Lens vs Monaco

Wolfsburg kicks off their post-Niko Kovac era with an away match against Werder Bremen at the Weserstadion in the Bundesliga this Saturday.

Their road record also does not inspire much confidence; eight losses out of 13 games played are a contributing factor in their current point total, which is identical to what it was when they nearly avoided relegation six years prior.

Wolfsburg has equaled their point total from the 2017–18 season, when they finished in the relegation playoff spot, with 25 points from 26 games; nevertheless, they managed to survive that two-leg contest.

The 2008–09 Bundesliga winners can face their first relegation since 1997 if Hasenhuttl can't immediately turn things around.

Although the two teams' all-time head-to-head record is identical (20 wins and 91 goals scored apiece), home manager Ole Werner has Bremen's better record against Wolfsburg.

Ralph Hasenhuttl takes over as manager following the international break, with Wolfsburg currently teetering just above the relegation zone.

The decision to part ways with Kovac came after Wolfsburg endured a winless streak in their first 10 games of 2024, including a defeat in their last match before the winter break against Augsburg.

With three consecutive losses following a series of draws, Wolfsburg's decision to change management was cemented. The teams at the bottom of the table, once seemingly distant, are now closing in, highlighted by Mainz's recent victory which narrowed the gap to just six points between Wolfsburg and the relegation zone. Wolfsburg suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Augsburg in their last outing.

Still undefeated in three matches against Wolves since assuming control of Werder should instill some confidence, but their recent outcomes haven't been particularly convincing.

Securing seven points in their last seven games has only been against teams currently occupying the bottom three spots. Their last three matches all ended in 2-1 losses.

A noteworthy statistic highlighting the Bundesliga's weakness this season is Werder's identical points tally after 26 games compared to the 2020-21 season when they faced relegation.

Nevertheless, this time around, they have a genuine chance of qualifying for European competitions despite only accumulating 30 points with eight games left, boasting an 11-point buffer over the relegation zone.

Bremen's lack of discipline in their loss to Union Berlin just before the international break implies that they will have to do without three players due to suspension for their upcoming match.

Senne Lynen, Mitchell Weiser, and Jens Stage all received yellow cards during that game, leading to their absence from this encounter.

Furthermore, Niklas Stark and Justin Nijnmah continue to be unavailable for the hosts, and they've been joined on the injury list by Dawid Kownacki, sidelined with a hamstring injury for several weeks.

Patrick Wimmer's expulsion in Wolfsburg's defeat against Augsburg significantly influenced the result and also ensures his suspension for this match. Additionally, Lovro Majer is uncertain for the game due to a calf injury picked up this week.

On a positive note, Mortiz Jenz will be back from his suspension following his red card in their previous away fixture against Bayer Leverkusen.