SG Flensburg-Handewitt were the German Bundesliga champions last year, finishing top of the overall standings after a magnificent 32 wins from their 34 games played.
However, the bookmakers think it will be tough for the current champions to retain their title, with Maik Machulla’s side having the daunting task of once again finishing ahead of THW Kiel.
Kiel were just two points off the pace last season and it’s clear that the head-to-head record between the two teams could have all the bearing on the outcome of the title, with the favourites trading at 2/9 to win the crown.
The champions have dropped points in four of their eleven games to date, although it’s actually TSV Hannover-Burgdorf who are leading the way after nine wins from eleven games.
That has led the bookies to cut their odds when it comes to winning the title although you can still get odds of 14/1 about the current leaders finishing out on top and it remains to be seen whether they can sustain their current level.
Rhein Neckar Lowen are the only other team who are considered as potential champions, with the team stationed in sixth place although they have had a struggling start to the campaign and have just six wins on the books.
At the end of the season, the leading two teams will automatically qualify for the Champions League, while the next three teams in the league will go through to play in the EHF Cup.
The teams who are stationed in 17th and 18th place will be relegated to the 2. Bundesliga, with several bookmakers covering the German Bundesliga handball matches in-depth.