Canada: Veterans want Minister of Veterans Affairs removed

Based on recent comments made by Minister of Veterans Affairs, combined with a decision by the federal government to launch an appeal against a B.C. Supreme Court decision in favour of Veterans, Canadian veterans want the Minister of Veterans Affairs removed.

The Canadian government passed the New Veterans Charter (NVC) in Parliament in 2006. One of the major contentions for veterans was the introduction of a one time lump sum payment in lieu of a lifetime pension. A group of veterans took the federal government to court in order to get the courts approval to sue the government. The B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the veterans could go ahead and sue the government. Read More

Bundesliga: Matchday 8 roundup - Dortmund/Bayern swap top spot

Matchday 8 provided all the hype that was advertised.  Borussia Dortmund dropped its first match of the season to Gladbach, while Bayer Leverkusen held a dominant Bayern to a draw.  Eintracht Braunschweig won its first match since promotion, defeating Wolfsburg 2-0. 

At the end of the day, the top trio still leads the rest of the pack by six points, with FC Bayern taking up the top of the table with 20 points and Leverkusen with 19 points trails Borussia Dortmund by goal difference only. 

Hannover vs Hertha BSC Berlin  1-1

Hannover took the early lead in the 23rd minute on a corner by Huszti.  Berlin's defence was unable to clear the ball sufficiently and Hosogai headed the ball onto the feet of Christian Schulz, who fired the ball into the net.  While Hannover dominated slightly in the first half, the side did not do enough in the second, but held on to their lead until the 81st minute. Brought on the field a minute before, Ronny scored from a freekick, hitting the top corner of the target.  The draw leaves the two sides hold fifth and sixth spot respectively. 

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg 4-1

The guest got the early lead in the tenth minute with Moelder's goal.  After that it was all Schalke with goals by Boateng (16th), Szalai (28th and 78th)  and Mayer topping it off in the 86th for a 4-1 victory for the Royal Blues.  Despite Augsburg good start, a send off of Ragnar Klavan, five minutes after the lead and a penalty conversion by Prince Boateng, gave Schalke the impetus.  Schalke after its early slow start has now 11 points and have moved into eighth spot, while Augsburg sits in 12th.

Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Borussia Dortmund 2-0

No one in their wildest dream would have bet that Dortmund would drop this match in Gladbach.  But thanks to Gladbach's keeper Marc Andre ter Stegen, Gladbach, which placed its emphasis on defence, and worked on quick counters, stayed in the match and eventually won.  After a scoreless first half, Kruse put the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 81st.  To add insult to inury, Dortmund, which defeated Marseille earlier this week collected a second when Raffael hit the back of the net.  Dortmund missed a multitude of opportunities and Reus, Lewandowski and company must be soul searching tonight.  The result drops Dortmund into spot two, one point behind FC Bayern, while Gladbach moved into fourth with 13 points.

VFB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen 1-1

For the first 15 minutes it was all Stuttgart.  The Schwaben put enormous pressure on Bremen and got the go ahead goal in the sixth minute.  Harnik's third goal of the season came after a corner kick from Maxim, which Daniel Schwaab headed toward the far post, where Martin Harnik one timed it into the net.  After the goal, Stuttgart geared down its attack and Bremen's Petersen was able to get the equalizer in the 37th minute.  In the end the party ended in a 1-1 draw.  Stuttgart drops to seventh spot and Bremen to ninth.

VFL Wolfsburg vs Eintracht Braunschweig  0-2

It took Braunschweig eight matchdays, but the side finally rallied to win its first match since promotion to the Bundesliga.  Wolfburg dominated during a good portion of the match and also had more possession, but when Bellarabi, netted in the 31st minute, Braunschweig made it more difficulty for Wolfsburg to deploy successfully offensively.  In the second half Braunschweig as an equal opponent and looked closer to a two goal lead, rather than a Wolfsburg equalizer.  Kumbella sealed the first victory for Braunschweig in the 86th minute.  Braunschweig has moved to 17th spot with four points, while Wolfsburg is in 13th. 

