Don't get caught out tactically this season - see how all 18 Bundesliga teams might go about their business in 2022/23. - © /
Don't get caught out tactically this season - see how all 18 Bundesliga teams might go about their business in 2022/23. - © /
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2022/23 tactical preview: how might the Bundesliga teams line up this season?

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With plenty of new faces on the pitch and in the dugout this Bundesliga season, it’s hard to know just how your favourite team is going to line up. To help you out, bundesliga.com has put together a comprehensive tactical guide to the 2022/23 campaign.

Here’s what to expect from all 18 top-flight clubs…

Bayern Munich

Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Most used XI in 2021/22: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Upamecano, Süle, Hernandez – Kimmich, Musiala - Gnabry, Müller, Sane – Lewandowski
First subs: Sabitzer, Davies, Coman, Choupo-Moting, Goretzka

Summer signings: Sadio Mane (FW), Ryan Gravenberch (MD), Noussair Mazraoui (DF), Matthijs de Ligt (DF), Mathys Tel (FW)
Summer departures: Christian Früchtl (GK), Ron-Thorben Hoffmann (GK), Robert Lewandowski (FW), Chris Richards (DF), Omar Richards (DF), Marco Roca (MF), Niklas Süle (DF), Malik Tillman (FW), Corentin Tolisso (MF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Neuer (c) – Mazraoui, de Ligt, Hernandez, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Coman, Müller, Mane – Gnabry

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH

>> Sadio Mane is Bayern's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Prolonged injuries to Alphonso Davies and Leon Goretzka prevented Julian Nagelsmann from using his preferred formations and best XI for much of the season. When players allowed, he used a fluid 4-2-3-1/3-4-2-1 that would change within matches. We could see more of the same again, with a fit-again Davies allowing that seamless transition, keeping wide of whoever Nagelsmann deploys further forward. Bayern trialled a very fluid front three on their pre-season tour after Robert Lewandowski’s departure, with Thomas Müller and Sadio Mane likely a nailed-on duo to be joined by one (or maybe even two) of Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Jamal Musiala – the latter provided a timely reminder of what he can do in the Supercup. Marcel Sabitzer has taken advantage of another injury to Goretzka to stake his claim in midfield ahead of newcomer Ryan Gravenberch. At the back, the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt provides extra leadership and more possibilities for an out-and-out back three, with Noussair Mazraoui either at full- or wing-back.

Borussia Dortmund

Coach: Edin Terzic

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Marco Rose): Kobel – Wolf, Can, Akanji, Guerreiro – Brandt, Witsel, Bellingham – Malen, Haaland, Reus (c)
First subs: Hummels, Hazard, Dahoud, Pongracic, Meunier

Summer signings: Karim Adeyemi (FW), Jayden Braaf (FW), Sebastien Haller (FW), Marcel Lotka (GK), Alexander Meyer (GK), Salih Özcan (MF) Nico Schlotterbeck (DF), Niklas Süle (DF)
Summer departures: Roman Bürki (GK), Erling Haaland (FW), Marwin Hitz (GK), Reinier (FW), Lennard Maloney (DF), Marin Pongracic (DF), Marcel Schmelzer (DF), Steffen Tigges (FW), Axel Witsel (MF), Dan-Axel Zagadou (DF)

Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Kobel – Meunier, Süle, Schlotterbeck, Guerreiro – Bellingham, Özcan, Reyna – Malen, Reus (c), Adeyemi

- DFL

>> Marco Reus is Dortmund's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Injuries, especially in defence, prevented BVB boss Marco Rose from establishing a regular backline last season, but the club have strengthened across the pitch over the summer as Edin Terzic returns to the helm. Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck look set to form a new centre-back partnership, although it could also be an all-German back-three with Mats Hummels. Up front, the departure of Erling Haaland heralded the arrival of Sebastien Haller. However, the discovery of a cancerous tumour has dampened that euphoria, with the striker sidelined for an as yet undetermined period of time. Karim Adeyemi has also joined, though, and will team up with captain Marco Reus and in a formidable fluid attack. Teen sensation Youssoufa Moukoko is also an option having started in the first round of the DFB Cup. Salih Özcan is the likely replacement for Axel Witsel in central midfield, set to play alongside last season’s most used player, Jude Bellingham. A hopefully fit-again Gio Reyna can also expect a big role.

