One of Europeans top leagues gets underway this weekend as German sides all wish to get off to a good start.

Bayern Munich v Wolfsburg –  The opening game of the season kicks off on Friday night at the Allianz Arena. Current champions host the team they took the title from. McLaren’s Wolfsburg want to challenge for Bayern’s trophy and are tipped to be close challengers. Bayern fans are hoping for last season’s successes to be repeated.

Borussia Monchengladbach v Nurnberg – The home side here finished in mid table, and never looked in serious danger of going down. Nurnberg had to win a playoff to survive relegation last year; their fans are hoping their team doesn’t put them through the same this year.

FC Cologne v Kaiserslautern –  Both sides are relegation candidates this season, which means this will be a vital start to the season for one of these teams. Cologne player Podoski is the star player and hoping to bag in many goals this season.

Hannover 96 v Eintracht Frankfurt – After narrowly avoiding the drop last season, the host here will want to start a lot better than they did last year. The visitors finished in a strong mid table position and will hope to push for European places.

Freiburg v St. Pauli – Relegation candidates face each other on the opening game of the season, as newly promoted St. Pauli will want to forget their dismal showing in the German cup last weekend. Freiburg will want to improve on last year’s showing.

Hoffenheim v Werder Bremen – Bremen face a difficult trip to Hoffenheim on their opener. Being in Champions League action midweek will potentially make it harder than it already is. Hoffenheim were pleased with a mid table finish last term.

Hamburg v Schalke 04 – One of the most appealing fixtures of the weekend, as 2nd place Schalke travel to a capable Hamburg side. Schalke, with new signing Raul, will want to challenge for the title, after falling 5 points short last year.

Mainz v Stuttgart – The away side will be hoping for a top 5 finish this season as after narrowly missing out last year. Mainz overachieved last season and finished a respectable 9th position. Will be a close game to call.

Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen – The final game of the week is another cracker on the opening weekend. 4th and 5th of last season will play out an even game, and another close game to call. Both sides will hope to reach a Champions League spot, and be dark horses for title glory next May.