Table of Contents
VfL Wolfsburg vs. TSG Hoffenheim
On the 23rd matchday of the Bundesliga, we can expect several close games in which no clear favourite can be identified in advance. One of them is the match between VfL Wolfsburg and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Kick-off at the Volkswagen Arena is at 15:30 on Saturday.
In the past seasons, both teams have always been on equal terms and fought for the coveted European Cup places. However, while Hoffenheim are more than on target in this Bundesliga season with 34 points in fifth place, VFL Wolfsburg (27 points) are in the bottom half of the table in twelfth place. In the remaining twelve games of the season, the Wolves will have to really stretch themselves if they want to make it to the European Cup this year.
Before the direct encounter, both teams were able to recharge their batteries on the last matchday. Wolfsburg won 2:0 in Frankfurt, which was certainly a surprise for some. The TSG defeated the in-form Arminia from Bielefeld, also with 2:0. Which of the two opponents we see ahead on Saturday and what other predictions we make for this game, you can find out in our Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim tip.
Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim info
– Date & Time: 19.02.2022, at 15:30 hrs.
– Venue: Wolfsburg, Volkswagen Arena
– Competition: Bundesliga, 23rd matchday
– TV broadcast: SKY
Wolfsburg Form & Balance Check
After two wins in a row (4:1 against Greuther Fürth & 2:0 against Frankfurt), the first VfL fans might already be dreaming of reaching the European Cup again and thus of a satisfactory season after all. But appearances are deceptive. After Florian Kohfeldt took over at the end of October, the Wolfsburg team won two matches in a row. However, this was to be followed by a winless streak of nine league games in a row. The upcoming match against TSG Hoffenheim should therefore also be an indication of whether VfL’s run of form will be more sustainable this time around.
Kruse provides direct boost
Wolfsburg’s recent successes have not come by chance this time, but are also linked to a personnel decision. Since new winter signing Max Kruse returned to the Autostadt, things have been going well for the Wolves. Against Fürth, he was on the pitch from the start for 83 minutes. Against Frankfurt, he scored his first goal for his new, old employer. He converted the penalty for the important 1:0, which he had scored himself beforehand.
Wolfsburg Facts & Analysis
– Won two league games in a row
– scored at least twice in two consecutive games
– Twelfth in the table with 27 points
Hoffenheim form & balance check
After three defeats in a row, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim won a game again on the last matchday. The record in the new year, however, does not read well considering the expectations that arose after the strong Hinserie of the Sinsheim team. Of the five league games in 2022, they only won against the two relegation candidates from Augsburg (3:1) and Bielefeld (2:0). In contrast, they lost against their direct rivals for the European Cup places, Union Berlin (1:2), Borussia Dortmund (2:3) and Mainz 05 (0:2).
Spectacle preprogrammed
Hoffenheim is once again one of the teams you particularly enjoy watching on TV this season. TSG games are rarely boring. Only one of their games ended goalless with a score of 0:0. With a goal difference of 43:34, Hoffenheim is one of the best offensive teams in the league, but at the same time they are always vulnerable in defence. More goals have been scored this season only in the games of FC Bayern München (95), Leverkusen (94) and Borussia from Dortmund (93). However, the Sinsheim side had a hand in the highest-scoring game of the season when they won 6:3 at Fürth on matchday 13.
Hoffenheim facts & analysis
– Three defeats in the last four league games.
– scored in 10 of last 11 league matches
– one point from last three away games
Predicted line-up – last updated 18 Feb 2022
Never change a winning team. The two coaches will probably want to line up according to this motto next weekend as well. But it won’t be quite so easy for Hoffenheim coach Sebastian Hoeneß. He will at least have to replace Florian Grillitsch, who is suspended with a yellow card. He is also likely to start his recovered star striker Andrej Kramaric from the start
On Wolfsburg’s side, the team is setting itself up after the 2-0 away win in Frankfurt. Due to injuries, VfL still have to do without Xaver Schlager (cruciate ligament) and Paulo Otavio (knee).
Wolfsburg – Hoffenheim direct comparison & Statistics
The record between Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim in recent years could not be more balanced. Of the last twelve matches, both sides won four each. Four encounters ended in a draw. Of the eight matches that found a winner, the home team won six times. Since Hoffenheim won their home game 3:1 in the first leg, it would actually be VFL Wolfsburg’s turn again in the second leg.
– VfL Wolfsburg unbeaten in two home games
– VfL Wolfsburg have conceded just one goal in their last two home games
– 1899 Hoffenheim have lost two away games in a row
– 1899 Hoffenheim have conceded exactly two goals in two away matches in a row