FSV Mainz 05 vs 1899 Hoffenheim  2-2

Hoffenheim blew away a two goal early lead, (Volland 14th, Firmino 22nd) to settle for a 2-2 draw in Mainz.  Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting narrowed the score to 2-1 in the 82nd minute and Malli got the equalizer for Mainz just  ahead of the final whistle in the 90th minute.  Hoffenheim apparently was too sure of their victory,  but in the end paid the price.  After a superb start with wins in the first three constests, Mainz has slipped to 11th spot.  Hoffenheim remains in tenth.

Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern Muenchen 1-1

This was the most anticipated encounter of this matchday.  With both sides, having won their Champions League matches earlier in the week, top spot in the league was on the line.  Despite complete domination by the Bayern side, the inability to convert this into goals, in the end cost Pep Guardiola's side two points.   Tony Kroos put Bayern ahead in the 29th minute, but Leverkusen's Sidney Sam answered two minutes later with the equalizer.  Levekusen's defence was instrumental in holding of a Bayern onslaught.  In the end Bayer Leverkusen could take away a point, which puts them on even keel with Dortmund.  A draw was enough to put Bayern into top spot with one point ahead of Dortmund.

1.FC Nuernberg vs Hamburger SV  0-5

Hamburg played a more effective game during the first half, but aside from van der Vaart's goal in the first half, the side was unable to capitalize on its domination in the second half the wheels fell off for the Nuernberg side.  Lasoga's hattrick, with goals in the 59th, 62nd and 67th minute was followed by Asian's goal in the 74th.  Murphy's law was in effect for Nuernberg, which couldn't convert a penalty kick in the 89th minute.  Thomas Peckhart's attempt was foiled by Rene Adler to give Hamburg a convincing 5-0 victory.  The win gives Hamburg a three point gap from the relegation zone and Nuernberg remains in 16th spot, still without  a win in eight starts.

SC Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1

Frankfurt started this match as the stronger side, but Freiburg improved throughout the match and played well for the remainder of the match, but unable to make it count with a goal.   After a scoreless first half, it was Frankfurt that got the first goal in the 64th minute.  Frankfurt was without a shot on goal since the 18th minute, and apparently did not need one to score.  The goal came as a result of Oliver Baumann deflectng a pass with his foot, which bounced to Christian Guenter and ball then bounced off his knee into the net.  Defnitely bad luck.  Hoefler pulled one back for Freiburg in the 85th minute with a header off a corner kick, executed by Schmid.  The tie moves Freiburg into 17th spot,  while Frankfurt moves to 13th. 

Friday October 4

Hannover 96 vs Hertha BSC    1-1

Saturday October 5

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg    4-1
M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund    2-0
VfB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen    1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs E. Braunschweig 0-2   
FSV Mainz vs1899 Hoffenheim  2-2
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern     1-1

Sunday October 6

Nürnberg vs Hamburger SV 0-5
SC Freiburg - Eintracht Frankfurt  1-1






Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts

1--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------8----6----2-----0------15-3-------20
2--------Borussia Dortmund-----------8----6----1-----1------21:7-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------8----6----1-----1------18:8-------19
4--------Borussia M'gladbach----------8----4----1-----3-----19:13-------13
5--------Hannover 96--------------------8----4----1-----3-----11:11------13
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------8----3----3-----2-----14:9--------12
7-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------8----3----2-----3-----16:10-------11 
8-------Werder Bremen------------------8----3----2-----3------9:12--------11
9-------FC Schalke 04-------------------8----2----2-----4-----13:18--------11
10----- FCAugsburg---------------------8----3----1-----4-------9:15-------10
11------1899 Hoffenheim---------------8----2----4-----2-----20:20--------10
12------Mainz 05-------------------------8----3----1-----4-----12:17--------10
13-------Eintracht Frankfurt------------8----2----3-----3-----11:13----------9
14-------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------8---3----0-----5-------9:11----------9
15------Hamburg-------------------------8----2----2-----4-----18:18----------8
16------1. FC Nürnberg-----------------8-----0----5-----3------9:17----------5
17------SC Freiburg---------------------8-----0----4-----4------9:18----------4
18------Eintracht Braunschweig-------8-----1----1-----6------5:19----------4

Bundesliga Matchday 8 Preview - Showdown in Leverkusen

Matchday 8 will test third place Bayer Leverkusen against reigning champion FC Bayern Muenchen.  Leverkusen only trails the front runners Dortmund and Bayern by one point and was the last team to defeat Bayern Munich in the domestic league.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, nine points behind Dortmund will try to defeat Dortmund, which along with Bayern Munich and Leverkusen has won six of their seven starts.  Friday's opener sees Hannover 86 host Hertha BSC Berlin, with the two clubs separated by one point, in  fifth and sixth spot respectively.  Schalke 04, with just one win out of seven starts host FC Augsburg, which currently holds eighth spot.

