Bayern München vs Wolfsburg preview: Second half of the season begins for league leaders | OneFootball

Bayern München

Bayern’s victory marked the fourth time in their last six matches that they have scored at least four goals, bringing their Bundesliga tally to an impressive 53 goals in just 17 games.

Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern have also excelled defensively, keeping clean sheets in their last two matches and achieving nine shutouts in the league so far this season.

In their earlier meeting on August 25, Bayern secured a 3-2 win over Wolfsburg, extending their dominance in this fixture. Notably, they have not lost to Wolfsburg in regular time since January 2015, winning 19 of their last 21 encounters.

The league leaders have been in stellar form, winning their last three matches with a combined score of 11-2. Overall, they have triumphed in 13 of their last 17 Bundesliga games, suffering just one defeat during that stretch.

At home, Bayern have been particularly formidable, winning 14 of their last 17 matches at the Allianz Arena, including eight of their most recent nine.

Team News

Bayern will be without goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and defenders Hiroki Ito, Sacha Boey, and Josip Stanisic, though Stanisic could return in the coming days. Vincent Kompany is likely to stick with the same defensive lineup that faced Hoffenheim, meaning Raphael Guerreiro, Eric Dier, Dayot Upamecano, and Alphonso Davies are expected to start in front of Manuel Neuer this weekend.

With Joao Palhinha sidelined until early February, the midfield double pivot will likely consist of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Wolfsburg

Ralph Hasenhüttl's Wolfsburg sit just three points behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig, who currently hold the final Champions League qualification spot. With 17 league games remaining, the Wolves require only 10 more points to match their total from last season.

Their attacking form has been particularly impressive, netting 21 goals in their last seven matches. Hasenhüttl’s side also arrive at this clash in excellent shape, having secured victories in seven of their last nine outings.

Wolfsburg's away form has been equally noteworthy this season, with six wins, one draw, and only two losses from their nine matches on the road in the 2024-25 campaign.

Team News

Wolfsburg, on the other hand, will miss forwards Jakub Kaminski and Bartosz Bialek until late January. This may see Mohamed El Amine Amoura paired with Jonas Wind in a two-man attack.

Defender Rogerio and goalkeeper Niklas Klinger are also unavailable, which could prompt Ralph Hasenhüttl to deploy Kilian Fischer, Denis Vavro, Konstantinos Koulierakis, and Joakim Maehle in defence, with Kamil Grabara starting in goal.

In midfield, Maximilian Arnold and Bence Dardai are almost guaranteed starters as Kevin Paredes and Lovro Majer remain unavailable for selection.