Bundesliga: Nine key fixtures to look out for when the 2019/20 season resumes

The German football authorities put together a plan that will allow for the final nine gameweeks to be played behind closed doors, with regular testing in place for players and staff.

Angela Merkel announced on Wednesday that the league will be allowed to return in the second-half of May, with the German FA confirming that the season will continue on Saturday May 16.

Bayern Munich have ruled Germany for the past seven seasons, but the 2019/20 campaign sees them under pressure from four other teams.

Just eight points separates Bayern in first and Bayer Leverkusen in fifth, whereas the Premier League sees a 25-point gap between first and second while nine points separates first and third in LaLiga.

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The German top-flight boasts the most exciting title race among Europe's elite leagues. Bayern are the favourites to retain their crown, but those in the chasing pack have demonstrated their potential to de-throne the Bavarian giants.

At the other end, Paderborn and Werder Bremen will be hoping to drag themselves out of relegation trouble, although the bottom club have a ten-point gap between themselves and the safety of 15th.

With nine sets of fixtures remaining, the league table could completely change with a number of teams still having something to play for.

With that in mind, Tom Carnduff looks at each of the gameweeks and picks out the key fixture with its potential impact on the standings.

We also make our predictions for the outcome of each game. A bold move at this point as form changes, but it gives an indication of how both teams look at this current time.

Borussia Dortmund v Schalke

• When: Gameweek One (26)