Wolfsburg – B. Monchengladbach : Preview & Prediction
Wolfsburg held Augsburg to a 1-1 Bundesliga draw last time out, but could count themselves somewhat fortunate after allowing 18 attempts on goal and scoring with their first “dangerous attack” of the game. The result took them further away from the clutches of the relegation zone, but there is another tough encounter ahead with Borussia Mönchengladbach, a side they have not beaten since December 2019 (E3, P2).
At least they are in good form at home, having lost just one of their last 17 home games against this opposition (G12, E4) and, with just one league defeat in seven games at the Volkswagen Arena (G3, E3), coach Niko Kovač has good reason to expect another positive result here. Don’t expect this to be a drama-free affair, however, as six of Wolfsburg’s last seven home games in the Bundesliga have registered goals during the first 25 minutes of play.
Gladbach have enjoyed a better campaign than their hosts so far and are well placed in the top half after securing win #750 in the club’s Bundesliga history in a 5-2 “Rhine derby” win over Cologne last time out. It was the perfect response to Werder Bremen’s 5-1 defeat in the previous match, and their solid form this season has caught the eye of strikers Marcus Thuram and Ramy Bensebaïni, reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich and Inter Milan respectively.
Ahead of their first game against Wolfsburg, Gladbach coach Daniel Farke, who missed the Rhine derby due to COVID-19, is on the hunt for a first away league win of the season (E3, P1). As one of five teams without an away win in the Bundesliga after matchday nine, the “Foals” must improve if they are to remain in the hunt for a top-six position, but do not rule out the possibility of another draw. After all, Gladbach have drawn three of their four away league games so far (P1).
Players to watch: Lukas Nmecha opened the scoring during the first 15 minutes of play in two of Wolfsburg’s last four home games in the league, while another in-form striker, Marcus Thuram, scored after the 60th minute in each of Gladbach’s last two matches.
Weekend stat: Wolfsburg’s home league games have produced an average of 2.75 first-half goals so far this campaign — the league’s all-time high after matchday nine.
Wolfsburg – B. Monchengladbach : Betting Tips
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 1.25
