Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: Champions aim to remain in title pursuit | OneFootball

Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg manager Ralph Hasenhuttl saw his side match Eintracht Frankfurt in xG at 1.17 and create three big chances apiece. However, they faced increasing pressure in the second half, conceding all three big opportunities after the interval.

Although sitting mid-table, Wolfsburg remain just four points adrift of fourth-placed RB Leipzig and the final Champions League qualification spot. Their attacking style has made them one of the league’s most exciting teams, netting ten times and conceding seven across their last four fixtures.

However, they are winless in their last three games, drawing twice and losing once, despite winning seven of their previous nine. Their recent home form has been strong, with five wins, two draws, and just one defeat in their last eight matches at Volkswagen Arena.

Team News

Wolfsburg will be without defender Rogerio and goalkeepers Kamil Grabara and Niklas Klinger, with Marius Müller expected to start in goal. A defensive quartet of Kilian Fischer, Denis Vavro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, and Joakim Maehle is likely to feature.

In attack, Bartosz Bialek, Kevin Paredes, and Lovro Majer remain sidelined, meaning Tiago Tomas, Jonas Wind, and Mohamed El Amine Amoura could form the front three.

Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso’s team also secured a place in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals after a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over local rivals FC Köln on Wednesday, overturning a 2-0 deficit by the 54th minute.

Leverkusen previously edged Wolfsburg 4-3 in an exciting Bundesliga encounter on September 22, where Victor Boniface netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner.

They have been relentless in front of goal, last failing to score against Liverpool in the Champions League in November, 17 matches ago. Their recent form is formidable, winning their last three matches and emerging victorious in 14 of their last 16 across all competitions.

Furthermore, their away record is remarkable, remaining unbeaten in their last 26 Bundesliga road games, winning 19 of those encounters.

Team News

Leverkusen, meanwhile, may deploy Aleix Garcia at left wing-back in place of the suspended Grimaldo. Jeanuel Belocian is unavailable until September, while Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie could be tasked with defensive duties.

In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich are expected to anchor the team, with Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella supporting lone striker Victor Boniface. The visitors will, however, be without Martin Terrier for the remainder of the season.