RB Leipzig are the first club from the former East Germany to play in the top flight since 2009. - © © imago
RB Leipzig are the first club from the former East Germany to play in the top flight since 2009. - © © imago

Bundesliga season preview: RB Leipzig

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With not long until the 2016/17 Bundesliga season gets under way, it is high time to put each club's upcoming campaign under the microscope. bundesliga.com's previews will provide you with all you need to know ahead of the big kick-off on 26 August…

Big question

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First up are RB Leipzig...

For most promoted clubs, the season aim is to stay up - by hook or by crook. The big question when it comes to Leipzig, however, is just how far they can go. The talent in the squad means that the Easterners - the first side from the former East Germany to play in the Bundesliga since Energie Cottbus in 2009 - should have nothing to do with the drop.

Watch: go behind the scenes at Leipzig's media day:

- © gettyimages / Andreas Schaad/Bongarts

Whether they can upset the established elite in the top half of the table is another task entirely, but one that Ralph Hasenhüttl's tyros will approach with relish.

- © imago / Picture Point

New faces

- © gettyimages / Lars Baron

Coach

Key man

Pre-season form

Most recent first: DWWWW

Key dates

Leipzig's Bundesliga adventure begins at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Matchday 1, before Borussia Dortmund are the first visitors to the Red Bull Arena on Matchday 2. Hasenhüttl's side have a tough Hinrunde, with visits to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 11 and then to Munich to face FC Bayern München on Matchday 16.

Click here to see Leipzig's full schedule

Home ground

The Red Bull Arena - which boasts a capacity of 42,959 - hosted five games at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Watch: Leipzig's promotion party took place at the Red Bull Arena: