1. Main Players Comparison
Borussia Mönchengladbach:
- Core midfield strength via Julian Weigl (33 apps, 2888 mins, 2G) and Robin Hack (27+6 apps, 4G, 7A).
- Attack led by Tim Kleindienst (16G, 7A) and Alassane Pléa (11G, 4A) — but Pléa has left, weakening final third options.
- Wide creativity still solid with Honorat (4G, 7A), while defensive stability comes from Nico Elvedi (25 apps).
- Goalkeeper spot somewhat unsettled: Moritz Nicolas (19 apps) but inconsistent.
- Key exits: Pléa and Itakura reduce leadership spine.
Hamburger SV:
- Major rebuild — Poulsen (31, CF) offers top-level experience to replace departed forwards.
- Midfield boosted by Capaldo (26, CM) and Remberg (25, CM) after losing Ludovit Reis and Poreba.
- Defense significantly upgraded with Torunarigha, Omari, and Agyekum to cover exits of Perrin, Zumberi, Selke.
- New GK Daniel Peretz (25) provides depth after Raab and Mickel departures.
2. New Players Comparison
Borussia Mönchengladbach:
- Machino (25, FW/AM) already showing end-product with 11 goals + 2 assists in 1899 mins.
- Tabakovic (30, FW) offers rotational depth with 3G + 1A in 811 mins.
- Fraulo (21, CM) showing promise (3G, 3A in 1715 mins).
- Youth options like Wael Mohya (16, AM) and Noah Pesch (20, FW) emerging.
Hamburger SV:
- High-quality additions: Poulsen (CF, RB Leipzig pedigree), Capaldo + Remberg (energetic midfield pair), Torunarigha + Omari (solid defensive signings).
- Future prospects: Dickes (GK, 17), Agyekum (20, CB).
- More balanced squad than previous season.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Borussia Mönchengladbach:
- Bench depth moderate: Honorat (4G, 7A in 1455 mins) effective rotation option, Ngoumou (2G, 1A), Cvancara (2G), Reitz (2G, 1A).
- Omlin & Lainer offer backup experience but limited minutes.
- Lacks explosive game-changers if Kleindienst is contained.
Hamburger SV:
- Substitutes not fully tested yet — largely new signings adjusting.
- Attacking subs weaker after exits of Németh, Selke, Sanne.
- Depth will depend on how Poulsen integrates and whether youth like Agyekum can step up.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Mönchengladbach | Hamburger SV |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Kleindienst, Weigl, Hack; but Pléa exit weakens) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Rebuild, Poulsen in, Reis + Selke out) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (Machino 11G, Fraulo 3G/3A) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Poulsen, Capaldo, Torunarigha, Peretz) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐ (Honorat, Ngoumou, Cvancara; but inconsistent) | ⭐⭐ (depth mostly untested, forwards weaker) |
Coach Factor | Stable core, adjusting after losses | Transitioning, integrating 6+ starters |
Defensive Impact | Dependable (Elvedi, Scally) but GK inconsistent | Strong upgrades in CBs (Torunarigha, Omari) |
Overall Depth | Moderate | Moderate–Improving |
Key Weakness | Lost Pléa (goals + experience) | Attack weaker if Poulsen isolated |
5. Predicted Outcome
Tactical Outlook:
- Gladbach: Will rely heavily on Kleindienst’s finishing and Machino’s directness. Midfield control via Weigl and Hack still strong. However, lack of Pléa’s creativity could reduce final-third versatility.
- HSV: Stronger defensive setup and midfield upgrades could help them frustrate Gladbach. Poulsen’s aerial threat and Capaldo’s energy are decisive factors.
Expected Scoreline:
- Borussia Mönchengladbach 2 – 1 Hamburger SV
