As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2024/25 season, the Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League are gearing up for thrilling campaigns full of high-stakes matches and fresh talent.
The Bundesliga 2024/25 season will start on August 23, 2024, with Bayer Leverkusen defending their title after a historic win last season.
The league will feature 18 teams, including FC St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel, who are making notable comebacks.
St. Pauli returns to the top flight after a 13-year hiatus, while Kiel marks its debut in the Bundesliga after 60 years away.
Key fixtures to mark on the calendar include the clash between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen on Matchday 5, the encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich on Matchday 12, and the highly anticipated showdown between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich on Matchday 22.
With significant player movements – Bayern Munich has strengthened their squad with Michael Olise from Crystal Palace and Joao Palhinha from Fulham, while Bayer Leverkusen has secured Aleix Garcia from Girona – the competition is expected to be fierce.
Saudi Pro League Set to Enter its 49th Season
Simultaneously, the Saudi Pro League will kick off on August 22, 2024, running through May 26, 2025.
Defending champions Al-Hilal are set to defend their title, having secured their 19th championship last season.
The league welcomes three newly promoted teams: Al-Kholood, Al-Orobah, and Al-Qadsiah. Al-Kholood makes its debut in the top flight, while Al-Orobah returns after a nine-year absence.
This season’s 306-match schedule will see each team compete in 38 matches. Tactical adjustments are anticipated, with Laurent Blanc potentially bringing a more defensive approach to Al-Ittihad, and Sabri Lamouchi likely focusing on an attacking strategy for Al-Riyadh.
Fans can catch all the Bundesliga and Saudi Pro League action on StarTimes Kenya, available on World Football (ch. 245/254), Sports Premium (ch. 246/252), Sports Arena (ch. 241/251), Sports Focus (ch. 240/250), and Sports Life (ch. 243/253).