Bayer Leverkusen

Coach: Gerardo Seoane

Most used XI in 2021/22: Hradecky (c) – Frimpong, Kossounou, Tah, Bakker – Andrich, Aranguiz – Diaby, Wirtz, Demirbay – Schick
First subs: Bakker, Adli, Paulinho, Wirtz, Palacios

Summer signings: Adam Hlozek (FW)
Summer departures: Lucas Alario (FW), Julian Baumgartlinger (MF), Lennart Grill (GK)

Preferred formation: 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Hradecky (c) – Frimpong, Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie – Aranguiz, Andrich – Diaby, Azmoun, Hlozek – Schick

- DFL

>> Patrik Schick is Leverkusen's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Although Leverkusen played most of the season with one central striker, coach Gerardo Seoane started to deploy two in attack in Sardar Azmoun and top scorer Patrik Schick, with playmaker Florian Wirtz out injured by that stage as the team tried out a 4-4-2. Czech youngster Adam Hlozek now provides an extra option. The real question is how the eventual return of Wirtz later this year will impact the formation and approach, with the Germany international the focal point of the 4-2-3-1 line-up before tearing his cruciate ligament. Any change of formation would also need to get the best out of Moussa Diaby, who got 13 goals and 12 assists last campaign.

RB Leipzig

Coach: Domenico Tedesco

Most used XI in 2021/22 (also under Jesse Marsch): Gulacsi (c) – Simakan, Orban, Gvardiol – Mukiele, Kampl, Forsberg, Angelino – Szoboszlai – Nkunku, Silva
First subs: Laimer, Poulsen, Adams, Klostermann, Henrichs

Summer signings: Janis Blaswich (GK), David Raum (DF), Xaver Schlager (MF)
Summer departures: Tyler Adams (MF), Brian Brobbey (FW), Tom Krauß (MF), Josep Martinez (GK), Nordi Mukiele (DF), Yvon Mvogo (GK), Sidney Raebiger (MF), Philipp Tschauner (GK)

Preferred formation: 3-4-1-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Gulacsi (c) – Simakan, Orban, Gvardiol – Henrichs, Kampl, Schlager, Raum – Olmo – Nkunku, Silva

- DFL

>> Christopher Nkunku is Leipzig's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

A difficult start to last season under Jesse Marsch turned into a historic campaign under Domenico Tedesco as Leipzig lifted the DFB Cup. The former Schalke boss converted Christopher Nkunku into a striker and the Bundesliga Player of the Season. Expect his partnership with Andre Silva to continue. The two summer signings of note are David Raum from Hoffenheim and Xaver Schlager from Wolfsburg. The latter will be competing with Kevin Kampl and a now fully fit Konrad Laimer in central midfield, with Tyler Adams having left the club. Germany international Raum is most probably a like-for-like replacement for Angelino. Club veterans Emil Forsberg, Lukas Klostermann and Marcel Halstenberg will also be pushing for places. The latter could be given an early run with Josko Gvardiol starting the campaign injured.

