It’s still early days in the 2020/21 Bundesliga season, which goes into its third round of matches this weekend. Although the table means little at this stage, some early trends may be starting to emerge. fcbayern.com takes a look at the state of play in the league, focussing on the fixtures involving the teams around them and upcoming opponents:
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hoffenheim
From hunter to the hunted: Hoffenheim went top with victory over Bayern last Sunday.
Kick-off: Saturday, 03.10.20, 15:30*
In a nutshell: After their 4-1 success over Bayern, the new league leaders will be looking to hold onto their place at the top when they visit Eintracht Frankfurt. However, TSG have lost their last four matches against the third-placed Hessians, who are the visitors to the Allianz Arena on Matchday 5.
For fact fans: Former Bayern reserves manager Sebastian Hoeneß is only the second TSG coach, after Ralf Rangnick, to win his first two Bundesliga matches with the Sinsheim club. Rangnick lost his third league game 5-2 at Bayer Leverkusen.
Comment on the match: “Hoffenheim put in an absolutely top performance against Bayern and got a very good result. So it will be a big challenge for us, but one that we’re relishing.” Adi Hütter (Eintracht Frankfurt coach)
Werder Bremen vs Arminia Bielefeld
Kick-off: Saturday, 03.10.20, 15:30
In a nutshell: Promoted side Arminia Bielefeld have made a strong start to the campaign with four points from their first two matches. Before taking on Bayern after the international break (17 October, 18:30), the East-Westphalians visit Werder Bremen on Saturday.
For fact fans: Bielefeld have not lost a single league match in 2020 (18 matches in total in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2).
Comment on the match: “Bielefeld are very variable in their playing system, and they also show an impressive togetherness on the pitch. They’ll be a tough nut.” Florian Kohfeldt (Werder Bremen coach)
RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04
Manuel Baum will take his seat in the Schalke dugout for the first time on Saturday.
Kick-off: Saturday, 03.10.20, 18:30
In a nutshell: All eyes will be on Leipzig on Saturday evening, where Manuel Baum makes his debut as Schalke boss looking to end a run of 18 matches without victory – against one of their bogey teams. The Royal Blues have managed just two wins in eight meetings with RB – only against Bayern do they have a worse record in the Bundesliga.
For fact fans: Schalke have lost their last five Bundesliga games and will match an unwanted club record if they lose again (six consecutive defeats in 1970/71 and 1972/73).
Comment on the match: “I’ve seen the potential there is in the players. We’ll go out onto the pitch at Leipzig with a good attitude. The most important thing is that the team have a collective idea. That encourages confidence and increases your chances of winning a game.” Manuel Baum (Trainer FC Schalke 04).
Matchday 3 fixtures in full
Friday, 02.10.2020 | 20:30
1. FC Union Berlin vs 1. FSV Mainz 05
Saturday, 03.10.2020 | 15:30
Borussia Dortmund vs Sport-Club Freiburg
Eintracht Frankfurt vs TSG Hoffenheim
1. FC Köln vs Borussia Mönchengladbach
SV Werder Bremen vs DSC Arminia Bielefeld
VfB Stuttgart vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Saturday, 03.10.2020 | 18:30
RB Leipzig vs FC Schalke 04
Sunday, 04.10.2020 | 15:30
VfL Wolfsburg vs FC Augsburg
Sunday, 04.10.2020 | 18:00
FC Bayern vs Hertha BSC
*all times CEST
Here are the facts and figures on Bayern’s meeting with Hertha BSC on Sunday evening:
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