Football is back in Europe. Or rather Fußball is back in Europe – in Germany at least. This weekend, the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga will resume. Football fans around the world over are rejoicing at the return of the Bundesliga. So many Premier League fans and for many of those arriving late to the Bundesliga party, it is necessary to find a team to support in three days. We’ve picked a German top-flight side based on the characteristics of your Premier League favourites. So we begin in the current Bundesliga table order.
Bayern Munich – Manchester United
Quite an obvious match, Bayern are top of the league table. Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson used to say that title races start in February and Bayern have been doing just that. Bayern have a glorious history with so many legendary players is donning their jersey in the past. Both clubs have the financial muscle, both have an enormous fanbase and best talents at their helm, and both hold their country’s record for the most league title wins. Another link between them is the 1999 Champions League final at Camp Nou.
Borussia Dortmund – Liverpool
Dortmund have been known for creating a hostile atmosphere at Signal-Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion) for the away teams just like Anfield. Klopp is the obvious connection between the two clubs but they both share the rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone‘ before the games. Even after Klopp’s departure, Dortmund have been playing electric football, just like Liverpool. Another similarity between them is that both clubs’ stadiums contain iconic stands – the Kop and the Yellow Wall.
RB Leipzig – Manchester City
Both clubs have tasted recent success and are known for buying their way to the top. Both clubs have not been powerhouses of the game in the past and grew as the commercialization in the game grew. Both clubs’ current fanbases effectively grew in this century, when Red Bull took over and Abu Dhabi United Group took over Leipzig and Manchester City, respectively. Both clubs are known to play beautiful football and are fun to watch. But unlike Manchester City, Leipzig haven’t won anything yet.
Borussia Monchengladbach – Leicester City
Gladbach and Leicester have grown recently under the appointment of a new manager – Marco Rose and Brendan Rodgers. Both clubs have exciting young talents and are pushing for the top spots in the league table. Apart from the name Monchengladbach, which is very tough to spell, rest are similar between the two sides.
Bayer Leverkusen – Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United
In Germany, Leverkusen are called ‘Neverkusen’. They have finished runners-up in Bundesliga several times and have also lost a Champions League final. Tottenham also has a similar case. Tottenham have been performing well but when it comes to trophies, they’re the bridesmaid. ‘Neverkusen’ also sounds like Newcastle and the Magpies have also been unlucky under Benitez.
Schalke – Everton
Schalke are a big club and they have a huge fan base just like Everton. They both play in blue and also boast terrific history and heritage. They both have been overshadowed by their neighbours – Dortmund & Liverpool (Rivierderby between Schalke & Dortmund is set to be played this week). It’s been a while since both of them won trophies.
Wolfsburg – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Yeah, both clubs are nicknamed ‘Wolves’ in their respective countries. Both clubs are based in industrious, working-class communities and have a dedicated fanbase. Both clubs are fighting to participate in European competitions next season.
Freiburg – Burnley
Both clubs have punched above their weight this season and are in the race for Europe next season. Both have a good squad and despite investing less, they’ve played bravely against top sides.
Hoffenheim – Chelsea
Very little to compare in terms of European and national success as Chelsea have been winning trophies. But Die Kraichgaue is also owned by a billionaire, one who has heavily invested in the club. This is a similarity as both clubs have enjoyed impressive rises from lower levels with the help of big investment.
FC Koln – Southampton, Brighton
There’s very little to relate between the sides but FC Koln have punched above their weight and same is the case with the Seagulls. FC Koln or FC Cologne are always likely to have their best players picked off by top clubs, just like Southampton.
Union Berlin – Sheffield United
Everybody thought that both teams will face relegation struggle back in August, but both sides have silenced their critics. Union Berlin have upset several established Bundesliga sides this season, just like Sheffield. The Blades are 7th in the league table while Union Berlin are 11th in Bundesliga.
Eintracht Frankfurt – Arsenal
Both sides have a noble history in their respective national cups. Frankfurt were brilliant last season and played one of the most attractive football in Europe. Both teams face a lot of Drama, but some good players, a brilliant new coach. Eintracht finished 7th last season but this season they have not been able to replicate it. Arsenal are ninth in the league table with 40 points.
Hertha BSC – West Ham
Both clubs are from the capital city and play in an Olympic Stadium. Both clubs have been around for a long time but haven’t been able to hack it with the elite. Despite investments and big hope, there have been constant setbacks for both teams.
Augsburg – Watford
Medium-sized clubs who are not hated in their leagues. They occasionally get to finish in the top spots but are established well and are well regarded.
Mainz – Crystal Palace
Both clubs have a good atmosphere at games and are one of the best their respective leagues. Another similarity between the twos side is Mainz’s second kit and Crystal Palace’s third kit. Two similarities are good enough for Palace fans to get behind Mainz once Bundesliga starts.
Fortuna Dusseldorf – Bournemouth
Both clubs have climbed up the ladder through the divisions over the past decades. But both are in the relegation zone at present and know that relegation is a long and painful journey.
Werder Bremen – Aston Villa
Both clubs have a glorious and rich history with success in the past. Both have the squad that looks to good for relegation. They have big fanbase and stadium but doesn’t matter when it comes to relegation.
SC Paderborn – Norwich City
Both clubs sit last in their respective league table. Both have had their ups and downs throughout the season but they’re last in their leagues.