Union Berlin

Coach: Urs Fischer

Most used XI in 2021/22: Luthe – Baumgartl, Knoche, Jaeckel – Trimmel (c), Khedira, Prömel, Gießelmann – Haraguchi – Awoniyi, Becker
First subs: Ryerson, Kruse, Friedrich, Oczipka, Voglsammer

Summer signings: Danilho Doekhi (DF), Lennart Grill (GK), Janik Haberer (MF), Jamie Leweling (FW), Milos Pantovic (MF), Paul Seguin (MF), Jordan Siebatcheu (FW), Tim Skarke (FW), Morten Thorsby (MF)
Summer departures: Suleiman Abdullahi (FW), Laurenz Dehl (DF), Keita Endo (FW), Andreas Luthe (GK), Lennart Moser (GK), Bastian Oczipka (DF), Taiwo Awoniyi (FW), Grischa Prömel (MF), Anthony Ujah (FW)

Preferred formation: 3-4-1-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Rönnow – Jaeckel, Knoche, Heintz – Trimmel (c), Khedira, Haberer, Gießelmann – Haraguchi – Siebatcheu, Becker

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga

>> Christopher Trimmel is Union's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

There have been a number of comings and goings at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei this summer as Union gear up for UEFA Europa League football. Top scorer Taiwo Awoniyi, vice-captain Grischa Prömel and first-choice goalkeeper Andreas Luthe have gone, but Die Eisernen have reinforced throughout the squad for what’s set to be a busy season. American Jordan Siebatcheu, Jamie Leweling and Tim Skarke join January arrival Sven Michel competing to take on Awoniyi’s mantle. Milos Pantovic, Paul Seguin and Janik Haberer will jostle for positions in central midfield, while Danilho Doekhi is a new option in the back three, with Timo Baumgartl’s loan also extended – although he’s continuing his recovery after having a tumour removed. Frederik Rönnow is set to be the new No.1 after taking the spot from Luthe at the end of last term.

Freiburg

Coach: Christian Streich

Most used XI in 2021/22: Flekken – Kübler, Lienhart, N. Schlotterbeck, Günter (c) – Höfler, Eggestein – Sallai, Jeong, Grifo – Höler
First subs: Gulde, Demirovic, Schade, Haberer, Petersen

Summer signings: Ritsu Doan (FW), Matthias Ginter (DF), Michael Gregoritsch (FW), Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (FW)
Summer departures: Ermedin Demirovic (FW), Janik Haberer (MF), Nico Schlotterbeck (DF), Niclas Thiede (GK)

Preferred formations: 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Flekken – Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Günter (c) – Doan, Eggestein, Höfler, Grifo – Sallai, Gregoritsch

- DFL

>> Vincenzo Grifo is Freiburg's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Freiburg have had a very good transfer window, signing four players with Bundesliga and international experience as they also prepare for Europa League action and continue that quest for a first major trophy after falling just short on penalties in the DFB Cup final. Matthias Ginter is a ready-made replacement to fill the gap in central defence left by Nico Schlotterbeck’s departure, while Christian Streich now has even more options up front, depending on how he wants to set up his team. Michael Gregoritsch, Ritsu Doan and Daniel-Kofi Kyereh all provide goals and assists – and competition for places alongside Vincenzo Grifo, Lucas Höler, Kevin Schade, Wooyeong Jeong and perennial super-sub Nils Petersen.

Cologne

Coach: Steffen Baumgart

Most used XI in 2021/22: Schwäbe – Schmitz, Kilian, Hübers, Hector (c) – Skhiri, Özcan – Ljubicic, Uth, Kainz - Modeste
First subs: Duda, Czichos, Andersson, Thielmann, T. Horn

Summer signings: Sargis Adamyan (FW), Denis Huseinbasic (MF), Linton Maina (FW), Eric Martel (MF), Kristian Pedersen (DF), Steffen Tigges (FW)
Summer departures: Jannes Horn (DF), Marvin Obuz (GK), Salih Özcan (MF), Louis Schaub (MF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-3-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Schwäbe – Schmitz, Kilian, Hübers, Hector (c) – Skhiri – Ljubicic, Uth, Kainz – Modeste, Adamyan

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>> Anthony Modeste is Cologne's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Having only survived relegation via the play-off in 2020/21, Cologne were reborn last season under Steffen Baumgart, who instilled a relentless pressing and attacking mentality, as well as getting the best out of striker Anthony Modeste. His 20 goals – only fewer than Lewandowski, Schick and Haaland – fired the Billy Goats back into Europe once more. The Frenchman could have some new partners up top in Baumgart’s offensive formation, with Sargis Adamyan and Steffen Tigges now also in the Cathedral City, allowing local boy Mark Uth to pull the strings as a No.10. The arrival of Kristian Pedersen could also allow captain Jonas Hector to shift forward into holding midfield alongside Ellyes Skhiri after the departure of Salih Özcan.

