Newly promoted Fortuna Dusseldorf produced quite a coup by recording an away win over Augsburg in their opening Bundesliga game, but the odds are they will be in for a much tougher task this time out. Borussia Moenchengladbach are eager to make amends for the Champions League elimination as well as continue the good run on domestic stage.

Great start for Fortuna

Finding themselves on the brink of relegation to the forth tier of German league system in 2001, Fortuna Dusseldorf have come a long way since and their fans can be proud of team’s achievements over the last few years. The club management could do nothing to prevent key players Thomas Broker and Assani Lukimya-Mulongoti from leaving the club in the summer, while no less than 17 new players arrived at ESPRIT Arena. The problem is that most of the new signings either have no Bundesliga experience or have played second fiddle in their respective sides, so I cannot really say that Fortuna have what it takes to avoid the drop. The 2-0 away victory over Augsburg was definitely a step in the right direction, but I am afraid, Fortuna will struggle to match top table sides this term. It is for that reason that I seriously doubt the hosts can get something from this game.

Midfielder Andreas Lambertz is suspended, while Leon Balogun, Nikos Papadopoulos and Bruno Soares are also unavailable.

No Champions League football for Borussia

Borussia Moenchengladbach have done a great job by achieving Champions League qualification last term, just a year after they had been almost relegated to the second division. The team entered Champions League play-off stage with big ambitions, but despite completely outplaying Dynamo Kiev in the first leg, they were punished for some defensive mistakes and had to settle for a 3-1 defeat. The return leg proved die Fohlen are the better team as they recorded a 2-1 victory to prove they deserve to be playing at this level. The win in Ukraine may have been in vein but it served as a major confidence boost before the clash with Fortuna and now everybody at the club is hoping for the second straight Bundesliga victory. The 8-2-7 away record from last season can also give Borussia reason for optimism before the trip to Dusseldorf.

Boss Lucien Favre has no injury worries, but he could make a couple of changes to the team that recorded a win in Kiev. Alvaro Dominguez and Alexander Ring are both expected to start.

Verdict

Fortuna may have beaten Augsburg in their opening game, but the lack of quality and experience is likely to prevent them from repeating a similar performance against Borussia. Die Fohlen, on the other hand, are full of confidence after twice outplaying very good Dynamo Kiev side and they will fancy their chances in this match.

Our prediction: Borussia Draw no bet

Odds: 1.73 (8/11)

Bookmaker: 888sport