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5 things to know about the 2015-16 Bundesliga season

Michael Dalder / Reuters

The 52nd edition of the Bundesliga is just days away, as one of the most exciting leagues gets set to embark on another season that should see some of Europe's top teams continue to excite and entertain football fans worldwide.

Here's five things to know heading into the new season.

The title is Bayern Munich's to lose

Big surprise here. It would be the shock of the year if Bayern Munich fails to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Bundesliga crown.

Although injuries could be the team's downfall, Bayern contains the wealth of depth required to offset any major losses and help to propel the club to a level few in Germany can match. Its two big summer transfers - Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa - aren't too shabby either.

The end could be near for Pep Guardiola

A Bundesliga triumph, however, might not be enough for Pep Guardiola.

The former Barcelona manager has already hinted at an exit from the club he joined in 2013 after admitting he might not be the right man for one of the most sought after jobs in world football.

While the void left behind if Guardiola departs the Allianz Arena is undoubtedly going to be difficult to fill, the framework at Bayern is unparalleled, meaning the transition period should be relatively brief if another manager is appointed.

Borussia Dortmund can't afford another slow start

Borussia Dortmund's late surge to secure a spot in the Europa League doesn't disguise the fact that last season was an utter disaster.

Making matters worse is the loss of its most influential figure, manager Jurgen Klopp. New boss Thomas Tuchel has the biggest shoes to fill among any manager getting set to embark on his debut season, with the mission of avoiding a putrid start similar to last year's - which saw the club lose seven of its first 10 matches.

Expect Wolfsburg to be a force again

Somebody had to fill the vacancy left behind when Borussia Dortmund crashed out of the top half of the table in the early months.

VfL Wolfsburg did just that, and more. The club exceeded the football world's expectations with a collection of talent that won the team its first major trophy since 2008 (German Cup).

While Kevin De Bruyne gets all the attention, players such as Bas Dost, Ricardo Rodriguez, Naldo and Luis Gustavo should continue to help add intrigue during the race for top spot in the Bundesliga. The possible loss of De Bruyne, however, could be devastating.

Race for Champions League spots is going to be intense

There's no doubting that German football is on the rise, and has been for years. Which is why the race to win a spot in the top four will be the competition to watch this season.

Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 will be desperate to regain their spots among the Bundesliga's elite, while Wolfsburg, VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Monchengladbach won't be easily be knocked out of the European places they fought so hard to earn last season. Bayern, obviously, is the only sure bet in this race.

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