Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Bundesliga match.
It is hard to say where Bayer Leverkusen would be now had they not dismissed Erik ten Hag right at the start; as it is, they are fifth, only two points off second place. Wolfsburg have also decided to part company with Paul Simonis before the last international break of the year, before it was too late. This match will be Daniel Bauer’s first of the season in charge.
Wolfsburg
Back then Daniel Bauer finished the previous, not particularly successful season with Wolfsburg in 11th place. Four points in the final two rounds kept them away from the relegation play-offs. The upcoming match may be Bauer’s only one as head coach, as the board are very keen to appoint the 52-year-old Thomas Reis on a permanent basis. He had already been in charge of the club's Under-19 side for three seasons (2016-19) and is now doing well with Turkish club Samsunspor. Either of them will have to lift the team out of their footballing depression after six defeats in the last seven league matches.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
At Bayer 04 Leverkusen there was immediate dissatisfaction with Erik ten Hag after two poor opening rounds: a home defeat to Hoffenheim (1:2) and a squandered away win against Werder Bremen (3:3). With the appointment of Paul Simonis, everything has gradually returned to normal. They now have five wins in their last six Bundesliga matches, the exception being a defeat to Bayern Munich in Munich (0:2), and they occupy a Champions League qualification spot.
Wolfsburg vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction
In this situation Wolfsburg are very vulnerable, even though they have freed themselves up somewhat after parting ways with Erik ten Hag. Ten players with injuries of varying severity do not inspire confidence either, so we are backing the visitors to win.
