BUNDESLIGA WEEKEND PREVIEW: Klassiker to shake up title race as Bayern Munich

Things are getting tight in the Bundesliga, very tight indeed.

Just four points separate the top six teams, while several sides at the bottom could very easily switch positions and trade places in the relegation zone.

So, as we reach an early boiling point, is there a better time to introduce the first ‘Klassiker’ derby of the season? Sportsmail examines the Bundesliga weekend ahead.

Friday

Cologne vs Hoffenheim

7.30pm UK time; Live on BT Sport 3 

The weekend’s action gets underway inside the RheinEnergieSTADION, with the BT cameras trained on the action.

It could, however, be a rather embarrassing one for the hosts. Cologne are in desperate need of a pick-me-up after three straight defeats, including elimination from the German Cup.

Achim Beierlorzer’s side have dropped into the relegation zone as a result, with pressure steadily mounting.

It is, therefore, not an opportune time to come up against a Hoffenheim side who have taken four wins from their last five matches.

A 3-0 win in their most recent match, against strugglers Paderborn, saw the game wrapped up within the first five minutes in the most clinical of fashion. 

The pressure is now mounting on Cologne’s head coach Achim Beierlorzer

Saturday

Hertha vs RB Leipzig

2.30pm UK time 

Hertha head into the game fresh off the back of a painful Berlin derby defeat by rivals Union, a fiery encounter with pitch invasions, fireworks and a last-minute penalty decider. Ouch. 

They will be looking to respond in the capital, but Leipzig will have other ideas. 

A stunning performance from striker Timo Werner helped Leipzig claim the biggest win in their history last week, crushing Mainz 8-0 in the ultimate humiliation.

The ruthless Timo Werner bagged a hat-trick as Leipzig ripped apart Mainz 8-0 recently

Schalke vs Fortuna

2.30pm UK time 

After three games without a win, David Wagner’s men finally returned to winning ways on Matchday 10 with a last-gasp victory over Augsburg. 

Fortuna, though, have reason to be confident. Preparation has been provided in the form of a recent victory over Rhine rivals Cologne in the club’s first Bundesliga meeting since 1996-97.

Rouwen Hennings has six goals to his name this season, and will again lead the line on Saturday. 

Rouwen Hennings has six goals to his name this season, and will again lead the line

Mainz vs Union Berlin

2.30pm UK time 

Mainz must respond, it’s the bottom line. The drubbing by Leipzig has left so many questioned unanswered. 

Union are flying high after taking late bragging rights against Hertha, and can add insult to injury by leapfrogging them in the table this weekend by putting Mainz to the sword. 

The first Berlin derby for 42 years fell in the favour of Union, injecting confidence into the side

Paderborn vs Augsburg

2.30pm UK time 

It’s 18th versus 16th, and a game both teams will feel they can win. If you can’t take points off fellow relegation candidates, the signs for the remainder of the season are bleak.

Newly promoted…