The Bundesliga has already shown glimpses of its usual mix of dominance, surprises, and rising individual performances in the opening fixtures. As the third round of matches approaches (scheduled for September 12-14), there are several factors—transfers, new managers, breakout players—that could shape how this next slate of games unfolds.
Experience and Leadership: Christian Eriksen’s Arrival
Christian Eriksen officially signed a two-year deal with VfL Wolfsburg on September 11, 2025. His wealth of experience at top levels—Premier League, Serie A, Champions League—offers Wolfsburg not just midfield creativity, but also leadership for younger players. His presence could help Wolfsburg be more composure-driven in tight matches and improve their transition play, which has been a weak point so far this season.
Managerial Change at Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen replaced Erik ten Hag with Kasper Hjulmand on September 8. The timing is crucial: Leverkusen needed a reset after underwhelming performances in their first two rounds. Hjulmand is expected to bring clarity in tactics and perhaps more fluid attacking options, which might boost their output going into the matches on the upcoming weekend. This change may also influence how opponents prepare against Leverkusen.
Players Making Headlines
Harry Kane wasted no time making his mark, scoring a hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s opening game on August 22 and immediately setting the tone for the season. Serhou Guirassy has also been sharp in front of goal, already finding the net three times for Dortmund as he builds on last year’s prolific form. Another standout has been Michael Olise, who has matched that tally of three goals and leads the Bundesliga in shots taken, underlining his growing influence as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
Early Season Patterns to Consider
Some patterns are emerging that could influence how the matches on September 12-14 play out:
- Teams with stable lineups from last season and minimal defensive changes seem to be defending and transitioning better.
- Clubs that made savvy summer signings (especially in midfield) are showing sharper passing and better control in possession.
- Injuries to key players may start to stretch squads, especially those lacking depth.
Matchups with Implications
A few fixtures in the upcoming weekend span look especially consequential:
- Wolfsburg, buoyed by Eriksen’s signing, could face a test against a mid-table side looking to disrupt their momentum.
- Leverkusen’s upcoming games will likely reveal whether Hjulmand’s tactical tweaks are sticking and if the team can score more consistently.
- Bayern Munich will want their form to continue to suppress any early pressure from challengers.
All told, the September 12-14 games should provide not just more points but clearer signals on which clubs are serious contenders and which are still finding their footing. Fans will be watching to see new players make their mark and coaches prove they have the right plan this early in the season.
