VfL Wolfsburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim preview: Visitors aim to secure Bundesliga safety

Hoffenheim can secure their Bundesliga status as they travel to Volkswagen Arena to face an out-of-form Wolfsburg side on Friday evening.

Wolfsburg

After a dismal run of form, higher-ups at Wolfsburg had finally seen enough after Die Wölfe lost 4-0 against Borussia Dortmund last Saturday, with manager Ralph Hasenhüttl’s tenure at the club coming to an end.

Conceding 10 times in their last four matches and failing to keep a clean sheet in 12, it is hard to believe that this Wolfsburg side was spoken about as potential European contenders just several months ago. 

However, defensive frailties, a lack of identity and a completely out-of-form attack have seen the club slip to 12th, with no chance of reigniting any European hopes with just two matches to go. 

Under-19 coach Daniel Bauer will guide the team into Friday evening’s clash against Hoffenheim, where it is a huge case of damage limitation for Wolfsburg heading into the final two matchweeks of the term. 

Team News

Maximilian Arnold will be absent this weekend via suspension, as will Mattias Svanberg in midfield. 

In defence, Kevin Paredes, Rogerio and Sebastian Bornauw are all injured.

Hoffenheim

When it comes to visitors Hoffenheim, this is a season that Die Kreichgauer are more than excited to get away.

However, the Badeners do come into this weekend with more to play for than the hosts, as Christian Ilzer’s side can see their Bundesliga future secured with a win, or if results go their way elsewhere across the course of the weekend. 

Going into the weekend, Hoffenheim carry a five-point gap over Heidenheim, who currently occupy the relegation playoff spot. And while the gap is there, a loss for Hoffenheim and a subsequent win for either Heidenheim or Holstein Kiel this weekend, and the pressure is well and truly on Ilzer and his squad going into the final weekend of the 2024/25 season.

Hoffenheim have only triumphed in one of their most recent eight matches, losing four and drawing three in this period. Away form is also a huge concern for the visitors as they travel to Niedersachsen, with the club winning just three times on the road this term.

Team News

The visitors are dealing with numerous injury problems, with defenders Christopher Lenz, Ozan Kabak and Valentin Gendrey all set to miss out. 

Tom Bischof, Anton Stach and Ihlas Bebou also all remain out.