Only making more Bundesliga history last season as Bayern Munich claimed a 10th straight domestic crown, there is no doubt that the Bavarians have underlined their status as the pinnacle of German football.
Once again wrapping up another Bundesliga title with plenty of time to spare, many from across Europe are hoping that someone will be able to break the mold and give Bayern a real run for their money.
With the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign getting underway in just a matter of weeks, teams from across Germany will be putting together their final preparations.
While Julian Nagelsmann’s heavyweights might stand as a landslide pick to reclaim their Bundesliga crown once again next season, we have taken a look at a handful of teams who could be looking to upset the food chain.
Borussia Dortmund – 8/1 888sport
After eventually finishing eight points adrift of their bitter rivals last season, some in Borussia Dortmund’s camp could be feeling like they missed out on a potential chance.
Having to settle for a third second-place finish from their last four Bundesliga campaigns, BVB will get a new era underway next season after parting ways with now-former boss Marco Rose.
Once again appointing Edin Terzic, who had a spell in interim charge during the 2020-21 season before becoming the club’s technical director, Dortmund will still be tipped by many as the main contender to dethrone Bayern in 10 months’ time.
However, while Bayern might be in an uphill battle to keep hold of striking sensation Robert Lewandowski, Die Borussen have seen their own attacking talisman already make the move away from rural Germany.
In what will undoubtedly be a huge blow to Terzic and his plans to upset the establishment, it was confirmed last month that Norweigan superstar Erling Haaland has made the move to Manchester City.
Bayer Leverkusen – 20/1 Betfair
Managing to book a Champions League return last season and also claiming their first bronze medal finish since 2016, Bayer Leverkusen do have the feel of a club on the rise.
Also reaching the knockout stage of the Europa League and gaining a reputation for their free-scoring displays, Head Coach Gerardo Seoane saw his side receive plenty of praise from across Germany.
Signing off last season’s campaign with four straight top-flight wins, Die Werkself appear to find the mood in their camp at a real high.
Along with showing plenty of resolve away from the BayArena as they lost just three Bundesliga fixtures on the road last season, Seoane’s side also have an attacking talisman who has spearheaded their recent wave.
Since making the move from Italian giants Roma back in 2020, Patrik Schick has scored 37 times in 67 competitive appearances – including 24 across all competitions last season.
Putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal back in May, could Leverkusen be the dark horse that gives Bayern the biggest headache?
RB Leipzig – 16/1 Unibet
Much like Borussia Dortmund, while Leipzig might have also managed to book themselves another Champions League finish, there was a sense of disappointment in their camp.
While Germany’s latest franchise might have reached the semi-final of the Europa League earlier in the year, a fourth-place finish was their worst overall outcome since 2018.
However, making it clear that they’re desperate to try and make it more of a fight with BVB and Bayern this time around, the Red Bulls did make some impressive improvements after appointing Head Coach Domenico Tedesco eight months ago.
Losing just a pair of their final 13 Bundesliga contests, Leipzig, much like Leverkusen, also have their own attacking MVP who enjoyed a stellar campaign in Germany’s top-flight last season.
Racking up 20 league goals and 13 assists last season in his most prolific season since joining in 2019, Christopher Nkunku was also crowned Bundesliga player of the season.
Following Schick in signing a new deal that will see him stay with Leipzig until 2026, Leipzig will be looking forward to getting the 2022/23 campaign underway.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