While the top trio has opened a six point gap over the rest of the field, Leverkusen can make a difference this matchday when they host Bayern Muenchen.  Having won six of their first seven, Leverkusen has the opportunity to become a permanent fixture of the top three.  Leverkusen has scored 17 goals, with Stefan Kiessling and Sidney Sam netting five times each.   FC Bayern has only been scored on twice and can boast the best defence in the league.  Both clubs won their Champions League matches during midweek.  The Bayern machine appeared well oiled, playing beautiful combination soccer. Bayern has won its last 33 league matches, but their last loss came against Leverkusen.   This is no doubt the match of this coming matchday.

VFB Stuttgart takes on Werder Bremen, both teams have won three, tied one and lost three.  It should be a good contest in the Daimler Benz Arena.  Mainz welcomes Hoffenheim, both teams have had their problems. For Mainz it was slide downwards after the first three matches and Hoffenheim has only won two of their matches.  Eintracht Braunschweig is still chasing its first win when they appear in Wolfsburg.   Wolfsburg has won three and lost four and needs a win if the side is to aspire European play next season.

On Sunday 1.FC Nuernberg hosts Hamburger SV.  The Franken are yet to win a game this season, but have had five draws.  Hamburg also sits at five points, with only one win.  This match should be a good fight for three points by either side.

The second Sunday match features Frankfurt at Freiburg.  Both sides are Euro League contenders and Frankfurt won its match 3-0 on Thursday, while Freiburg lost 2-0, with a loss and a draw on their tally sheet.   Freiburg had one of its worst start into the season.  Sitting in 17th spot, the side has yet to register a win, with three draws and four losses.  A good effort by Frankfurt should earn the side three points in the Breisgau.  For Freiburg it is crunch time, before the field gains some distance from the three relegation spots.

Matchday 8 has something for every fan and should define whether Dortmund and Munich can establish domination over the remainder of the league. 

Friday October 4

Hannover 96 vs Hertha BSC    1-1

Saturday October 5

Schalke 04 vs FC Augsburg    4-1
M'gladbach vs Borussia Dortmund    2-0
VfB Stuttgart vs Werder Bremen    1-1
VfL Wolfsburg vs E. Braunschweig 0-2   
FSV Mainz vs1899 Hoffenheim  2-2
Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern     

Sunday October 6

Nürnberg vs Hamburger SV
SC Freiburg - Eintracht Frankfurt 






Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------8----6----1-----1------21:7-------19
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------7----6----1-----0------14-2-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------7----6----0-----1------17:7-------18
4--------Borussia M'gladbach----------8----4----1-----3-----19:13-------13
5--------Hannover 96--------------------8----4----1-----3-----11:11------13
6------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------8----3----3-----2-----14:9--------12
7-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------8----3----2-----3-----16:10-------11 
8-------Werder Bremen------------------8----3----2-----3------9:12-------11
9------FC Schalke 04-------------------8----2----2-----4------13:18--------11
10--------FCAugsburg--------------------8----3----1-----4------9:15------10
11------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 8----2----4-----2-----20:20------10
 12-------Mainz 05-------------------------8----3----1-----4-----12:17-------10
13------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------8----3----0-----5-------9:11---------9
14-------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------7----2----2-----3-----10:12-------8
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------7-----0----5-----2-----9:12----------5
16------Hamburg--------------------------7----1----2-----4-----13:18---------5
17------SC Freiburg----------------------7-----0----3-----4------8:17---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------8-----1----1-----6------5:19---------4

Champions League: Bundesliga Clubs victorious during matchday 2

Germany's Bundesliga clubs did themselves proud during Champions League matchday 2 play.   OnTuesday Borussia Dormund defeated Marseille 3-0 and Schalke despite a poor start in the domestic league defeated FC Basel 1-0.    FC Bayern played at Manchester City and demonstrated real class in its 3-1 victory over City.  Bayer Leverkusen edged out a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad.  While Schalke and Leverkusen struggled to win, there was never much doubt for Dortmund and Bayern.