Mainz

Coach: Bo Svensson

Most used XI in 2021/22: Zentner – Hack, Niakhate (c), Bell – Widmer, Barreiro, Stach, Martin – Boetius - Burkardt, Onisiwo
First subs: Kohr, Lee, Lucoqui, Ingvartsen, St. Juste

Summer signings: Aymen Barkok (FW), Anthony Caci (DF), Danny da Costa (DF), Angelo Fulgini (MF), Maxim Leitsch (DF)
Summer departures: Jean-Paul Boetius (FW), Daniel Brosinski (DF), Dimitri Lavalee (DF), Paul Nebel (MF), David Nemeth (DF), Moussa Niakhate (DF), Jeremiah St. Juste (DF), Kevin Stöger (MF), Ronael Pierre-Gabriel (DF)

Preferred formations: 3-4-1-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Zentner – Leitsch, Hack, Bell – Widmer (c), Kohr, Stach, Martin – Fulgini – Burkardt, Onisiwo

- DFL

>> Jonathan Burkardt is Mainz's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Mainz were incredibly consistent in terms of team selection last season as they continued their revival under Bo Svensson, helping guide the club to eighth place and actually the meanest home defence in the division (only 11 goals conceded). There’s been some upheaval at the back during the summer with the departures of captain Moussa Niakhate and the fastest player in Bundesliga history, Jeremiah St. Juste. Maxim Leitsch has been signed from Bochum to help plug the gaps, but Alexander Hack and Stefan Bell are already there. The duo of ‘Jonisiwo’ - Jonathan Burkardt and Karim Onisiwo - will continue to lead the line, although new man Angelo Fulgini is likely to be the man to now provide the service from behind once he's found his feet. That was one of the few positions Svensson never settled on last season. In midfield, Germany international Anton Stach will be joined by one of Dominik Kohr or Leandro Barreiro. Silvan Widmer has been named the club’s new captain.

Hoffenheim

Coach: Andre Breitenreiter

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Sebastian Hoeneß): Baumann (c) – Akpoguma, Vogt, Posch – Bebou, Stiller, Samassekou, Raum – Baumgartner – Rutter, Kramaric
First subs: Grillitsch, Geiger, Dabbur, Richards, Kaderabek

Summer signings: Finn Ole Becker (MF), Grischa Prömel (MF), Ozan Kabak (DF)
Summer departures: Sargis Adamyan (FW), Mijat Gacinovic (MF), Florian Grillitsch (DF), Joao Klauss (FW), Havard Nordtveit (DF), David Otto (FW), David Raum (DF), Chris Richards (DF), Konstantinos Stafylidis (DF)

Preferred formations: 3-4-1-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Baumann – Kabak, Vogt, Hübner (c) – Kaderabek, Prömel, Samassekou, Skov – Baumgartner – Rutter, Kramaric

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>> Andrej Kramaric is Hoffenheim's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Former Schalke and Paderborn boss Andre Breitenreiter has taken over from Sebastian Hoeneß in Sinsheim as he looks to take this Hoffenheim team to the next level. The new coach can still call upon the services of the club’s all-time top scorer Andrej Kramaric, while the squad has been bolstered by the additions of Ozan Kabak and Prömel, who enjoyed such a productive season at Union Berlin last year. With Florian Grillitsch, Havard Nordtveit, David Raum and Chris Richards no longer there, it could also provide American defender Justin Che with a chance to stake a claim in defence.

