Harry Kane Aims to Make History: Can He Propel Bayern Munich to a Record-Breaking 12th Consecutive Bundesliga Title?

Kane gain but Bayern face 'keeper conundrum

Despite their disappointing start to the season with a heavy defeat in the German Super Cup against RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich continues their search for a first-choice goalkeeper in the transfer market, which has so far proved to be unsuccessful.

In a setback that took the shine off the signing of Harry Kane, the German champions suffered a 3-0 defeat to Leipzig, relying on 35-year-old Sven Ulreich, who was previously considered the club's third-choice goalkeeper last season.

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Bayern Munich

Friday 18th August 7:15pm

Kick off 7:30pm

With Manuel Neuer, the starting goalkeeper, expected to be absent at the start of the season due to his ongoing recovery from a fractured leg, Alexander Nubel having departed for Stuttgart, and Yann Sommer now playing for Inter Milan, the Bayern Munich team finds itself without any other viable alternatives.

Neuer, who sustained his injury while on a skiing vacation in December, underwent an additional surgery last month to extract metal components from his leg that were inserted during his initial operation.

Bayern has stated that his recovery is progressing as planned but has not specified a return date. Undoubtedly, Neuer will be absent for a number of weeks, if not longer, in the upcoming season.

Borussia Dortmund's failure to secure the Bundesliga title on the last day of the previous season left a lasting impression. With the opportunity to clinch the championship after 11 years by simply winning against Mainz on home ground, everything quickly unraveled.

An early concession of a goal coupled with the squandering of a penalty opportunity. Finding themselves two goals behind before the halftime break, there was a fleeting glimmer of hope that Bayern might be equalized by the opposition in Cologne. However, they emerged victorious while Dortmund did not. A mere solitary goal in either encounter would have sufficed. It was an excruciating convergence of circumstances.

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Edin Terzic struggles to contain his emotions as Borussia Dortmund miss the chance to win the 2022/23 title

As players and staff gathered in reverence before the renowned Yellow Wall of supporters, head coach Edin Terzic displayed a sense of distress. He emphasized that his team had come so close to achieving their goal, only to find themselves 34 matches away from glory once again.

The task now is to persevere, even without Jude Bellingham. It may be tempting to believe that Dortmund wasted their greatest opportunity, but there is an alternative perspective. Pre-season preparations have been successful, and it was not Bayern who defeated them, but rather Dortmund who faltered. Can they overcome their inner struggles? Adam Bate.

Can Dortmund conquer their demons?

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Union Berlin will be in the Champions League this season

Union Berlin's global fan base was solidified when they secured a spot in the final Champions League position in the Bundesliga last season. This achievement allowed them to compete against some of Europe's most prestigious clubs for the first time, just four years after their promotion to the top division. This remarkable journey has transformed Union Berlin from a small team in Germany's fourth tier to the only Bundesliga side representing the capital city. Now, they have earned a place among the elite in continental competition.

The club's Wikipedia page features notable former players including Robert Huth and Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest. However, during the Soviet Era, Union was not the dominant team in East Berlin. They missed out on talented young players and infrastructure advancements due to their politically affiliated rivals, Berliner FC Dynamo.

Being accustomed to the underdog role has created a deep bond between the club and its fans. This mentality has also contributed to Union's growing popularity beyond the capital city.

In 2004, facing financial struggles, diehard fans of the club selflessly donated blood to fund that season's professional league license. On the club's 50th birthday in 2016, at the stroke of midnight, loyal supporters congregated within the stadium to ignite flares and orchestrate a magnificent fireworks spectacle, illuminating the entire vicinity.

In addition to this, vibrant red Union Berlin minibuses and an intriguing Union Berlin boat can be spotted.

These are the types of unique characteristics that have captivated fans who have fond memories of football in its earlier days, particularly for this small, working-class club in East Berlin. These traits will only attract more supporters as they aim to achieve a few notable victories in their inaugural journey in the Champions League. Ron Walker

Union Berlin's hipsters get a taste of the mainstream

Bayer Leverkusen, under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, may emerge as the main contenders challenging Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, surpassing both Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

The former Liverpool midfielder takes charge of his first full season at the club after making an impressive impact since arriving last October.

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Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has been in charge since October 2022

Leverkusen, under the guidance of the Spaniard, climbed from second-bottom to secure a commendable sixth-place finish. Despite narrowly missing out on the Europa League final, having suffered a semi-final defeat to Jose Mourinho's Roma, there is optimism surrounding their prospects. While the departure of last season's top scorer Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa is a setback, the arrival of summer signing Victor Boniface provides hope of filling the void left by the speedy French player.

In the previous season of the Europa League, the Nigerian striker emerged as the highest goal scorer for Belgian team Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Encouragingly, his performances during pre-season, particularly his impressive showing against West Ham, suggest that he is a suitable replacement for Diaby.

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Leverkusen signed Victor Boniface from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise this summer

At just 22 years old, Boniface adds to the impressive roster of young players at Alonso's disposal, with 20-year-old Florian Wirtz standing out from the crowd. Wirtz, a talented attacking midfielder from Germany, was crowned the best young player in the Europa League last season and will be the driving force behind Leverkusen's dynamic team.

During this summer, Alonso has wisely mixed youthful energy with seasoned expertise, bringing in Granit Xhaka, Jonas Hoffman, and Alejandro Grimaldo.

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Xhaka in particular brings leadership to a team that could well be the surprise package in the Bundesliga this season.Declan Olley

Alonso's Leverkusen to be surprise package?

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Will Lukas Nmecha lead Wolfsburg's campaign this season after missing out on European football due to a loss at home against already-relegated Hertha Berlin last season? It is likely that this disappointment could have been avoided if Germany international Lukas Nmecha, their centre-forward, had been able to play.

The ex-Manchester City player has progressed significantly after his departure from English football. He showcased his skills under Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and subsequently earned a spot in the Germany national team after permanently joining Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021.

"I believe I am still in the midst of taking that next leap," he shared with We. "Over the past two years, I have faced setbacks due to significant injuries."

"During the initial season, we experienced a variety of managers. However, currently, we possess a strong and consolidated foundation. I am optimistic that this year will be the time for me to progress and reach new heights."

Niko Kovac, the past Bayern boss, has provided a clear direction. Nmecha affirms, "We are well aware of his expectations and requirements."

The challenge will be to keep the best players fit. Sadly, Nmecha has already been ruled out of the season opener against Heidenheim.Adam Bate

Wolfsburg need Nmecha firing

RB Leipzig's remarkable victory over Bayern in the Supercup serves as a reminder that, despite losing key players, the club's philosophy guarantees a sense of consistency. They are here to stay.

Although Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku, and Dominik Szoboszlai have departed for the Premier League, the arrival of Lois Openda brings fresh talent. Additionally, Nicolas Seiwald and Benjamin Sesko have been secured from Salzburg, while the loan signings of talented duo Xavi Simons and Fabio Carvalho further strengthen the team.

The challenge with a high player turnover is that it can be time-consuming to establish team chemistry. However, Leipzig has a clear preference for young and ambitious players who possess both speed and a strong desire to press the opposing team; these qualities are essential.

With Dani Olmo now emerging as the unquestioned standout player, the recent Supercup victory - their third trophy in 15 months - could serve as a catalyst for further accomplishments. If Bayern and Dortmund struggle to find their top form this season, anticipate Leipzig capitalizing on the opportunity and generating excitement.

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