Bayer Leverkusen stand third in Group A with three points, behind Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United  who have four points.  FC Bayern Muenchen leads Group D with six points followed by Manchester City and CKSA Moscow, with three points each.  Schalke leads Group E with three points, followed by Chelsea and FC Basel,with three points, while Borussia Dortmund, with three points, trails Arsenal in Group F, which has won their first two games.

Matchday 3 gets underway on October 22, when Schalke 04 hosts Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund travels to Arsenal.  On October 23 FC Bayern host Pizen, while Leverkusen hosts Shakhtar Donetsk. 
 
Manchester City vs FC Bayern Muenchen 1-3

FC Bayern dominated Manchester City from the start with an excellent possession game and a well thought out strategy.  Bayern had difficulty though to make it pay with a final stroke, missing a multitude of opportunities.  Frank Ribery put Munich on the scoresheet in the seventh minute, after Dante delivered a switch sides pass to the left to Ribery.  While David Alaba moved along the left side to place himself into position, the Frenchman saw a gap in midfield moved to the right and fired the ball into the net, surprising City's keeper Heart.   After the start of the second half Bayern turned up the tempo,which finally paid off when Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben netted at the hour mark for 3-0 lead.  Alvero Negredo pulled one back for City with ten minutes left.  City put on the heat and Jerome Boateng was redcarded with four and half minutes plus injury time to go.  Despite three minutes added on the Bavarians held on.   Bayern leads Group D with six points.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Real Sociedad 2-1

Bayer Leverkusen took the lead just before the end of the first half, when Rolfes put Bayer on the scoresheet.  Sociedad pulled one back at the 51 minute mark with Veta's goal.  Just as it appeared that the match would end in a draw, Jens Hegeler got the winning goal in injury time.  The win leaves Leverkusen in third spot in Group A, behind Shakhtar Dontesk and Manchester United.

Borussia Dortmund vs Marseille   3-0

Dortmund controlled the match from the beginning, creating several scoring opportunities.  Borussia moved ahead in the 19th minute with Robert Lewandowski's goal.  Marco Reus moved Dortmund ahead 2-0 after 52 minutes and Robert Lewandowski capped off Dortmund's win with his second goal of the night at the 80 minute mark.  With only ten minutes to go, Dortmund easily defended its lead.  Dortmund is in second spot in Group F, with three points, trailing Arsenal.  Arsenal is Dortmund's next challenge later on this month.

FC Basel vs Schalke 04  0-1

 A goal by Julian Draxler in the 54th minute on a corner kick by Aogo secured the 1-0 victory for the Knappen.  FC Basel lost to Chelsea during matchday 1, while Schalke won their second three points after a 3-0 victory over Steau Bucuristi.  The win puts Schalke into the lead of Group E, ahead of Chelsea and FC Basel.

DFB Pokal (German FA Cup) Third Round Pairings

The draw for the third round pairings of the DFB Cup was conducted by Jogi Low (German national side coach).  In the eight matches, three are Bundesliga vs Bundesliga.  FC Bayern Muenchen travels to FC Augsburg, Leverkusen is hosted by Freiburg, while Schalke 04 hosts Hoffenheim.

Borussia Dortmund will be the guest at  3rd division club 1. FC Saarbrueken, 2nd Bundesliga leader 1. FC Koeln hosts Hamburger SV.  Union Berlin travels to Kaiserslautern, and Wolfsburg hosts Ingolstadt.  

All games will be played on December 3 and 4, 2013.

