Bundesliga: Wolves Out for Blood as Kompany Makes His Bayern Bow

VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayern Munich

VfL Wolfsburg are looking to pick up where they left off when they host Bayern Munich at the Volkswagen Arena on Sunday to kick off their 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign.

Since qualifying for the Champions League in 2020-21, Die Wolfe have been on a downward trajectory, including two 12^th-place finishes in the last three seasons, so they’re hoping to change that under their new manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, will look to reclaim lost glory after they were deposed by Bayer Leverkusen from the German top-flight throne last season. Like VfL Wolfsburg, this will be Vincent Kompany’s first full season at the helm in Bavaria.

VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich recently advanced to the second round of the DFB Pokal with wins over TuS Koblenz and Ulm, respectively, so both sides will look to build more momentum with yet another victory.

Talking Points

VfL Wolfsburg will look different this year

Die Wolfe were in danger of dropping to the relegation zone late last season, up until Ralph Hasenhuttl arrived. With four wins and four losses in his first eight games in charge, the former Southampton manager did just enough to guide VfL Wolfsburg out of the drop.

This summer, VfL Wolfsburg have been fairly busy in the transfer window, adding the likes of Kamil Grabara and Mathys Angely to their ranks while getting rid of some deadwood.

Grabara is expected to start in the No. 1 role for Die Wolfe since Koen Casteels has left the club for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, and the two-time Danish Superliga winner notched a clean sheet against TuS Koblenz.

Hasenhuttl has also given Jakub Kaminski a new opportunity after being buried on the bench for so long. The 22-year-old forward has produced three assists in his last four competitive starts.

Jonas Wind remains the star man for Die Wolfe after recording 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season, and the club will also lean on Patrick Wimmer and Maxence Lacroix to consistently produce fine performances.

Ralph Hasenhuttl won’t have a full squad against Bayern Munich, as Mohamed Amoura (knee), Mathys Angely (match fitness), Kevin Behrens (hamstring), Bartosz Bialek (knee), Joakim Mæhle (ankle), Lukas Nmecha (thigh), Rogerio (knee), and Aster Vranckx (abdominal) are out, while David Odogu (thigh) and Kevin Paredes (foot) are doubts.

Muller to achieve new milestone with Bayern Munich

Thomas Muller and Bayern Munich have been long synonymous with each other, and the former is set to make history this Sunday.

According to the Bundesliga 2024 updates, the 34-year-old attacking midfielder is set to surpass Sepp Maier’s 473-game record for most Bundesliga appearances by a Die Bayern player. Muller will also draw level with the iconic goalkeeper for competitive appearances in a Bayern Munich uniform at 709 each.

Thomas Muller is in fine form, as he has scored three times in his last two appearances against Ulm and Grasshoppers. He will likely link up with Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Mathys Tel to lead Die Bayern’s attack on Sunday against Die Wolfe.

History

Bayern Munich are undefeated in 18 Bundesliga matches against VfL Wolfsburg since a 4-1 loss in January 2015 (W16, D2). They notched a league double against Die Wolfe last season via an aggregate tally of 4-1.

Since a goalless draw in May 2008, Bayern Munich have scored in each of their last 32 Bundesliga games against VfL Wolfsburg (90 goals total), the longest scoring run against any Bundesliga opponent in Die Bayern’s history.

For the first time since 2012-13, Bayern Munich come into this season not as the reigning Bundesliga champions. Bayern haven’t lost any of their last 12 openers since a 1-0 loss to Borussia Monchengladbach in 2011.

Meanwhile, VfL Wolfsburg are also unbeaten on the opening matchday in each of the last six seasons since suffering a 3-0 setback against Borussia Dortmund in August 2017 (W4, D2).

Betting Tip

The Bundesliga 2024 odds are overwhelmingly in favour of the visitors this weekend. Bayern Munich are 1.42 favourites, whereas VfL Wolfsburg are 5.60 underdogs, and a draw is at 4.48 in the 1X2 market.

While VfL Wolfsburg can put up a fight, it’s hard to see them outscoring Bayern Munich, even if they’ll be playing at home.

So, other than our recommended bet above, SBOTOP bettors can go for Total Goal 2-3 at 2.22 or even Over 3.00 at 1.73 and Over 3.25 at 1.98.

Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Bayern Munich – the result of their previous meeting – is on offer at 8.60.

 

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