Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Hoffenheim can inflict a fourth consecutive Bundesliga on Wolfsburg with victory here in Sinsheim.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN+
Hoffenheim preview: Important bounce back
Hoffenheim knew that a strong response was needed after their surprise defeat at the hands of St. Pauli. Their usual productive nature in front of goal included them, but it quickly returned against Heidenheim. Christian Ilzer’s side came into the home of the Bundesliga strugglers and defeated them 2-4.
Currently, Hoffenheim sit in third-place but the gap between them and fifth-placed RB Leipzig heading into this latest round of fixtures is only two points. Therefore, victory here is absolutely essential for the hosts.
Wolfsburg preview: Sinking fast
Wolfsburg fell to a third straight league loss last weekend, losing 1-2 at home to Hamburg and the frustration of supporters is evident. With 15 losses from 25 Bundesliga fixtures, right now they are set to suffer automatic relegation unless things change quickly for them across the field.
Only bottom-placed Heidenheim have conceded more goals than Wolfsburg over the course of this season and with only five wins to their name, failure to improve upon that tally as soon as possible, will spell doom for them.
Hoffenheim team news: Gendry one of three out
Valentin Gendry is ruled out with an ankle injury, whilst a calf problem sidelines Adam Hlozek and a knee injury keeps Machida from featuring.
Predicted XI: (3-4-3): Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Hajdari, Bernardo; Avdullahu, Burger Prass; Kramaric, Asllani, Toure
Unavailable: Gendrey (Injured), Hlozek (Injured), Machida (Injured)
Questionable:
Wolfsburg team news: Arnold doubtful amid mass absences
Wolfsburg could be without Maxi Arnold again as he continues his recovery from injury and that would be a boost for a side missing several players.
Predicted XI: (3-4-1-2): Grabara; Vavro, Jenz, Koulierakis; Kumbedi, Vinicius, Gerhardt, Belocian; Eriksen; Pejcinovic, Amoura
Unavailable: Cleiton (Injured), Dardai (Injured), Fischer (Injured), Muller (Suspended), Paredes (Injured), Rogerio (Injured), Seelt (Injured), Svanberg (Injured), Zehnter (Illness)
Questionable: Arnold (Injured)
Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg prediction
The big question for Wolfsburg is whether Dieter Hecking can inspire a performance out of his players with limited time on the training ground. They’ll likely be doing a lot of defending over the course of 90 minutes and the visitors will need to work extremely hard off the ball and take their chances if they come.
Realistic, it’s difficult to see them matching the attacking firepower of Hoffenheim, who are still in pole position to claim Champions League spot. Expect them to overwhelm Wolfsburg offensively and come away with three important points in this one.
Hoffenheim vs Wolfsburg tip: Hoffenheim to win
