Wagner acknowledges challenge as new-promoted Elversberg make Gladbach trip.

Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. SV Elversberg kicks off at 14:30 [GMT+1] on Saturday, September 5, at the Borussia-Park. Borussia Mönchengladbach have made a strong start at home, winning their last two Bundesliga matches at Borussia-Park. Their broader home record is also encouraging, with the club remaining unbeaten in each of their last seven home Bundesliga fixtures. That consistency should give Mönchengladbach confidence as they prepare to face an Elversberg side that has been difficult to beat in recent weeks. Goals have been a major feature of Gladbach's recent matches. Their last four games across all competitions have produced over 2.5 goals, while they have been conceding an average of 1.50 goals per match. Although their home form has been strong, the defensive record suggests Elversberg could find opportunities to cause problems. The latest meeting between the sides produced over 2.5 goals, while Elversberg have seen over 2.5 goals in each of their last three away matches. These trends suggest another open encounter could develop at Borussia-Park. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Tim Kleindienst in attack is expected against the home side.

Newly promoted SV Elversberg have also been enjoying an impressive spell of form. They have won four of their last six matches and have remained undefeated in six of their last seven games across all competitions. Their most recent three matches have been particularly impressive, with Elversberg winning both at half-time and at full-time in each game. The visitors have also demonstrated excellent attacking consistency. Elversberg have scored at least once in each of their last 10 matches across all competitions. That run could be important against a Mönchengladbach side that has conceded regularly in recent games. However, Elversberg's away form presents a significant concern. They have managed only one victory in their last six away matches across all competitions and have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 15 away fixtures. Their inability to keep clean sheets on the road could give Mönchengladbach a major advantage, particularly considering the hosts have won their last two home Bundesliga matches. Head coach Vincent Wagner acknowledges the challenge that awaits his side. "We expect a hurdle that's not much smaller than Leverkusen. We're playing in front of 55,000 truly fanatical fans at Borussia-Park, where the support for their team is always tremendous. That's a big challenge,” he said in a pre-match press conference. "We're happy about everyone who's travelling with us!" He added, commending the travelling fans. David Mokwa is expected at the attacking end of a 4—2—3—1 setup.