Kaiserslautern

Arguably no German team has seen the highs and lows of Kaiserslautern. The Red Devils were first-division fixtures for 33 years, then got relegated in 1996 by a last-minute goal. They immediately went back up and won the league in 1998 - the only newly promoted German team ever to do so. But financial problems followed and 'Lautern spent 2006 to 2010 back in the second division.

Now back in the top flight and, as ever, with some of Germany's most fanatic supporters in tow, 'Lautern believe their second year back can be just as successful as the first. The team can't help but be hurt by star striker Srdjan Lakic's move to Wolfsburg, but was not otherwise weakened over the summer. Another seventh place finish would be nice, but beating the drop would be enough.

Fun fact: With around 100,000 inhabitants, Kaiserslautern is one of the league's smallest markets.

Author: Jefferson Chase
Editor: Matt Hermann