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Coach: Daniel Farke

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Adi Hütter): Sommer – Scally, Ginter, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Neuhaus, Kone – Hofmann, Stindl (c), Plea – Embolo
First subs: Lainer, Netz, Zakaria, Beyer, Thuram

Summer signings: Oscar Fraulo (MF), Ko Itakura (DF)
Summer departures: Laszlo Benes (MF), Keanan Bennetts (MF), Breel Embolo (FW), Matthias Ginter (DF), Andreas Poulsen (DF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Sommer – Scally, Friedrich, Elvedi, Bensebaini – Itakura, Neuhaus – Hofmann, Stindl (c), Plea – Thuram

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga

>> Jonas Hofmann is Gladbach's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Gladbach begin the season with a new coach for the second season running as Daniel Farke takes over at Borussia-Park. He’s got some choices to make as well, with the Foals possessing excellent depth to their squad. Joe Scally started and scored in the DFB Cup first-round thrashing of Oberachern, but faces competition from Stefan Lainer. The same applies to Ramy Bensebaini and Luca Netz on the left. Marcus Thuram will likely lead the line after his hat-trick and the departure of Breel Embolo, ahead of Alassane Plea, captain Lars Stindl (when fit again) and Jonas Hofmann. Ko Itakura from Manchester City provides options in central defence and holding midfield, where Florian Neuhaus, Christoph Kramer, Kouadio Kone and youngster Rocco Reitz are all pushing for minutes. Experienced goalkeeper Yann Sommer has stayed at the club, despite transfer interest.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Coach: Oliver Glasner

Most used XI in 2021/22: Trapp (c) – Tuta, Hinteregger, N’dicka – Chandler, Jakic, Sow, Kostic – Kamada, Lindstrom – Borre
First subs: Hasebe, Hauge, Hrustic, Knauff, Rode

Summer signings: Lucas Alario (FW), Faride Alidou (MF), Aurelio Buta (DF), Mario Götze (FW), Randal Kolo Muani (FW), Jerome Onguene (DF), Hrvoje Smolcic (DF)
Summer departures: Ragnar Ache (FW), Aymen Barkok (FW), Danny da Costa (DF), Erik Durm (DF), Antonio Foti (MF), Enrique Herrero Garcia (FW), Martin Hinteregger (DF), Stefan Ilsanker (MF), Sam Lammers (FW)

Preferred formations: 3-4-2-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Trapp – Toure, Tuta, Ndicka – Knauff, Sow, Rode (c), Kostic – Lindstrom, Götze – Borre

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga

>> Filip Kostic is Frankfurt's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

The UEFA Europa League winners have held onto most of the squad that guided them to continental glory in Seville and then added even more top-quality additions as they prepare for a maiden Champions League campaign. FIFA World Cup winner Mario Götze is the headline arrival as Oliver Glasner looks to take his team to the next level, while Lucas Alario provides competition to Rafael Borre, who struck the winning penalty against Glasgow Rangers, at centre-forward. Captain Sebastian Rode was restricted to just 27 out of 48 fixtures last season due to injuries and will compete with Djibril Sow and Kristijan Jakic to start in central midfield, with Filip Kostic and Ansgar Knauff either side. Götze is up against Daichi Kamada and Jesper Lindstrom for what’s usually two attacking midfielder berths. In defence, Tuta is set to shift into the centre of the back three after Martin Hinteregger’s retirement, but reinforcements have arrived in Jerome Onguene and Hrvoje Smolcic.

