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Listening Practice: Who will win the 2015-16 Bundesliga?
The winter break in Germany has come to an end and the second half of the season kicks off this weekend. In this report we take a look at those challenging at the top and struggling at the bottom.
The Top
Back in August we saw only one side winning the German title – Bayern Munich – and with an 8 point cushion at the half way stage there is no reason for us to change our mind. The Bavarian side only lost once in the first half of the season – to Borussia Mönchengladbach – and are hot favourites to win their fourth title in a row. If Guardiola’s side were to collapse then second place Borussia Dortmund look best placed as they lead Hertha Berlin by six points. Dortmund face fourth place Borussia Mönchengladbach in this weekend’s big game and will need to beat their in-form opponents to maintain their challenge. Mönchengladbach started the campaign poorly but hit form right up until the winter break so it will be interesting to see if the time off has stopped their momentum somewhat. The title is beyond them but they should be in the shake up for the Champions League places at the end of the season, along with Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke and Wolfsburg. Indeed, there are only three points separating fourth from seventh place at the halfway stage.
The Bottom
Rather surprisingly, there are some big names at the ‘wrong end of the table‘. Hoffenheim find themselves at the foot of the table at the halfway stage with only two wins. However, they are only two points away from safety – remember that two sides are relegated directly from the Bundesliga with the team finishing third from bottom (16th) having to play a play-off with the third-best side in the second division. So, just above them are Hannover, Bremen, Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt – teams that should be doing much better. It is close with Frankfurt in 14th place only four points off the bottom so there is still time for any of these teams to escape the drop.
Let us now what you think by posting your prediction below.
Vocabulary
struggling: Not doing very well
cushion: Advantage
to collapse: To not win the title after having such a big lead
in-form opponent: They are playing well
hit form: Started to play well
stopped their momentum: Break their rhythm
The title is beyond them: Mönchengladbach cannot win the Bundesliga this season
the shake up: To have a good chance at the end
wrong end of the table: Another way of describing the bottom of the league
the foot of the table: Bottom of the division
to escape the drop: Avoid relegation
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