- Date and Time: September 22, 14:30 GMT+1
- Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg Preview
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
After a 2-3 defeat to RB Leipzig, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have won two consecutive matches with a combined score of 8-1, showing a notable defensive improvement
In pre-season and the opening matches against VfB Stuttgart, Borussia M’gladbach, and RB Leipzig, Xabi Alonso’s side had difficulties transitioning from attack to defense due to the overly attacking style of play in their 3-1-6 formation. This allowed opponents to exploit space in the center of the pitch and quickly penetrate Leverkusen’s penalty area.
🌟 boy pic.twitter.com/E0HVQbxmZy
— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) September 20, 2024
The team frequently focused on attacking and overlooked the possibility of counterattacks from their opponents. Additionally, Aleix García’s performance as a defensive midfielder was not as reliable as Robert Andrich’s.
However, recent tactical adjustments have seen the team revert to a more balanced 3-2-5 setup, similar to last season. The trio of center-backs and two central midfielders have been effective in preventing opponents’ counterattacks. Robert Andrich and Granit Xhaka have provided strong control in the center of the pitch, making six tackles and five interceptions in the last two matches.
Wolfsburg
Although Wolfsburg started the season with a 2-3 loss to Bayern München, Die Wölfe displayed strong attacking intent. However, in the matches against Holstein Kiel and Eintracht Frankfurt, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team lacked interesting ideas in their positional attacks despite scoring three goals.
🛑 FINAL
Despite all our efforts we fall by one goal against Frankfurt.
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1-2 #WOBSGE#VfLWolfsburg 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3B6TFL0Gk6— VfL Wolfsburg EN/US 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) September 14, 2024
But the main issue for Wolfsburg lies not in their attacking play, but rather in the quality of their defensive phase. In all three Bundesliga matches this season, Wolfsburg have experienced breakdowns in transitioning from attack to defense, as well as in their positional defense in the mid-block.
In the 4-1-4-1 formation, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team lacks compactness, leading to opponents often finding a lot of space in the center of the field. Additionally, the defensive line has not been participating effectively in pressing, allowing opponents to regularly exploit the space between the lines.
⏱️ 40’ | 💪
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0-1 #WOBSGE#VfLWolfsburg 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/t9JmOZdEiJ— VfL Wolfsburg EN/US 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) September 14, 2024
Although there are moments when Wolfsburg’s pressing can create problems for opponents, Die Wölfe currently lack stability. Hasenhüttl’s team has a good chance of securing three points against opponents like Holstein Kiel, who struggle with converting chances. Still, it will be difficult to achieve positive results against stronger opponents.
Furthermore, just like last season, Wolfsburg have many injured players, among whom Lovro Majer, Joakim Mæhle, Rogério, and Lukas Nmecha stand out.
Bet hereBayer 04 Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg Prediction
- Pick: Bayer 04 Leverkusen to win
- Odds: 1.29 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Bayer 04 Leverkusen 3-1 Wolfsburg
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has scored 16 goals in six matches, showcasing an exceptional attacking game that opponents have been unable to neutralize. Furthermore, Xabi Alonso’s team has notably enhanced their defense in the last two matches, establishing themselves as the strong favorites for the upcoming game
Wolfsburg is significantly behind their opponent in all aspects of the game, making it hard to see them overcoming the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Bayer 04 Leverkusen Total Over 1.5
- Odds: 1.33 (22Bet)
Wolfsburg’s defensive issues have been evident in their first three matches, so it’s unlikely they’ll be able to withstand a strong opponent’s attack. Hasenhüttl’s team conceded three goals to Bayern Munich at home in the first round, so it’s hard to imagine how they’ll fare in an away game against Leverkusen.
Bayer has scored more than one goal in five out of their last six matches, so they will likely be able to repeat this achievement in the upcoming game.
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