Wolfsburg

Coach: Niko Kovac

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Mark van Bommel and Florian Kohfeldt): Casteels (c) – Lacroix, Bornauw, Brooks – Mbabu, Arnold, Gerhardt, Roussillon – Baku, Weghorst, L. Nmecha
First subs: Wind, Kruse, Vranckx, Schlager, Steffen

Summer signings: Kilian Fischer (DF), Bartol Franjic (MF), Jakub Kaminski (FW), Mattias Svanberg (MF), Patrick Wimmer (MF)
Summer departures: John Brooks (DF), Dodi Lukebakio (FW), Kevin Mbabu (DF), Xaver Schlager (MF), William (DF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3
Probable XI in 2022/23: Casteels – Baku, Lacroix, Bornauw, Van de Ven – Svanberg, Arnold (c) – Wimmer, Kruse, Marmoush – L. Nmecha

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga

>> Max Kruse is Wolfsburg's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Niko Kovac has a very large squad at his disposal as he takes over at the Volkswagen Arena, with selection headaches across the park. Lukas Nmecha, Omar Marmoush, Max Kruse, Kevin Wimmer, Luca Waldschmidt and Jonas Wind all provide options up front, while Mattias Svanberg and young Croatian Bartol Franjic will likely compete for a spot alongside new captain Maxi Arnold in central midfield. Ridle Baku could be the man at right-back or further forward after the signing of defender Kilian Fischer from Nuremberg.

Bochum

Coach: Thomas Reis

Most used XI in 2021/22: Riemann – Gamboa, Leitsch, Bella-Kotchap, Soares – Pantovic, Losilla (c), Rexhbecaj – Asano, Polter, Holtmann
First subs: Masovic, Löwen, Stafylidis, Lampropoulos, Antwi-Adjei

Summer signings: Philipp Förster (FW), Jacek Goralski (MF), Philipp Hofmann (FW), Jannes Horn (DF), Saidy Janko (DF), Ivan Ordets (DF), Jordi Osei-Tutu (DF), Konstantinos Stafylidis (DF), Kevin Stöger (MF)
Summer departures: Armel Bella-Kotchap (DF), Herbert Bockhorn (DF), Danny Blum (MF), Saulo Decarli (DF), Maxim Leitsch (DF), Jürgen Locadia (FW), Eduard Löwen (MF), Milos Pantovic (MF), Sebastian Polter (FW), Elvis Rexhbecaj (MF), Robert Tesche (MF)

Preferred formations: 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Riemann – Gamboa, Ordets, Lampropoulos, Horn – Losilla (c), Stöger – Asano, Zoller, Holtmann – Hofmann

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>> Manuel Riemann is Bochum's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

There’s been plenty of movement at Bochum over the summer with players leaving the club across all outfield positions, but Thomas Reis has received reinforcements for his team. Philipp Hofmann has scored 49 times over the last three Bundesliga 2 campaigns for Karlsruhe and now gets his chance in the Bundesliga, aged 29. He’ll likely partner fit-again Simon Zoller alongside Takuma Asano and Gerrit Holtmann, although Philipp Förster from VfB Stuttgart provides another alternative. Left-back Jannes Horn went off injured in the DFB Cup first round but should be first-choice in the position, though Saidy Janko provides competition for either full-back slot. Ukrainian Ivan Ordets looks set for a centre-back berth after the departures of Armel Bella-Kotchap and Maxim Leitsch.

Augsburg

Coach: Enrico Maaßen

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Markus Weinzierl): Gikiewicz – Gumny, Oxford, Gouweleeuw (c), Iago – Caligiuri, Maier, Dorsch, Vargas – Hahn, Gregoritsch
First subs: Pedersen, Niederlechner, Zeqiri, Gruezo, Framberger

Summer signings: Maximilian Bauer (DF), Ermedin Demirovic (FW), Elvis Rexhbecaj (MF)
Summer departures: Alfred Finnbogason (FW), Michael Gregoritsch (FW), Jan Moravek (MF), Andi Zeqiri (FW)

Preferred formations: 3-4-2-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Gikiewicz – Bauer, Gouweleeuw (c), Uduokhai – Caligiuri, Gruezo, Maier, Iago – Hahn, Jensen – Demirovic

