Match Introduction

The first-round Bundesliga match between Borussia Monchengladbach and Hamburg is set to take place on August 24 at Borussia-Park. This article provides an in-depth preview, statistical analysis, and a prediction for this exciting encounter.

Borussia Monchengladbach Overview

Previous Season Performance

In the previous championship, the team finished in tenth place in the league table. Consequently, Borussia Monchengladbach failed to secure a higher position in the Bundesliga for the fourth consecutive season. The club’s performance at the end of the last championship was particularly disappointing, with no victories in their final seven matches (2 draws, 5 losses). Notably, Borussia conceded 57 goals last season, a tally worse than only four other teams in the Bundesliga. During the summer, the club played seven friendly matches, achieving five wins (1 draw, 1 loss).

Recent Transfers

During the offseason, the club acquired defender Kevin Dix, midfielder Jens Castrop, and forwards Shuto Matino and Haris Tabakovic. Conversely, defender Ko Itakura and forward Alassane Plea departed the team.

Key Home Statistics

• The club failed to win in 6 of its last 7 home matches in the Bundesliga (2 draws, 4 losses).
• The team scored more than one goal in only 1 of its last 7 home league matches.
• A maximum of three goals were scored in 7 of Borussia Monchengladbach’s last 9 home Bundesliga games.

Borussia Monchengladbach Predicted Lineup (4-5-1)

Expected Starting XI

Moritz Nicolas – Joe Scally, Nico Elvedi, Kevin Dix, Lukas Ullrich – Franck Honorat, Rocco Reitz, Kevin Stöger, Philipp Sander, Robin Hack – Haris Tabakovic.

Injury Report

Forwards Nathan Ngoumou and Tim Kleindienst are unavailable due to injuries.

Hamburg Overview

Return to Bundesliga

Last season, the team secured second place in the 2. Bundesliga, accumulating 59 points and finishing two points behind Köln. As a result, Hamburg returns to Germany’s top flight after a seven-year absence. The club demonstrated exceptional attacking prowess in the previous championship, scoring 78 goals, making them the league’s highest-scoring team by a significant margin. Furthermore, they boasted the best goal difference in the second division (+34). In the offseason, Hamburg played six friendly matches, suffering four defeats (2 wins).

Squad Reinforcements and Departures

Over the summer, the squad was bolstered by the additions of goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, defenders Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Jordan Torunarigha, and Warmen Omari, midfielders Nicolas Capaldo and Nikolai Remberg, as well as forwards Yussuf Poulsen and Ryan Philippe. Notable departures include midfielder Ludovit Reis and forward Davie Selke.

Key Away Statistics

• The club remained unbeaten in 9 of its last 11 away matches in the 2. Bundesliga (6 wins, 3 draws).
• The team scored at least two goals in its last five away matches in this competition.
• At least three goals were scored in 7 of Hamburg’s last 9 away matches in the 2. Bundesliga.

Hamburg Predicted Lineup (3-4-3)

Expected Starting XI

Daniel Peretz – Warmen Omari, Jordan Torunarigha, Daniel Elfadli – Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Nicolas Capaldo, Nikolai Remberg, Miro Muheim – Emir Sahiti, Ransford Königsdörffer, Alexander Rössing-Lelešits.

Referee Assignment

Official in Charge

Sascha Stegemann (Germany)

Referee Statistics (2024/25 Bundesliga)

Matches officiated – 16;

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;

Red cards shown – 3;

Average fouls per match – 20;

Penalties awarded – 13%.

Match Prediction: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Hamburg

Monchengladbach’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

At the end of the last championship, Borussia Monchengladbach’s results were far from impressive, even in home matches where the team struggled significantly. Their defense was particularly poor: in their last seven home Bundesliga fixtures, the club managed to keep a clean sheet only once, and in four of those matches, they conceded at least two goals.

Hamburg’s Attacking Prowess

Hamburg, in my opinion, will be able to capitalize on the hosts’ defensive issues, especially given their excellent attacking performance last season. The team scored 34 goals in 17 away matches in the previous 2. Bundesliga campaign, and in their last five away league games, Hamburg found the net at least twice.

Head-to-Head and Final Pick

It’s also worth noting that in 6 of the last 8 head-to-head matches at Borussia’s home ground in the Bundesliga, Hamburg scored, and in three of those matches, they scored at least twice. I anticipate an effective attacking display from the visitors. Therefore, my prediction is that Hamburg will score over 1 goal.