Niko Kovac’s ‘new’ Wolfsburg is struggling to get off the ground. But after missing the chance to take their first three points of the season on their debut against newly-promoted Werder Bremen, it was frankly unthinkable to think they could escape the prohibitive trip to the Allianz Arena unscathed. Against multiple champions Bayern Munich, the German Wolves tried to limit the damage, and partially succeeded. Muller and his team-mates didn’t go on a rampage as usual (2-0) and the green-and-whites can all in all be satisfied with having left Bavaria with only two goals to their name.
The former Bavarian coach, fresh from a less-than-exciting experience at Monaco in Ligue 1, has the difficult task of bringing Wolfsburg back to Europe, quickly archiving last season’s disappointments. From the joy of winning the Champions League, the Wolfe fans were suddenly faced with the relegation nightmare, only avoided in the last few days. In the summer, the club made several changes, in addition to the one on the bench: Brekalo returned from loan to Torino, but also former Bologna player Svanberg, Kaminski, Franjic and Wimmer arrived. There were also many farewells: Schlager, Mbabu, Lukebakio and Brooks said goodbye.
There is still a zero in Schalke 04’s victory box as well, having returned to the Bundesliga after their bitter relegation two years ago. But for the team from Gelsenkirchen, a slow start was in the order of things, as it will take time for them to be on the left side of the table again. For the time being, Frank Kramer’s men have picked up a defeat at home to Cologne – penalised by Drexler’s sending-off on the half-hour mark – and a good draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, reached at the last gasp by a penalty kick converted by striker Bulter.
Bulter of Schalke 04 ©️Ansafoto
The Prediction
It is shaping up to be a more balanced match than ever at the Volkswagen Arena. The hosts are slight favourites and determined to take their first win, but Schalke 04 promise a battle. For those who do not want to consider the result, they can play it safe with the goal option: both teams are likely to score.
Wolfsburg v Schalke 04 matchday squad
WOLFSBURG (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Baku, Bornauw, Lacroix, Van de Ven; Svanberg, Arnold; Marmoush, Kruse, Brekalo; L. Nmecha.
SCHALKE 04 (4-3-3): Schwolow; Brunner, Yoshida, Thiaw, Ouwejan; Krauß, Kral, Zalazar; Bülter, Terodde, Mohr.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