- DFL

>> Ricardo Pepi is one of Augsburg's most expensive players in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Augsburg were adept at switching between a back three and four last season under Markus Weinzierl. It appears that new boss Enrico Maaßen – signed from the Dortmund reserves – is a fan of the former. Maximilian Bauer is a natural fit for that system after his intra-Bavaria move from Greuther Fürth, although Reece Oxford is also an option after a strong campaign in 2021/22. Arne Maier has been signed on a permanent basis, but the real interest is further forward. Ermedin Demirovic has arrived from Freiburg in a swap with Michael Gregoritsch and is likely to partner Andre Hahn. However, USA international Ricardo Pepi will be pushing to make his mark in his first full Bundesliga campaign, especially with less competition after the departures of Alfred Finnbogason and Andi Zeqiri.

VfB Stuttgart

Coach: Pellegrino Matarazzo

Most used XI in 2021/22: Müller – Mavropanos, Anton, Ito – Führich, Mangala, Karazor, Endo (c), Sosa – Kalajdzic, Marmoush
First subs: Coulibaly, Tomas, Stenzel, Massimo, Kempf

Summer signings: Juan Jose Perea (FW), Luca Pfeiffer (FW), Josha Vagnoman (DF)
Summer departures: Daniel Didavi (FW), Philipp Förster (FW), Pablo Maffeo (DF), Orel Mangala (MF), Omar Marmoush (FW), Roberto Massimo (MF), Erik Thommy (FW), Alexis Tibidi (FW)

Preferred formations: 3-5-2 or 4-3-3
Probable XI in 2022/23: Müller – Mavropanos, Anton, Ito – Silas, Ahamada, Endo (c), Sosa – Führich – Tomas, Kalajdzic

- DFL

>> Sasa Kalajdzic is Stuttgart's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Last season was a tough one for Stuttgart as they flirted with relegation until the very final minutes and captain Wataru Endo’s winner against Cologne. Although VfB have lost Förster, Marmoush and Orel Mangala, they have at least kept hold of Sasa Kalajdzic, who top scored despite missing half the campaign. Konstantinos Mavropanos has also made his loan from Arsenal permanent, while Pellegrino Matarazzo will hope that Silas can finally have an injury-free season again and show what he’s capable of on the opposite flank to crossing master Borna Sosa. That said, both could face competition at wing-back from Josha Vagnoman, signed from Hamburg.

Hertha Berlin

Coach: Sandro Schwarz

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Pal Dardai, Tayfun Korkut and Felix Magath): Schwolow – Pekarik, Boyata (c), Stark, Plattenhardt – Darida, Ascacibar, Tousart – Richter, Belfodil, Serdar
First subs: Mittelstädt, Kempf, Jovetic, Selke, Lotka

Summer signings: Chidera Ejuke (FW), Jonjoe Kenny (DF), Ivan Sunjic (MF), Filip Uremovic (DF)
Summer departures: Ishak Belfodil (FW), Javairo Dilrosun (FW), Anton Kade (FW), Nils Körber (GK), Lukas Klünter (DF), Eduard Löwen (MF), Marcel Lotka (GK), Arne Maier (MF), Daishawn Redan (FW), Alexander Schwolow (GK), Niklas Stark (DF), Jordan Torunarigha (DF), Santiago Ascacibar (MF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1
Probable XI in 2022/23: Christensen – Kenny, Boyata, Kempf, Plattenhardt (c) – Tousart, Sunjic, Serdar – Lukebakio, Jovetic, Ejuke

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>> Stevan Jovetic is Hertha's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

A lot has changed at Hertha, who went through three coaches last season before Felix Magath saved them from the drop in the play-off. Ex-Mainz boss Sandro Schwarz has been handed the reins and a rebuilding job. Four of the 11 most used players last season have left, including Ruhr-bound regular goalkeepers Alexander Schwolow and Marcel Lotka. Oliver Christensen, 23, has been handed the No.1 jersey after just two first-team appearances. Jonjoe Kenny from Everton provides fresh legs on the right of defence, while Filip Uremovic provides competition to ex-captain Dedryck Boyata, with the armband now handed to Marvin Plattenhardt. Winger Chidera Ejuke could breathe new life into the attack, and Ivan Sunjic steel in central midfield with Santiago Ascacibar gone. Kevin-Prince Boateng will remain an important figure in the dressing room, before he plans to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

