Hamburg to start as they mean to go on
Eintracht Braunschweig begin their challenge in the 2. Bundesliga when they host Hamburg on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were automatically promoted from the 3. Liga last term with a second placed finish, and will relish the chance to play one of the biggest in all of Germany in their curtain-raising encounter.
The visitors could still be reeling from their devastating Bundesliga play-off defeat to Hertha Berlin last term, Hamburg led 1-0 heading into the second leg on their home patch, before going down 2-0 and staying put in the second tier..
Background
Hamburg are heading into their fifth season since relegation from the top-flight, for the first time in their history, and they will be determined to make sure it will be their last.
Cardiff City’s supporters will be familiar with the Red Shorts’ danger man Robert Glatzel, the towering frontman bagged 27 goals in all competitions last season as Hamburg came so close to a Bundesliga return.
Ron-Thorben Hoffmann has joined the hosts between the sticks on loan from Bayern Munich.
The glovesman spent last season on loan at Sunderland and will be hoping to bounce back after losing his place in the North East of England in the second half of last term.
Pre-season form has been impressive from the visitors against some high profile opposition, they are leaving no stone unturned this time around.
Goals?
A tricky one to call on the opening day, I am more comfortable with an outright play.
Braunschweig have scored in eight of ten.
Braunschweig have conceded in six of ten.
Braunschweig have seen both teams score in four of ten
Braunschweig have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Hamburg have scored in nine of ten.
Hamburg have conceded in eight of ten.
Hamburg have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
Hamburg have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Hamburg are a team to watch this season, they will be targeting automatic promotion with Furth and Arminia Bielefeld not coming down to the second tier in great shape.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Hamburg, Glatzel brace.