Eintracht Frankfurt - SV Sandhausen
1. FC Union Berlin - 1. FC Kaiserslautern
FC Schalke 04 - 1899 Hoffenheim
1. FC Saarbrücken - Borussia Dortmund
Hamburger SV - 1. FC Köln
SC Freiburg - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
FC Augsburg - FC Bayern München
VfL Wolfsburg - FC Ingolstadt

Bundesliga Matchday 7 Roundup - Dortmund remains on top

Borussia Dortmund remains on top of the table with a four goal lead over FC Bayern Muenchen.  Leverkusen trails the leaders with just one point.  SC Freiburg, which gave up five unanswered goals against Dortmund, continues to struggle near the basement of the league.  Newly promoted Hertha BSC Berlin edged out another win, their third of the season, to move into fifth spot in the top flight.  Hannover, which lost 2-0 to Leverkusen, remains in fourth spot, trailing Leverkusen by four points.

FC Augsburg vs Borussia Moenchengladbach  2-2

 Both Augsburg and Gladbach had three wins and three losses on their tally sheet prior to the match, with nine points after six games.  Augsburg's side, despite their low position at the end of last season, had either tied or lost by one goal in its matches.  The side is strong defensively.  Augsburg, with the support of the home crowd, started to pressure Gladbach from the start.  The guests relied on counters initially.  Gladbach had its first scoring opportunity when Arango fired the ball at the net and hit just under the crossbar.  Augsburg responded with a goal in the 27th minute, on a pass from Werner to Hahn, who put it away.  Four minutes later, in the 31st minute, Gladbach answered with a goal from Kruse. The second half continued to provide entertainment for the fans. Augsburg had a slight advantage, but Gladbach was able to convert its opportunities.  Hrgota gave the lead to Gladbach in the 71st minute, but Augsburg got the equalizer with Milik's goal just before the final whistle in the 88th minute.

Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg 5-0

Marco Reus got a double pack, witih goals in the 35th and 45th minute. The two goal lead, coupled with Diagne's red card, pretty well sealed the deal for Dortmund at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski completed a double pack in the 58th and and 70th minute and Jakub Blaszczykowski sealed Freiburg's fate in the 79th minute, for a 5-0 Dortmund win.  Robert Lewandowski tallied his 60th Bundesliga goal.  With this win Dortmund consolidated its spot on top of the league,while Freiburg continues to struggle at the bottom of the league with just three points.

FC Bayern Muenchen vs VFL Wolfsburg 1-0

Bayern dominated the match from the start, but Wolfsburg's effort stopped the record champion from scoring. Pep Guardiola assembled a start assortment for his starting line-up, but it wasn't until Kroos and Schaquiri replaced Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben that Mueller scored Bayern's only goal in the 63rd minute.  Wolfsburg seldom tested Manuel Neuer, although a close result could have resulted in an equalizer. Wolfsburg was solid in the defence.  Bayern remains in spot two, while Wolfsburg slides to ninth.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96  2-0

Leverkusen demonstrated that they rightfully belonged to the elite of the Bundesliga. Goals by Rolfes (23rd) and Sam (37th) secured the three points for the Bayer side.  After the halftime lead, the club managed its lead and missed a couple of good opportunities to win even higher.  The win keeps Leverkusen in third place, just one point behind Dortmund and Bayern, but four points ahead of Hannover.  With six wins and one loss Leverkusen equals the wins of the top two.  Hannover remains in fourth spot for now, six points behind the leaders.

1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04   3-3

Schalke started this season with big hopes, but with 1 win, two draws and four losses Schalke's hopes are dashed for now.  Schalke dominated the first half, with early goals by Prince Boateng (3rd) and Matip (13th).  Hoffenheim's Modste narrowed the scored in the 16th minute, but Schalke restored the two goal lead, when Hoeger made it 3- 1 in the 40th.   Firmino made it 3-2 in the 48th and Abraham got the equalizer for Hoffenheim in the 61st minute.  The point moves Hoffenheim into eighth spot, while Schalke moves into 13th.

Hertha BSC Berlin vs Mainz  05   3-1

Mainz put in a good performance in the first half, but it was all Berlin in the second.  Mainz too the lead in the eighth minute when Mueller hit the back of the net.  Mainz carried that lead to the halftime whistle.  Berlin scored three unanswered goals in the second half, with goals  by Allagui in the 48th and 73rd meeting and Ben-Hatira in the 74th. With this 3-1 win, Berlin, with three wins, two draws and two losses, Berlin currently holds fifth spot on the table.  With three wins and four losses Schalke  slipped to13 the spot.  Schalke was widely believed to be a top contender this season.  With ten points behind third placed Leverkusen, Schalke has a lot of work to do.

