Germany Bundesliga Tips: Bayer Leverkusen vs Wolfsburg

Bayer Leverkusen host Wolfsburg at the BayArena on Saturday afternoon as they look to bounce back from that disappointing loss against Werder Bremen, against a side that is unbeaten in their last 8 matches.

Bayer Leverkusen are one of the sides in the Bundesliga hoping to clench a Champion's League qualification spot, but they face tough competition from the likes of Augsburg, Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach. It does not help their cause that they are the farthest behind in this race for a Champion's League spot. Much to the fans delight however, the gap is only minimum and a few good performances could make them favorites for a top 4 finish. They are currently 6th in the Bundesliga rankings with 32 points from twenty games and are 2 points behind 4th placed Augsburg, and 3rd placed Schalke respectively. Thus, if Bayer Leverkusen can find their lost form and start picking up some wins then they can easily make it into the top 4. Injuries and Suspensions have not been gentle on them at all this season as the absence of key figures in both the attacking and defensive departments has cost them in terms of stability but the coach will behoping that they can bounce back from all the issues in time. They are up against 2nd placed Wolfsburg in this game, who have been in sensational form recently and will be a tough test for Roger Schmidt's side. But they are playing this one at home and the home support could be what they need in a big game like this. It is unlikely that Schmidt's side can take all 3 points from this game but they can quite possibly get a share of the points.

Bayer Leverkusen have been in poor form recently having won just two of their last five games while drawing one and losing on two occassions. Their last game was the disappointing 2-1 loss against Werder Bremen in the league. Leverkusen have drawn their last 3 home matches in the Bundesliga but are undefeated in their last 15 home matches against Wolfsburg in all competitions.

Wolfsburg have been one of the best sides in the Bundesliga this season, and deservingly so they sit right behind Bayern Munich in the league table. Dieter Hecking's side are currently 2nd in the Bundesliga rankings with 41 points from twenty games and are 8 points behind league leaders and current Champions Bayern Munich. It would not be an overstatement to say that had they started the season as brightly as they are playing now, they could very well be going head to head with Bayern Munich for the league title. However, even still it is just an 8 point gap and if Wolfsburg can keep their performances at this level, then they might see themselves challenging for the title. For now, their biggest objective is to strengthen their claim on the number 2 spot. They have a 7 point lead over their closest rivals Schalke and if they keep on gaining valuable points then they will easily qualify for the Champion's League. They could appear to be the favorites for this game but it can be a very tricky fixture, especilly with Wolfsburg playing away from home. Leverkusen have a decent record against Wolfsburg at home so this might not be as straightforward as expected. But Wolfsburg have been in exceptional form in recent weeks and if they can that momentum into this game then they will end up with all 3 points.

Wolfsburg have been in excellent form recently having won four of their last five games while drawin just one. That run includes a 4-1 home win against current champions Bayern Munich as well. Their last game was the 3-0 home win against Hoffenheim, last weekend. Wolfsburg are undefeated in their last 8 matches in the Bundesliga.

Bayer Leverkusen will be without a few of their key players as Tin Jedvaj and Robbie Kruse will miss out because of injuries while Omer Toprak and Wendell will alse be unavailable as they are suspended. Kyriakos Papadopoulos will come into the starting lineup in place of Omer Toprak while Sebastian Boenisch will replacce Wendell. Julian Brandt and Josip Drmic are expected to start this one from the bench.

Wolfsburg have a few injury worries of their own ahead of this game as Ivan Perisic, Felipe Lopes and Patrick Ochs are all on the treatment table. Vierinha is expected to start this one ahead of Sebastian Jung while Maximilian Arnold looks set to start ahead of Joshua Guilavogui.

DATE: February 14, 2015

TIME: 2:30 PM GMT

VENUE: BayArena, Leverkusen

PROBABLE LINE-UPS:
Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1):- Leno; Boenisch, Spahic, Papadopoulos, Hilbert; Castro, Bender; Son, Calhanoglu, Bellarabi; Kiessling
Wolfsburg (4-2-3-1):- Benaglio; Rodriguez, Knoche, Naldo, Vieirinha; Gustavo, Arnold; Schurrle, De Bruyne, Caligiuri; Dost

LAST MEETING: September 21, 2014 | 1. Bundesliga | Wolfsburg 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen

RECENT FORM:
Bayer Leverkusen:- L W D L W
Wolfsburg:- W D W W W

AUTHOR's PREDICTION: Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Wolfsburg