Who are the Bundesliga title favourites?

Last season saw Bayer Leverkusen notably go unbeaten and triumph, to break Bayern Munich’s 11 season long reign as German champions. I’ll be taking a look at my 4 favourites to lift the Bundesliga this season, and who I think is most likely to win the league.

Bayer Leverkusen

Let's start with the most obvious candidates. After going unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season, they must be favourites for 24/25. They scored 11 winners or equalisers in the 23/24 campaign, proving their determination and fight for the title. The attacking threat of Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, the solidity of Tabsoba, Tah and Hincapie and the unique, world class abilities of the wing backs Frimpong and Grimaldo all provide the balance of the side, making them the dangerous side that Xabi Alonso has transformed them into. They do have 1 loss under their belt this season, losing 3-2 to RB Leipzig, but did gain a point against Bayern Munich, and are performing in the Champions League - showing they aren’t just one season wonders.

Bayern Munich

The 32 time Bundesliga champions are of course also favourites. Despite finishing 3rd last season, their 72 points would have been enough to win the title the prior season ; perhaps showing their season wasn’t as bad as outsiders may think. Add to that the addition of Micheal Olise to the XI, who provides that extra creativity to the attack, supplying Harry Kane ; arguably the best striker on the planet - and the long awaited Joao Palhinha adding midfield strength and depth. De Ligt and Mazraoui have both been lost to Manchester United, however with 41 appearances between them in the Bundesliga last season, and the arrivals of Stanisic and Ito (both from title rivals), the United duo are unlikely to be missed by Bayern. The major switch for the Bavarians this summer was of course the change of manager. Tactically, the change from Tuchels football to Kompany's football will remain possession based, however Kompany's inexperience as a manager, and being somewhat underwhelming at Anderlecht and Burnley, makes it a questionable appointment, and it will be interesting if he can turn Bayern back into serial winners.

VfB Stuttgart

It would be harsh to not include last year's runners up in this post. They have still shown that they are a dangerous side after thrashing Borussia Dortmund 5-1 in September. Seb Hoeness likes the team to be confident, attacking, and ruthless no matter the stakes, occasion, or opposition, and the high risk high reward tactical approach is yet again paying off. Regaining the services of Deniz Undav is the club's best bit of summer business. With 18 goals in the top flight last season, Stuttgart retaining a goal outlet keeps reliability on the front line. The signing of Undav was also so pivotal, to somewhat replace the departed Guirassy, who somehow may not be too much of a loss to Stuttgart. The loss of Ito to Bayern could be poor business, by weakening their backline and strengthening the competitions, but 4 centre half have been signed in Al-Dakhil, Hendriks, Roualt, and Jeff Chabot - a proven Bundesliga player proving his worth so far. It would be a superb story for Stuttgart to win the title under the rapid guidance of Seb Houness, however with champions league games for Stuttgart to also focus on, it may be more of a focus for the side than the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund

For my final pick, I have gone with Dortmund, rather than RB Leipzig. Despite the inconsistent results and performances for BvB, when they are at their best, I think they are unstoppable. Karim Adeyemi is a quick, skilful goalscorer, with bags of ability and potential which I’m sure will be unleashed this season and Pascal Gross will relish playing for Dortmund, his leadership, creativity, and set piece specialisms providing the side with the mould of player they have been missing since Jude Bellingham departed. Youngsters Yan Couto and Jamie Gittens will only improve and continue to gel into the quick system as more opportunities come their way. This is Nuri Sahin's first managerial gig in Germany, but with faith being installed in him by the supporters and hierarchy, he will learn as the season goes on, and the quality of players will get the side going in times when Sahin can’t. Despite their size, Dortmund are somewhat of an outside shout for the Bundesliga.

Final Prediction

I think the winners will be Bayern Munich. I think Harry Kane is the worlds best player, he scores over a goal a game in his 14 months in Germany, and that goalscoring quality and consistency will push any team in the world to titles. Despite my criticism of Kompany at Burnley in the premier league, the clarets dominated the championship, and is a huge sign of what the Belgian can achieve when he has the greatest players, most money, and best facilities in the division. Dortmund’s inconsistency and Stuttgart’s inexperience could be their achilles heal, while I think even just 2 or 3 league losses could be enough to see Leverkusen fall behind Bayern in the standings.