Brief preview of Frauen Bundesliga Match day #2
Bayer Leverkusen v Turbine Potsdam
Leverkusen has a monumental task ahead for their first home match of the season. The young Leverkusen squad not only must face the defending league champions but will also have to manage with significant injuries. Defender Marith Priessen will likely miss Sunday's match with an upper leg injury. Look for Johanna Eslig to start for Priessen. Lisa Schwab and Natalie Moik were injured in last week's match but will most likely start. Midfielder Carolin Dej and forward Belle Linden returned to training this week but it is unknown when they will be match fit. Leverkusen failed to generate any significant offense last weekend against Bayern Munchen and will most likely repeat that failure. Young players to watch for Leverkusen include Eslig, Hendrich, Beckmann and their goal keeper Schmitz. These players were all members of the German U-19 Euro Championship team.
Look for Turbine Potsdam to dominate Leverkusen from the start. Combined with talent and speed, Turbine Potsdam's offensive power should clearly outmatch the young and struggling Leverkusen. Look for Potsdam to exploit Leverkusen's lack of depth and experience on the flanks. The finishing duo of Anonma and Nagasato should lead Potsdam to another blow out.
Predicted score:
Bayer Leverkusen 0
Turbine Potsdam 5
DFBTV Video on Turbine Potsdam
Hamburger SV v FCR 2001 Duisburg
Hamburger SV displayed many deficiencies within their squad against Potsdam last week. Goal keeper, Weech, often bobbled the ball, and her positioning left much to be desired. Weech was not the only weakness last Sunday. Hamburger's entire midfield was at best non-existent. Tactically, Hamburger would be wise to have at least four in the midfield. Expect Kristina Brenner to start against Duisburg. To have any chance against a stronger Duisburg side, support must be given to the forwards.
Hopefully, Duisburg can finally put the Inka Grings departure behind them. Expect an entirely different formation and lineup against Hamburger than what was seen during the previous week's match against Leipzig. Coach Marco Ketelaer has already stated that Wensing will return to the defensive back line. Duisburg needs to find some sort of connection between Ando and Popp to become offensively dangerous. Until Duisburg can find a formation and a core group of players, expect them to have many "hiccups" during the early part of the season.
Prediction:
Hamburger 0 Duisburg 2
Lok Leipzig v FFC Frankfurt
Frankfurt is very aware of Lok Leipzig's key players. Defensively, Frankfurt must shut Leipzig's Kathrin Patzke down. Patzke is not only a tremendous scorer, but she is also an excellent play maker. As good as Patzke may be, Frankfurt's Bajramaj is the clear superstar in this match. Last week's performance illustrated just how commanding Bajramaj is on the flank. Leipzig will have to have a brilliant defensive day to prevent Bajramaj from serving dangerous crosses into the box. Depth and experience should easily be the deciding factor for Frankfurt in this match. However, this is a good test to see how strong Leipzig can be against a top tier team.
Players out for Frankfurt: Saki Kumagai (with Japan for Olympic Qualifying); Gina Lewandowski (with WNY Flash for WPS Championship match); Kim Kulig (ACL Tear) Valeria Kleiner (MCL rehab) Silvana Chojnowski (back injury)
Prediction: Leipzig 0
Frankfurt 3
Wolfsburg v Bad Neuenahr
Wolfsburg's offseason signings have significantly paid off. Coach Ralf Kellermann is making his mark as an offensively minded coach. Bad Neuenahr must be able to contend with last seasons leading scorer, Connie Pohlers, as well as Mueller, Kessling, and former Bad Neuenahr player, Lena Goessling.
Wolfsburg must prevent Bad Neuenahr's captain, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi from creating any dangerous offensive attack. Okoyino da Mbabi was instrumental in both of Bad Neuenahr's goals against Freiburg last week. Although skeptical as to the strength of Wolfsburg's defense, shutting down Okoyino da Mbabi may not be too difficult. Bad Neuenahr's coach has stated that Okoyino da Mbabi is only playing about 60-70% due to World Cup fatigue.
Prediction: Wolfsburg 2 Bad Neuenahr 0
SC Freiburg v Bayern Munchen
Despite newly promoted to the top flight of the Bundesliga, SC Freiburg can be a very dangerous underdog team. Hegenauer is a strong midfielder for Freiburg. She is familiar with many of Bayern's young stars and will be an asset in slowing down Bayern's offense.
For Bayern, their back line will have to be consistent in keeping their shape against Freiburg. Bayern Munchen's experience and strong offensive power should help them obtain a victory. Keep an eye on Rudelic for Bayern--when u-19 Euro Championship teammate Lena Lotzen returns, these two will be entertaining to watch.
Prediction: Bayern Munchen 2 Freiburg 1
Essen-Schonebock v USV Jena
Now retired from the National Team, Ursula Holl will focus on leading Essen from the goal. Defensive mistakes costs them last week against Frankfurt. This week's opponent should be more merciful. Despite newly appointed Martina Voss-Tecklenburg in charge at Jena, the squad has an arduous season ahead of them. Unfortunately, this match is being labeled as one that is important due to the regulation factor. What Frauen Bundesliga fans should be analyzing during this match is the amount of "growth." Look for key positional and tactical improvements for Jena. Voss-Tecklenburg is the right fit for Jena's team. Their growth should be displayed each week.
Prediction: Essen 0 USV Jena 1
Check back on Monday for match reviews and Statistical updates.
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