Wolfsburg vs. Bayer Leverkusen preview: Die Werkself aiming to extend unbeaten run
Bayer Leverkusen will attempt to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season when they go head-to-head with Wolfsburg in Saturday's meeting at the Volkswagen Arena.
| Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg have made a steady start to the Bundesliga season after collecting 12 points from their opening seven matches. They began the campaign with consecutive victories over Heidenheim and Köln, but they have struggled to find consistency in recent weeks, having won two and lost three of their previous five matches.
All three of those defeats have taken place away from the Volkswagen Arena, including a 3-1 loss to Stuttgart in their final game before the international break. Niko Kovac’s side took a narrow lead into the break thanks to Yannick Gerhardt’s 34th-minute effort, but Sehrou Guirassy’s second-half hat-trick ensured Wolfsburg left the MHP Arena empty-handed.
While die Wölfe have struggled to find their best form on the road, they have proven to be an irresistible force on home turf. Wolfsburg have won all three of their home matches against Heidenheim, Union Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring two goals in each of those victories. Alongside Stuttgart and Sunday’s opponents, Wolfsburg are one of three Bundesliga sides yet to drop points at home this season. However, their 100% record may be put under threat by an in-form Leverkusen side.
Team News
Lukas Nmecha and Killian Fischer are both sidelined with knee injuries. The hosts are also expected to be without Koen Casteels, Václav Černý and Rogério.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen will be hoping to pick up from where they left off before the international break. Xabi Alonso's side have racked up 19 points from seven matches this season, ensuring they head into matchday eight as the league leaders.
Die Werkself have showcased their firepower in the opening stages of the season, registering 23 league goals to make them the joint-highest scorers in the top flight alongside reigning champions Bayern Munich. They also hold the joint second-best defensive record after conceding just six goals in the Bundesliga,
Impressively, Leverkusen have only failed to win one of their 10 competitive matches this season when they played out a 2-2 draw with Bayern on September 15. Not only will they be looking to maintain their unbeaten start this weekend, but Leverkusen will also have the chance to claim a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions.
The visitors have enjoyed success in recent trips to the Volkswagen Arena, having avoided defeat in their last seven away meetings with Wolfsburg (W5, D2).
Team News
Arthur is set to miss out with a thigh problem, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah is a doubt due to a knee issue. Meanwhile, Alonso has revealed that Patrik Schick is in contention to feature following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.