Right now, it's a two horse race in Germany for the top spot between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Dortmund are eight points behind the Bavarians but still have a chance if the luck turns their way. They have won both of their games to start 2016 and now face a tough test against Hertha BSC, who are 10 points behind Dortmund in third.
Brilliant BVB
After a shaky ending to 2015, Borussia Dortmund are flying and have both of their games to start the year. They opened with a 3-1 triumph over Borussia Mönchengladbach, thanks to some superb play by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who began 2016 brilliantly. Then they beat the newly promoted FC Ingolstadt 04 2-0.
The second match was more impressive, considering they were missing key players such as Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogan. Now, Dortmund find themselves with a bigger gap between themselves and the rest of the pack. This game against 3rd place Hertha could help them almost secure a top two finish, if they walk away with three points.
BVB also have to contend with Europe this month, as their two leg knockout tie against Porto in the Europa League begins two weeks from now. It is a big clash and a tough test against a Porto team that gave Bayern a run for their money at home in the Champions League last year. This won't be easy for Borussia Dortmund.
Marcel Schmelzer, Gundogan and Reus are all expected to return after missing the last match. Sven Bender is still out with injury however.
Hertha exceeding expectations
Hertha have had a disappointing start to their 2016. They have been involved in two draws to begin 2016, and now find themselves 10 points behind Borussia Dortmund and the race for 3rd is even tighter - with Gladbach and Bayer Leverkusen on their tails. Berlin were held to a 0-0 stalemate against Augsburg and a six-goal thriller against Werder Bremen saw the goals evenly shared. The capital club still have a cup to play for, as they are in the quarter-final of the DFB-Pokal against 1. FC Heidenheim.
Per Skjelbred is suspended for this fixture due to yellow card accumulation for Hertha. Genki Haraguchi is doubtful for this game as he may have picked up a concussion.
What they're saying
"There will be decision at one point, but it depends on various factors," said Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to Sky Sport in Germany when asked about his possible departure from Dortmund (via ESPNFC). He has been linked to many elite clubs but isn't ruling out staying with the Westfalen outfit.
"What we've managed to achieve this season is proof that we've got a lot of potential," said defender John-Anthony Brooks to the Bundesliga's official website (via FourFourTwo.com) when asked about the success the club has had this season. If they can maintain their form, they could be looking at a place in Europe.