Bayer Leverkusen is set to take on Wolfsburg in their latest Bundesliga clash today, fresh off a commanding 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Champions League. With a strong start to the season, including a 4-1 win against Hoffenheim last weekend, Leverkusen is looking to keep their winning streak alive.
Full Squad at Xabi Alonso’s Disposal
In preparation for this encounter, Xabi Alonso enjoys the luxury of fielding a fully strengthened team. There will probably be little lineup rotation due to the hectic schedule, which includes six games between September 14 and October 5.
Nordi Mukiele, who just signed on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, might replace Piero Hincapié as one possible option. Edmond Tapsoba might then move to the left side of a back three, giving the defense a new dimension.
In attack, while Martin Terrier has made a promising start to the season, he might be rested to give Amine Adli a chance to shine. Victor Boniface, who has already contributed significantly with two goals and an assist this season, is set to retain his place up front.
Predicted Bayer Leverkusen XI
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
- Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba
- Midfielders: Álex Grimaldo, Robert Andrich, Granit Xhaka, and Jeremie Frimpong
- Forwards: Amine Adli, Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface
Wolfsburg’s Challenging Start
On the flip side, VfL Wolfsburg has had a tough start to the Bundesliga season, securing just one win from three matches. Their only victory came against newly promoted Holstein Kiel, leaving them with significant room for improvement.
Wolfsburg’s coach, Ralph Hasenhüttl, recognizes the challenge ahead, especially after witnessing Leverkusen’s impressive performance against Feyenoord. “That was a great performance, no question,” he remarked. Hasenhüttl sees Leverkusen as serious contenders for the title, even over traditional powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Will Wirtz Be Rested?
Leverkusen’s impressive successes have been largely attributed to Florian Wirtz, who recently scored twice in their Champions League encounter. Nonetheless, considering Wirtz’s extensive workload, Alonso made a suggestion that he may take a break. We need to evaluate his condition before the game because he has been playing a lot lately, according to Alonso.
Wolfsburg will have to strategize effectively against Wirtz. In their previous encounter last season, Leverkusen managed a 2-0 win even while playing with fewer players.
Wolfsburg’s Potential Changes
Hasenhüttl may consider giving starting roles to players who haven’t featured much yet. For instance, summer signing Konstantinos Koulierakis is fit and could make his debut, bolstering the defense alongside existing players. Aster Vranckx is also a potential starter; he has shown promise and could provide an extra edge in midfield.
Match Predictions
Our starters for today! 🖤❤️#B04WOB pic.twitter.com/HvnI7m97hO
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 22, 2024As Bayer Leverkusen prepares to host Wolfsburg, they are favored to win, with expectations of a high-scoring match. The betting odds suggest that both teams are likely to score, which aligns with Leverkusen’s attacking style and Wolfsburg’s recent performance.
Line-Up ✅
Our starting 11 to take on Leverkusen ⬇️ #B04WOB #VfLWolfsburg pic.twitter.com/YAgsCmiq7r
— VfL Wolfsburg EN/US 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) September 22, 2024Key Bets
- Both Teams to Score: With a 54.6% implied probability, the odds are 1.71. For Leverkusen this season, both teams have scored in every league game.
- Leverkusen to Win with Over 2.5 Goals: Odds of 1.64 indicate a strong likelihood of a high-scoring game.
- Victor Boniface to Score: With odds of 1.90, he is expected to capitalize on Wolfsburg’s defensive vulnerabilities.
As kickoff approaches, Bayer Leverkusen is eager to build on their recent successes. With the attacking prowess of Boniface and the creativity of Wirtz, they are well-positioned to take all three points against a struggling Wolfsburg side. Fans can look forward to an entertaining match at the BayArena this afternoon.
Read More: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: A Goalless Draw Full of Drama
