Wolfsburg-Lipsia is a match on the 12th day of the Bundesliga and is played on Saturday at 3:30pm: TV, predictions.
Wolfsburg’s slump in results continues as they have barely scraped together a point since October, slipping inexorably to the right side of the standings. After a positive start – four wins in the first six days – Niko Kovac’s green-and-whites seem to have lost their bearings. And the very heavy defeat in Monchengladbach two weeks ago (4-0) is clear proof of that.
The defense is treading water: since the success with Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg has never conceded less than two goals. The only satisfaction for Wind and his teammates came in the German Cup in the second-round match against Leipzig, beaten 1-0 – Cerny’s goal in the first quarter of an hour being decisive – at the Volkswagen Arena last October 30. A match, however, conditioned by Poulsen’s expulsion early in the second half, which left Marco Rose’s lineup outnumbered. The Roten Bullen, who had been holders of the national cup for two years, now dream of a rematch in the league, also to give continuity to the fine pre-match victory with Freiburg (3-1), which was essential to turn over a new leaf and file away the false step of a week earlier with Mainz. Three points that allowed Leipzig to bypass Borussia Dortmund, defeated in Stuttgart, and move up to fourth position, in any case -8 from leading Bayer Leverkusen.
In the coming week Rose’s men will visit Guardiola and Haaland’s Manchester City in the Champions League, although qualification for the round of 16 is already in the bag.
Turn over moderately then for the former Borussia Dortmund coach, who may decide to field Baumgartner, who scored as a substitute with Freiburg, from 1′. In front will play the untouchables Openda and Sesko: the latter, with his Slovenia, managed to qualify for the upcoming European Championships. Still absent, however, are the injured Dani Olmo and Orban, plus, of course, the long-suffering Gulacsi. On the other side Kovac will be able to count again on right fullback Lacroix, who is back available after being disqualified.
The prediction
Lipsia always winning with Wolfsburg in the last three league confrontations: there are grounds for a big hit by the Roten Bullen, who will want to avenge the cup defeat. The total goals could be at least three.
The probable lineups of Wolfsburg-Lipsia
WOLFSBURG (3-4-2-1): Casteels; Lacroix, Jenz, Zesiger; Maehle, Svanberg, Arnold, Paredes; Černý, Majer; Wind.
LIPSIA (4-4-2): Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Castello, Raum; Xavi, Schlager, Kampl, Forsberg; Openda, Šeško.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
