This Bundesliga fixture pits relegation-threatened Wolfsburg against Bayer Leverkusen, a side firmly in contention for a top-four finish, at the BayArena.
Currently sitting comfortably in sixth position with an eight-point buffer over seventh-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, recently endured a surprising 3-3 draw against bottom-of-the-table Heidenheim. Despite first-half goals from Malik Tillman and Patrick Schick giving them a commanding lead, the opposition staged a remarkable comeback after the interval to equalize. With 21 points still available this season, Die Werkself remain optimistic about securing a top-four spot, which appears well within their grasp.
For the upcoming fixture, Leverkusen will be missing Arthur and Lucas Vázquez. Jarell Quansah, who picked up a thigh injury in the game against Heidenheim, is still recovering and will be unavailable. Additionally, midfielder Aleix García is suspended for this encounter.
Die Wölfe find themselves in a perilous situation, occupying 17th place in the league with just 21 points, five points adrift from safety. With only seven Bundesliga matches remaining, their immediate goal is to at least secure a relegation playoff spot, should direct survival prove unattainable. Wolfsburg’s last victory dates back to January against St. Pauli, a team they now trail by three points. The Lower Saxony club has endured a ten-match winless streak since that last triumph.
Wolfsburg’s head coach, Dieter Hecking, faces selection challenges with Kilian Fischer and Rogerio both sidelined due to injuries. Moritz Jenz is also unavailable, serving a suspension from his last appearance. On the flanks, Saël Kumbedi and Joakim Mæhle are potential starters. Upfront, Jonas Wind is anticipated to lead the line, supported by Napoli loanee Jesper Lindstrøm and Mohamed Amoura playing behind him.
Predicted Lineups for Bayer Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg
Leverkusen: Flekken – Oermann, Andrich, Tapsoba – Culbreath, Palacios, Fernández, Grimaldo – Maza, Poku – Schick.
Wolfsburg: Grabara – Belocian, Vavro, Koulierakis – Kumbedi, Eriksen, Souza, Mæhle – Lindstrøm, Amoura – Wind.
