BFW Roundtable: Top fixtures from Bundesliga schedule release

Every Bundesliga fan knows how long and grueling the offseason can be. With today’s schedule-release fans get a glimpse of what the next season will look like. We at BFW are excited to see Bayern Munich’s path as the attempt to defend their title yet again.

Now that we have seen the schedule, we have each picked two fixtures that we are most excited for, one including Bayern and one that doesn’t.

Logan Chugg

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich — Matchday 28

Anytime Bayern plays Dortmund it’s a big deal. Last season the second meeting between the two German giants in Bayern changed the course of the title race for good. This season, Bayern will host Dortmund first and Dortmund will host in the Rückrunde. With this match at this point in the season, it will most likely have a big effect on the title race again, even if there are other teams in the mix.

History aside, Dortmund has gone out and spent a lot of money after falling just short of the title last season. Although they have lost Pulisic, they have brought in some big names, including Mats Hummels who was bought back from Bayern. Will these moves be what Dortmund needs to get past the Rekordmeister?

Union Berlin vs Hertha Berlin — Matchday 10

For the first time since 1976-77 season there will be two teams from Berlin in the Bundesliga. I lived briefly in Berlin and was able to see how much both teams mean to the city. It will be amazing to see both of the clubs in the top-flight. 1. FC Union will host the first Bundesliga clash between the two.

The two clubs have very different histories. Hertha BSC is in West Berlin and was a founding member of the Bundesliga, whereas 1. FC Union is the first East Berlin team to make it to the Bundesliga since Germany’s reunification. If I could go to any (non-Bayern) Bundesliga match this season, it would be in Berlin at the Alte Föresterei.

Marcus Iredahl

Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin — Matchday 1

As of now, I look forward to the first game of the season the most. Bayern at home against newly sponsored Hertha will be a great way to start the season. Germany’s third biggest city versus it’s biggest. The most successful German football team of all time versus a potential sleeping giant. The richest German club against a newly rich club. Does it get better than this?

Also looking forward to seeing the newly created Bayern team, whom I will imagine will be very different from the team who lifted the DFB Pokal in Berlin.

Union Berlin vs RB Leipzig — Matchday 1

Surely the DFB planned this. Union’s first ever Bundesliga game will be against the club that stands against EVERYTHING they believe in. The cult club with a stadium built by their own supporters against the multi-billion company who owns a football team in Leipzig. An ‘Eastern’ Derby although none of the Union supporters counts RB Leipzig as an Eastern team. Köpernick will be on fire, I can’t wait to watch this one. WOW.

Looking forward to seeing how Nagelsmann does in Leipzig, as well as just witnessing the passion of Union Berlin.

Phillip Quinn

RB Leipzig vs Bayern Munich — Matchday 4

This will be Bayern’s first real test of the season against another Champions League club. Julian Nagelsmann also gets to jump into the fire pretty quickly as Leipzig’s new manager. Surely, he would’ve preferred a little more distance between the start of the season and Bayern coming to Leipzig; however, this is where we’re at.

Borussia Monchengladbach vs Hertha Berlin — Matchday 34

I know what you’re thinking: “Phil, why did you pick a game that won’t take place for FOREVER?!”

Simple: I think this game is going to 100% determine a European place of some sort. Both Gladbach and Hertha should be in the race until the bitter end, probably for a Europa League spot. BUT! Maybe it’s for the fourth and final Champions League position? Either way, this match will probably have some fireworks for all fans to tune in to see.

Ineednoname

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich — Matchday 28

My choice is kinda basic but we can’t deny that Der Klassiker is the biggest game in the Bundesliga calendar (although Bayern-RBL is starting to encroach on that title). Matchday 28 puts this game smack dab in the middle of the latter stages of the Champions League, and that makes it more tricky than usual.

This current BVB team is shaping up to be a title contender, and they are incredibly formidable at home. Niko Kovac may be forced to rotate or bench some starters, which will only make the game harder. Considering how things are shaping up, this game could decide the title, so it’ll definitely be the one I’m most looking forward to.

RB Leipzig vs Borussia Dortmund — Matchday 33

Leipzig versus BVB on the penultimate day of the season? Don’t tell me that isn’t going to be spicy. If either team come into this game leading the Bundesliga by two points or less, then this could quite literally decide the title (I’m assuming Bayern won’t go lower than second — it would be catastrophic to be lower than second on matchday 33 of the season).

Playing away, BVB could be in for a rough ride as neither RBL nor Julian Nagelsmann are known for backing down from a fight. Unless the title is already decided by then, this should be an incredible game.

Of course, now that I’ve said it, expect a boring 0-0 with Favre parking the bus.

Callum Seniuk

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich - Matchday 28

Der Klassiker - There is nothing quite like the intense rivalry between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. It was no different during the 18/19 season. A title race until the bitter end, it could be a similar affair for the upcoming season. Making shrewd signings thus far, Dortmund are looking for revenge. Winning the league on the final matchday, FC Bayern will be aspiring to do the same once again. The fixture on Matchday 28 could prove to be the penultimate decider in the title race. Away at the Signal Iduna Park, it could be an intense affair.

Union Berlin vs Hertha Berlin - Matchday 10

Berlin Derby - Union Berlin’s promotion to the Bundesliga provides a mouthwatering clash at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. A rare fixture, the Berlin Derby between Union and Hertha hasn’t occurred since 2013 when both sides played in the 2. Bundesliga. Now in the top tier of German football, both sides have an opportunity to earn bragging rights in the country’s capital. Regarded as underdogs, Union will be in full spirit against their arch rivals.

Once separated by East and West, the Berlin Derby on Matchday 10 will be one for everyone to watch.