Live stream: kicker shows the opening match of the Regionalliga Nord between Emden and Meppen

Clear goal: SV Meppen wants to return to the 3rd division. IMAGO/Werner Scholz

Things couldn't get off to a much better start in the Regionalliga Nord. Starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, the Ostfrieslandstadion in Emden will host a clash between the two hottest promotion favorites in the Regionalliga Nord, BSV Kickers Emden and SV Meppen . That, at least, is what the coaches said a few days ago in the annual kicker poll . The fact that the northern champions won't have to play two promotion playoffs at the end of the season, but will go straight up to the 3rd division, should further fuel their attacking ambitions.

At BSV Kickers, they don't mind being linked with promotion, although those in charge have repeatedly emphasized that it's certainly not a must. "We certainly won't go all in. Nor do I want to artificially understate things," emphasized Emden manager Henning Rießelmann in the final stages of last season, when he was already in the midst of planning for 2025/26. Rießelmann was already clear back then: "We want to play full-throttle football without any worries and compete at the top. I definitely believe we're capable of a lot as a team."

Meppen is even more ambitious about its move to the 3rd division. Head coach Lucas Beniermann didn't mince words in the coach survey: "We want to get back to the 3rd division as quickly as possible and therefore be in the mix at the top until the end." New signing Oliver Schmitt immediately embraced this goal and immediately expressed his confidence after his move from 1. FC Köln II to the Emsland club: "We are the biggest club in the league and we will show that on the pitch."

Whether this will actually succeed will be revealed on Friday starting at 7 p.m. There will be a premiere: For the first time, kicker will broadcast a match from the top four German leagues via live stream . The broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m.