Schalke

Coach: Frank Kramer

Most used XI in 2021/22 (under Dimitrios Grammozis and Mike Büskens): Fraisl – Thiaw, Kaminski, Itakura – Drexler, Flick, Palsson (c), Zalazar, Ouewjan – Terodde, Bülter
First subs: Churlinov, Ranftl, Idrizi, Aydin, Pieringer

Summer signings: Cedric Brunner (DF), Ibrahima Cisse (DF), Leo Greiml (DF), Justin Heekeren (GK), Alex Kral (MF), Tom Krauß (MF), Florent Mollet (FW), Tobias Mohr (FW), Sebastian Polter (FW), Alexander Schwolow (GK), Maya Yoshida (MF)
Summer departures: Timo Becker (DF), Can Bozdogan (MF), Martin Fraisl (GK), Ko Itakura (DF), Rabbi Matondo (FW), Hamza Mendyl (DF), Victor Palsson (MF), Reinhold Ranftl (DF), Marc Rzatkowski (MF), Salif Sane (DF), Ozan Kabak (DF)

Preferred formations: 4-2-3-1 or 3-5-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Schwolow – Brunner, Yoshida (c), Kaminski, Ouwejan – Mollet, Kral, Krauß, Zalazar – Terodde, Bülter

- DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga

>> Sebastian Polter is Schalke's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Schalke have mostly been able to hold onto the core of players that brought then back up to the Bundesliga at the first time of asking, like Simon Terodde, Thomas Ouwejan, Dominick Drexler and Rodrigo Zalazar. But they’ve now added to that with the experienced Maya Yoshida, Sebastian Polter, Alexander Schwolow and the young talent of midfielders Tom Krauß and Alex Kral. New head coach Frank Kramer needs to get the balance of his side right if they are to enjoy a worry-free return while also endear themselves to the fans in Gelsenkirchen, where effort comes first in any team.

Werder Bremen

Coach: Ole Werner

Most used XI in 2021/22 (also under Markus Anfang and Danijel Zenkovic): Pavlenka – Veljkovic, Groß (c), Friedl – Rapp – Agu, Bittencourt, Schmid, Jung – Ducksch, Füllkrug
First subs: Toprak, Weiser, Schmidt, Gruev, Mbom

Summer signings: Lee Buchanan (DF), Oliver Burke (FW), Amos Pieper (DF), Dikeni Salifou (MF), Jens Stage (MF), Niklas Stark (DF)
Summer departures: Jan-Niklas Beste (FW), Kyu-Hyun Park (DF), Luca Plogmann (GK), Simon Straudi (DF), Ömer Toprak (DF)

Preferred formations: 3-1-4-2
Probable XI in 2022/23: Pavlenka – Pieper, Veljkovic, Friedl (c) – Gruev – Weiser, Stage, Schmid, Jung – Ducksch, Füllkrug

- DFL

>> Niklas Stark is Bremen's most expensive player in Fantasy - check out your other options here!

Ole Werner was not one to tinker after taking over at Bremen midway through last season and ultimately guiding them straight back to the Bundesliga. Niclas Füllkrug and Marvin Ducksch were the standout performers up front and will again be given chances to prove themselves in the big time. Oliver Burke has also been signed to add more flexibility to the front line, but will have to work hard to dislodge one of Füllkrug and Ducksch. Mitchell Weiser has made his loan move permanent, while Amos Pieper and Niklas Stark provide extra Bundesliga experience in central defence, where Milos Veljkovic and new captain Marco Friedl look nailed on.