Wolfsburg – Inconsistent Form but Strong at Home
Wolfsburg enters this clash aiming to end a three-game winless streak, having drawn 2-2 with Eintracht Frankfurt in their last match. Although their expected goals (xG) tally of 1.17 was identical to their opponents, their second-half performance exposed some weaknesses, as all major chances for Frankfurt came after the break.
Despite this, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team remains in the hunt for European qualification spots. They currently sit 10th in the Bundesliga, but are just four points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, making a positive result against the league leaders a potential game-changer.
Wolfsburg is known for their attacking play, having scored 10 and conceded 7 goals in their last four matches, indicating their entertaining style of football. However, their defensive inconsistency could be problematic, especially against a team like Leverkusen that boasts strong attacking options.
One key reason for optimism is Wolfsburg’s home form. At the Volkswagen Arena, they have recorded five wins, two draws, and just one loss in their last eight home games. Replicating this form against Leverkusen will be crucial if they are to pull off an upset.
Squad Issues
Hasenhuttl faces several squad challenges, as defender Rogerio and goalkeepers Kamil Grabara and Niklas Klinger are unavailable, leaving Marius Muller likely to start in goal. The attack may also be weakened due to the absences of Bartosz Bialek, Kevin Paredes, and Lovro Majer, potentially limiting their creativity upfront.
Expected Wolfsburg lineup:
Muller; Fischer, Vavro, Koulierakis, Maehle; Svanberg, Arnold, Gerhardt; Tomas, Wind, Amoura
Bayer Leverkusen – Dominant Bundesliga Leaders
Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, has been virtually unstoppable. The team is in exceptional form, winning 14 of their last 16 matches across all competitions, including victories in four of their last five Bundesliga games.
Their dominance extends to away matches as well—Leverkusen is unbeaten in 26 consecutive away league fixtures, winning 19 of them. Such a record makes them formidable opponents, and Wolfsburg will need to be at their best to avoid defeat.
In their last league outing, Leverkusen defeated Hoffenheim 3-0, though the dynamics changed after Alejandro Grimaldo was sent off in the 61st minute. Despite being a man down, they maintained control and secured a comfortable win.
Additionally, Leverkusen reached the DFB-Pokal semi-finals by overcoming FC Koln 3-2, despite trailing 2-0 until the 54th minute. This resilience demonstrates that they are not invincible but can recover from difficult situations.
Leverkusen edged Wolfsburg 4-3 in their first meeting this season, with Victor Boniface scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute, indicating this clash could also be closely contested with goals on both ends.
Injury Concerns
Leverkusen will be without Jeanuel Belocian, while Aleix Garcia is expected to replace the suspended Grimaldo. Alonso is likely to deploy a defensive trio of Tapsoba, Tah, and Hincapie, with Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich anchoring the midfield. Attacking duties will fall on Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella, with Victor Boniface leading the attack.
Expected Bayer Leverkusen lineup:
Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Garcia; Tella, Wirtz; Boniface
Betting Tips
This match promises excitement, as both teams favor attacking play and often participate in high-scoring games. While Wolfsburg has a strong home record, Leverkusen’s overall dominance in the Bundesliga and their unbeaten away form make them the favorites.
Top Betting Options:
✅ Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Both teams possess potent offenses and regularly find the net, making this a likely outcome.
✅ Over 2.5 Goals – Given the attacking nature of both sides, seeing at least three goals in this match is highly probable.
✅ Bayer Leverkusen to Win – Despite Wolfsburg’s solid home form, it’s hard to overlook Leverkusen’s incredible form and unbeaten away record.
✅ Victor Boniface to Score Anytime – The Leverkusen striker is in fine form and could play a crucial role in deciding this match.
Overall, we can expect a thrilling encounter with plenty of action, but Leverkusen’s consistent form and quality give them the edge.