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV 2-2

Frankfurt and Hamburg played to a 2-2 draw.  Flum took the lead for Frankfurt in the 31st minute, but Hamburg's Lasogga struck back three minutes into injury time in the first half, send the teams to the dressing room with a 1-1 draw.  Russ once again gave the lead to Frankfurt in the 54th minute.  Frankfurt managed to hang on to the lead until the 84th minute, when Jansen got the equalizer.  The single point didn't do much for either team.  With eight and five points, respectively the sides are well behind the leaders, in the 12th and 15th spot. Bremen moves into ninth spot, while Nuernberg is still elusive of a victory and remains in

Werder Bremen vs 1. FC Nuernberg  3-3

Nuernberg, once again, came back from behind to capture a point in Bremen.  Danbali's own goal in the eight  minute gave Werder the early lead and Eliamade it 2-0 in the 34th.  Nuernberg continued to battle and made it 2-1, when Kiothaki netted before the halfway mark. Drmic got the equalizer in the 53rd.  Elia, put Bremen ahead again in the 66th, but Nuernberg equalized with Hiousek's goal in the 70th minute.  While Bremen dominated much of the first 45, Nuernberg had a complete turn around in the second half.  With an attack happy Nuernberg and a less productive Bremen in the second 45, Nuernberg had more opportunities and was close several times in deciding the match in their favor.  Bremen moves into ninth spot, while Nuernberg is still elusive of a victory and has 5 draws on their record.

Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart  0-4

Eintracht Braunschweig is still chasing its first win in seven starts.  The game was very much on even keel until halftime, Stuttgart shifted gears in the second half.  Ibisevic (40th) gave Stuttgart the 1-0 lead late in the first half .  Shortly into the second half, in the 50th minute, Maxim increased Stuttgart's lead to 2-0.  Traore, after several missed opportunities, finally got his well deserved goal to make it 3-0.  Harnik, after replacing Werner, netted  to make the final score 4-0.  Braunschweig has one point in seven games, with one draw and seven losses. Their goal difference is -16 and they continue to remain at the bottom of the league.  Stuttgart's win has moved the Schwaben into sixth spot.

Friday 27 September

FC Augsburg vs Borussia M'gladbach   2-2

Saturday 28 September

Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg 5-0    
FC Bayern vs VfL Wolfsburg     1-0
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96     2-0
1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04     3-3
Hertha BSC vs FSV Mainz 05     3-1
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV     2-2

Sunday 29 September
Werder Bremen vs Nürnberg    3-3 
Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart  0-4


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------7----6----1-----0------21:5-------19
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------7----6----1-----0------14-2-------19
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------7----6----0-----1------17:7-------18
4--------Hannover 96--------------------7----4----0-----3-----10:10------12
5------- Hertha BSC Berlin-------------7----3----2-----2-----13:8--------11
6-------VFB Stuttgart--------------------7----3----1-----3-----15:9--------10 
7--------Borussia M'gladbach----------7----3----1-----3-----17:13-------10
8--------FCAugsburg--------------------7----3----1-----3------8:11-------10
9-------Werder Bremen------------------7----3----1-----3------8:11-------10 
10------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 7----2----3-----2-----18:18-------9
11------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------7----3----0-----4-------9:9---------9
12-------Mainz 05-------------------------7----3----0-----4-----10:15-------9
13-------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------7----2----2-----3-----10:12-------8
14------FC Schalke 04-------------------7----1----2-----4-------9:17--------8
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------7-----0----5-----2-----9:12----------5
16------Hamburg--------------------------7----1----2-----4-----13:18---------5
17------SC Freiburg----------------------7-----0----3-----4------8:17---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------7-----0----1-----6------3:19---------1

Bundesliga Matchday 7 Preview: FCB and BVB try to break gridlock, crunchtime for Freiburg

With the midweek DFB Pokal competition out of the way, all eyes will turn to the Bundesliga. With only three goals separating top runners Bayern and Dortmund, both sides will attempt to gain the point advantage and the top of the table.  Pep Guardiola and Juergen Klopp rested some of their star players during the DFB Pokal and should be well prepared to meet the challenges.  For SC Freiburg its crunch time if the side is to move up from the leagues basement.

