Borussia Dortmund begin a new quest for the Bundesliga title from today as they host Hamburg at the Signal Iduna Park on the opening matchday.
Armed with exciting new talents, there's plenty of expectations riding on the BVB this season, with the club making an outlay of over €100 million.
Although for all their might, Bayern Munich remain heavy favorites to retain their crown once more, Niko Kovac's side finally appear strong enough to pose a serious challenge.
We did get a glimpse of the gulf in quality during the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup last weekend when the Bavarians beat Dortmund 2-1 at Westfalonstadion.
The reigning Bundesliga champions had them on the tenterhooks with a fast start although Die Borussen looked menacing after the break and came agonizingly close to equalizing.
Despite the loss, there were plenty of positive takeaways for Dortmund, who now turn their attention to the new league season where their mettle will be tested again.
Kovac has almost the entire squad at his disposal, with the new signings raring to go, as Hamburg look to play the spoilsport.
Die Rothosen managed to avoid relegation by just nine points last term upon their return from 2.Bundesliga but hopeful of a top-half finish this term.
Merlin Polzin's side even began their new campaign on a solid note, beating third-tier Verl 3-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Sunday.
Albert Grønbæk, whose loan move was turned permanent this summer, netted twice while Louis Lemke chipped in with one goal too.
Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburg Team News
Besides long-term absentees Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, Kovac has the entire squad to choose from. Fans are hoping to see both their new Greek starlets, Konstantinos Karetsas and Giannis Konstantelias start, operating behind lone striker Serhou Guirassy.
Another new signing who could feature in the XI is Joane Gadou, who seems to have made the left side of their three-man defense his own following a series of reliable displays during the preseason.
As for Hamburg, the visitors could unleash their new arrival Patson Daka, who registered an assist in the cup win last weekend and will aim to back it up with his first league goal on debut.
Fernando Dickes (shoulder), Alexander Rossing-Lelesiit (ankle), Miro Muheim (adductor) and Warmed Omari (shoulder) are out with injuries.
Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburg Predicted Lineup
Dortmund: Gregor Kobel; Joane Gadou, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini; Julian Ryerson, Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, Daniel Svensson; Konstantinos Karetsas, Giannis Konstantelias; Serhou Guirassy
Hamburg: Daniel Fernandes; Nicolas Capaldo, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jordan Torunarigha; Bakery Jatta, Nicolai Remberg, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Louis Lemke; Martin Adeline, Albert Gronbaek; Patson Daka.
Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburg Prediction
The BVB could field a strong lineup here and come out all guns blazing after being caught asleep in the first half of their Supercup defeat last weekend. Reputed as opening day specialists, it's rare to see them struggle on the first matchdays given their phenomenal record and we expect them to click into gear here.
Predicted score: Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Hamburg
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