Spieltag 5 Preview
All matches are on Sunday 2 October
Four games are scheduled to begin at 11:00 German time (5:00 am USA Eastern Time zone) and two are scheduled to begin at 14.00. (8:00 am Eastern Time Zone)
11:00 Matches:
11:00 Matches:
Frankfurt versus Bad Neuenahr
Frankfurt suffered a difficult first leg 1-0 loss against Norway’s FK Stabæk earlier this week in the UEFA Women’s Champion League. As a result, Frankfurt should be eager to show their fire and passion once again on the pitch. Bajramaj should have little problems weaving in and out of the Bad Neuenahr defense. Behringer should also be dangerous offensively. Keep an eye on Garefrekes who has lately missed chances on goal yet is still phenomenal with her crosses from the flank.
Bad Neuenahr is offensively led by Pyko and Petzelberger and look for the return of national team member, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi , from injury. Even if Celia Okoyino da Mbabi was 100% healthy, Bad Neuenahr would still have a difficult time defeating Frankfurt.
Hamburger versus Bayer Leverkusen
Hamburger seems to have the advantage against last place team, Bayer Leverkusen. Both teams have struggled offensively. Leverkusen and Hamburger have both only managed to score three goals this season. Hamburger has conceded eight goals and Leverkusen has conceded thirteen. Hamburger may have the “mental” advantage after last week’s admirable 2-0 loss to Frankfurt. The same cannot be said for Leverkusen, who failed to hold on to a 2-0 against Lok Leipzig and lost 3-2.
Lok Leipzig versus Freiburg
Lok Leipzig will look to build momentum after obtaining their first Bundesliga victory against Leverkusen. Freiburg’s coach, Pilipovic, has stated thathis team needs to return to being more aggressive and sees the game againstLeipzig as a way to “get back on track.” Both teams have the ability to showcase some offensive power.
Duisburg versus Wolfsburg
The matchup between the first place Duisburg and the fifth place Wolfsburg seems to be the best match being played in the Frauen Bundesliga this week. Duisburg is playing with confidence and playing smart technical and tactical soccer. Seven different players have scored Duisburg’s 14 total goals this season. With all of these aspects working in Duisburg’s favor, Wolfsburg will have to maintain the energy and intensity that they displayed during the first half against Turbine Potsdam. Consistency plagues Wolfsburg. Defensively, Wolfsburg is improving but still remains the team’s major weakness. (For more information as to how Wolfsburg can be defeated tactically, check out an earlier post)
14:00 Matches (8:00 a.m. USA Eastern Standard Time)
Turbine Potsdam versus Essen -Schönebeck
Although Essen has been the “surprise” team of the season thus far, defeating powerhouse Turbine Potsdam will not be an easy task. Potsdam’s scoring duo of Anonma and Nagasato have been embarrassing opposing team defenses. Combine the offensive threat with a solid defense led by such players as Schmidt and Peter, Potsdam should have an easy time with Essen. Although Ursula Holl and Essen’s defense has only conceded five goals this season, Essen’s offense has only scored five goals.
Bayern Munchen versus USV Jena
Do not be surprised if USV Jena earns their second victory of the season against Bayern. While Martina Voss-Tecklenberg is slowly building the confidence of her team, Bayern’s coach is making post match press conference statements about his team playing like “princesses.” Rather true or not—and rather joking or not, comments like these do little to inspire an already disappointing team. Bayern does have the talent yet they seem unmotivated.