Both Bayern and Dortmund have home pitch advantage when Bayern hosts Wolfsburg and Dortmund hosts beleaguered SC Freiburg on Saturday.  For Freiburg it will be a major task to overcome the Borussen.  Wolfsburg, currently in sixth spot with three wins and three losses, the appearance at the Allianz arena will be a difficult one.

The Friday opener, which will be broadcast and GolTV Canada at 2:30 pm EDT, will feature FC Augsburg hosting Bourussia Moenchengladbach. Both sides have nine points to their credit, with three wins and three losses.

Third placed Bayer Leverkusen hosts fourth placed Hannover 96.  Both teams need a win to maintain contact with the leaders of the league.  The home team advantage has to go to Leverkusen.  Hannover also has to overcome the midweek thumping by FC Bayern.  Hoffenheim hosts Schalke 04 and the two clubs are separated by one point.  Schalke needs a success to live up to the expectations of a top contender in the Bundesliga.  This may be a difficult task in Sinsheim.

Berlin hosts Mainz 05 and both sides were eliminated by 2nd Bundesliga outfits, Koeln and Kaiserslautern from DFB Cup competition.  Despite an early surge in the league this season, both sides have now suffered losses and will try to  make up the deficit.  Berlin has the home pitch advantage.

The final Saturday match is in Frankfurt with Hamburg as the visitors.  Both teams require a success story.  This should be a closely contested match and all bets are off.

To conclude the matchday, Werder Bremen host Nuernberg and Stuttgart travels to Braunschweig.

With six games in the books, a pattern is emerging with Bayern and Dortmund establishing their dominance of the league.  Leverkusen and Hannover are still close enough to challenge the league leaders, making their result important this weekend.  Failing disasters, both Dortmund and Munich should emerge victorious.  With Champions League week ahead of the sides next week, the line ups will be based on strategy.  Dortmund will host Olympique Marseille next Tuesday, while Bayern travels to Manchester City.  Schalke 04 travels to Basel, while Leverkusen takes on San Sebastian at home. 


Friday 27 September

FC Augsburg vs Borussia M'gladbach   2-2

Saturday 28 September

Borussia Dortmund vs SC Freiburg     
FC Bayern vs VfL Wolfsburg     
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hannover 96     
1899 Hoffenheim vs Schalke 04     
Hertha BSC vs FSV Mainz 05     
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hamburger SV     

Sunday 29 September
Werder Bremen vs Nürnberg     
Eintracht Braunschweig vs VFB Stuttgart


Place-----Team-----------------------GP---W---D----L---GF/GA ---Pts
1--------Borussia Dortmund-----------6----5----1-----0------16:5-------16
2--------FC Bayern Muenchen--------6----5----1-----0------13-2-------16
3--------Bayer Leverkusen-------------6----5----0-----1------15:7-------15
4--------Hannover 96--------------------6----4----0-----2-----10:8-------12
5--------Borussia M'gladbach----------7----3----0-----4-----17:13------10
6--------FCAugsburg--------------------7----3----0-----4------8:11-------10
7--------VFL Wolfsburg-----------------6----3----0-----3-------9:8--------9
8--------Mainz 05-------------------------6----3----0-----3------9:12--- ----9
9-------Werder Bremen------------------6----3----0-----3-------5:8---------9
10------ Hertha BSC Berlin-------------6----2----2-----2-----10:7---------8
11------1899 Hoffenheim--------------- 6----2----2-----2-----15:15--------8
11------VFB Stuttgart--------------------6----2----1-----3-----11:9----------7
13------Eintracht Frankfurt--------------6----2----1-----3-----8:10----------7
14------FC Schalke 04-------------------6----1----1-----4------6:14----------7
15------1. FC Nürnberg------------------6-----0----4-----1-----6:9-----------4
16------Hamburg--------------------------6----1----1-----4-----11:16---------4
17------SC Freiburg----------------------6-----0----3-----3------8:12---------3
18------Eintracht Braunschweig--------6-----0----1-----5------3:15---------1