come to its conclusion, the Bundesliga returns to action later tonight as Borussia Dortmund take on Heidenheim at the Westfalenstadion.
However, the intrigue of Matchday three does not stop there, as an enthralling weekend of football awaits.
On Matchday two, Bayer Leverkusen lost their unbeaten run on German soil—stretching back to May 2023—while Heidenheim blew away Augsburg to catapult themselves to the top of the Bundesliga table.
Nevertheless, a new Matchday brings new storylines, and here are three talking points to watch out for this weekend.
Will Heidenheim continue their perfect start?
Despite only being in the twilight of the campaign, Heidenheim have impressed significantly, sitting at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Having scored six goals without return thus far, Frank Schmidt’s side have looked irresistible in their opening two games.
In Paul Wanner, Heidenheim can boast a creative and clinical attacking threat who is complemented by an orchestra of attacking options that Schmidt can call upon at any given time.
But, as well as this, and arguably more importantly, the Conference League outfit are a difficult side to break down, having now adapted to life in Germany’s top tier.
While Dortmund will prove to be a tricky opponent, there is no reason as to why Heidenheim cannot take a point—or all three—away from the Westfalenstadion, and if they do, then they could be the side to watch out for this season.
Holstein Kiel and St. Pauli need to show quality
It is expected to take time for a newly promoted side to adapt to the demands of the Bundesliga.
However, thus far, Holstein Kiel and St. Pauli have failed to show any sign of why they may be able to survive come the end of the season.
While St. Pauli do have the added disadvantage of losing their head coach, Fabian Hürzeler, over the summer, they have been able to find an impressive replacement in Alexander Blessin.
Regardless, they have failed to prove their worth in the opening two fixtures, and neither side want to start to become cut adrift from the rest this early in the campaign.
The visit of Bayern Munich will undoubtedly be a daunting task for Kiel, but if they can trouble Der Rekordmeister at times, then it will spread confidence within the side and give them the belief that they can turn their season around.
As for St. Pauli, an away trip to Augsburg does offer Blessin’s side the chance to at least register their first points, as walking away empty-handed would be a difficult pill to swallow.
Can RB Leipzig prove their title credentials?
After finally ending Die Werkself’s domestic unbeaten run, there is now serious pressure on RB Leipzig to finally realise their dream and become German champions.
Against the top sides in the Bundesliga, Die Roten Bullen often turn up, but it is against the sides in the bottom half of the table where Leipzig fail to impress.
At home to VfL Bochum on Matchday one, Marco Rose’s side narrowly escaped with all three points, and they will look to make more comfortable work of Union Berlin on Saturday afternoon.
This fixture also offers Leipzig the opportunity to really make a statement and show why they could be the favourites to lift the Meisterschale come May.
However, Union have started their season well, meaning all the pressure will be on the hosts, offering an interesting spectacle at the Red Bull Arena.
GGFN | Will Shopland
