German Bundesliga
2009-05-02 - Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Volkswagen Arena
Saturday 2nd May, 2009, Kickoff 15:30
Wolfsburg
The great series of 10 straight wins was ended last week by the bottom team of Energie Cottbus. However, Wolfsburg managed to stay on top despite of the loss just two points ahead of Hertha Berlin and with five matches left.
Now the complete concentration of the ‘Wolves’ is set on the upcoming clash with the Bundesliga’s eighth placed side Hoffenheim, and last week`s loss can be considered as a warning call for the team to stay focused to the end if they want to win the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg has a tough schedule and upcoming derby matches that should decide who the champion will be so this is match that they should win in order to boost their confidence furthermore.
Coach Felix Magath rarely changes his team line up so I expect the same starters that played in the previous rounds to be on the pitch again.
Wolfsburg has a fantastic home record with 13 victories and only one draw, without a single loss. Last 12 home matches were all won in a row, which makes them most successful home team in the Bundesliga.
Interesting fact is that the both teams are next to the Karlsruhe SC as the only teams still without conceding a penalty kick.
The clashes between the coaches Rangnick and Magath is balanced: In 9 matches between them as coaches they have four wins each and one draw.
Karimow, Alex, Hasebe, Platins and Reiche are all out through injuries or suspensions and won`t be playing, although they do not have big playing time however.
TSG Hoffenheim
Despite their negative run of eleven games in succession without a win and having won just one game since the winter break, Hoffenheim possess physically strong team.
“Pressing”, “One-Touch-Football”, “Fast Movement” were phrases often used in connection with Hoffenheim during the first half of the season - a style of football implemented by Coach Ralf Ragnick and philosophy of playing as a unit and players` support of each other.
The loss of Vedad Ibisevic (cruciate ligament tear) hit the Hoffenheim team hard. The clubs top striker scored an impressive 18 goals before the winter break and was a vital element in trainer Ralf Rangnick’s plan.
Further injuries (Obasi), suspensions (Eduardo, Gustavo), form fluctuation and of course the lack of experience to be playing in the Bundesliga’s top flight were also issues that caused this team to drop rapidly in form and now are sitting at 8th place with very slim or maybe no chances for Europe next season.
However this is great experience for this young team and I expect them to come back stronger next season with healthier players, if the team line-up stays the same.
In 2009 only the team Karlsruher SC has won fewer points (9) then the Hoffenheim (10). Away Hoffenheim lost only one of the last 6 games (5 draws).
In 5 of the last 8 matches TSG Hoffenheim have not scored a single goal. In the 21 previous games, this was only 2 times the case.
Rangnick won’t make any changes in the offensive formation with Obasi, Sanogo and Ba up front. Compper and Nilsson are doubtful and remains to be seen if they will start or not. Carlos Eduardo and keeper Haas are still out through suspensions so Hilerband will again guard the net. Injured Ibišević, Teber, Bernhardt, and Ibertsberger are out of the team.
The betting verdict
Both teams play open style of football and I expect this to be an entertaining match. It would be easier for Hoffenheim since they will play without any pressure and according to Coach Ragnick`s words they will be satisfied with a draw and will be playing for the fans.
I expect Wolfsburg to attack from the start and to try to take advantage as soon as possible, since they can not afford any more slip ups.
This promises an open match with many chances and quite a few goals.
The Statistics :
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Pick :
Wolfsburg 3-1 Hoffenheim
BEST BETTING TIP :
Another Home win for Wolfsburgand other bet to consider is taking over 2.5 goals having in mind teams attacking style of playing
