The Bundesliga is back for nine more exciting encounters on matchday two! Eintracht Frankfurt hosts TSG Hoffenheim in a match promising goals, the Holstein-Stadion in Kiel hosts its first fixture in Bundesliga history, and the top-flight has its first title 6-pointer with RB Leipzig clashing with Bayer Leverkusen in the late fixture on Saturday night. Let the games begin!

Season Prediction Accuracy: 7/9 (78%)

Union Berlin v St. Pauli 

Union Berlin kicks off matchday two with a Friday evening clash at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. Die Eiserne managed to secure a hard-fought point on matchday one with a draw at the MEWA Arena in Mainz. However, the goal-scoring struggles that plagued Union last season still seem unresolved. The team continues to find it difficult to create high-quality chances from open play, and they lack a clinical center-forward capable of converting limited opportunities.

It wasn’t until the second-half introduction of summer signing László Bénes that Union’s attack began to show signs of life. The Slovenian international made an immediate impact, scoring the equalizer with a sensational long-range strike in the 74th minute. While the long-range effort may seem like a stroke of luck, those familiar with Bénes' performances for HSV in the 2. Bundesliga last season know his ability to score from midfield is no fluke. With 13 goals and 11 assists in 27 matches last campaign, Bénes was a standout for Die Rothosen. If he can replicate even half of that output for Union this season, his transfer will be a resounding success.

On the topic of high-scoring 2. Bundesliga midfielders, St. Pauli is feeling the loss of their talisman from last season, Marcel Hartel. Hartel, who contributed 17 goals and 13 assists, chose not to renew his contract, opting instead for a lucrative move to the MLS. His absence was glaring as St. Pauli dominated their match against FC Heidenheim, but lacked the cutting edge in the final third to capitalize on their dominance. St. Pauli’s return to the top flight after more than a decade brought plenty of lessons, and Die Kiezkicker will need to adapt quickly if they hope to maintain their Bundesliga status

Prediction: Union Berlin Win

Eintracht Frankfurt v TSG Hoffenheim 

After suffering a 2:0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt hope to make amends by picking up their first victory of the season in a home match versus TSG Hoffenheim. Die Adler were far from second-best, but pivotal moments on both ends of the pitch ultimately sealed their fate. In the 71st minute, Farès Chaïbi missed a golden opportunity to score from inside the six-yard box. Just a minute later, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens struck a decisive blow, putting Dortmund ahead and leaving Frankfurt with no way back into the match.

Creating high-quality chances proved challenging for Frankfurt, with only two shots on target throughout the match. However, one bright spot was Hugo Ekitiké, who showcased undeniable moments of quality. Standing at 1.89m, the French forward is a clear physical presence, but his agility, exceptional balance, and low center of gravity allow him to glide past defenders with the ease of someone half his size. In 15 Bundesliga appearances, Ekitiké has contributed four goals and two assists. It's reasonable to expect him to surpass this modest tally as the season progresses.

Speaking of goal-scoring prowess, Andrej Kramarić stole the spotlight in Hoffenheim’s season opener. The Croatian forward continues to cement his status as a Bundesliga legend and the greatest player in TSG Hoffenheim's history. Kramarić’s hat-trick was the driving force behind Die Kraichgauer’s 3-2 victory. With 118 Bundesliga goals to his name, he’s just 10 away from surpassing Vedad Ibišević as the fourth-highest foreign scorer in Bundesliga history. While catching Claudio Pizarro (197 goals) will be difficult, and Robert Lewandowski's (312 goals) record is out of reach, Kramarić could still challenge for third place (Giovane Élber - 133 goals) if he maintains his form and stays in the league beyond this season.

Equally crucial to Hoffenheim’s success on Saturday was the performance of their captain, Oliver Baumann. The 34-year-old goalkeeper once again demonstrated why he remains a key figure for both Hoffenheim and the German national team. Baumann made four vital saves, including a cat-like reflex against Holstein Kiel’s Shuto Machino at the hour mark. Despite conceding 66 goals last season and recording the fewest clean sheets in the division, Baumann was a cornerstone in Hoffenheim's push for European qualification. With over four saves per game, he was the busiest keeper in the Bundesliga, and his strong start to this season suggests he's ready for another action-packed campaign.

Prediction: Eintracht Frankfurt Win 

Werder Bremen v Borussia Dortmund 

Werder Bremen were fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw in their season opener against FC Augsburg. The North German side benefited from some contentious handball decisions that significantly influenced the outcome. In the 70th minute, an Augsburg goal was controversially disallowed due to a handball that no camera angle could conclusively verify. Just eight minutes later, a clear handball by Bremen’s Anthony Jung went unpunished despite a VAR review...