Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Wolfsburg

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 6/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

Borussia Dortmund will be hoping to pick up where they left off in 2017 as they prepare to open the new year’s Bundesliga account in a home clash against Wolfsburg on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund

The only club to have picked up fewer points than reigning champions Bayern Munich over the past two years in Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have suffered a disappointing kickoff to the new campaign in German top flight.

The stuttering start resulted in BVB losing five of 17 league matches, which consequently led to the sacking of Peter Bosz back in December. Peter Stoger was given the vote of confidence to make things right and help the club get back up on their feet and the early signs are quite promising. Former FC Koln boss won both Bundesliga games in charge of BVB ahead of the winter break and will be hoping to pick up where he left off as Dortmund continues to build up their confidence for the second part of the season. With only 28 points to their name Dortmund sit in third and will be hoping a win over Wolfsburg could help them put some pressure on high-flying Schalke in second.

Team News

Christian Pulisic and Raphael Guerreiro have suffered knocks in training and will be given a late fitness check ahead of the match.

Marco Reus is back from his injury but is lacking match fitness and is unlikely to be risked. Omer Toprak and Roman Weidenfeller are expected to recover from stomach problems.

Wolfsburg

An underwhelming half of the season is behind Wolfsburg who will not have been particularly satisfied with their current position in the league. the Wolves are sitting in 12^th with only four points keeping them safely slotted above the relegation zone.

Martin Schmidt is determined to turn the tables around when Bundesliga season resumes but is well-aware that vital points are to be looked elsewhere. He will nevertheless be hoping for a miracle in Dortmund where his side won only once in last six visits. Wolfsburg are entering the second part of the season with two new players in the squad. They have just completed their second signing of the winter transfer window this week with the arrival of attacking midfielder Renato Steffen from Swiss champions Basel. Steffen joins Josip Brekalo who was recalled from his loan spell at Stuttgart as Wolves try to replace the experienced striker Mario Gomez.

Team News

Defender John Brooks suffered a toe injury that will keep him out of contention for the forthcoming fixture.

Jeffrey Bruma is a huge doubt whereas the new signing Renato Steffen is not fully up to the expected level of fitness. Divock Origi is expected to be given a starting berth following the departure of Mario Gomez to Stuttgart.

Key Factors to Consider

• Aubameyang scored 7 goals in 9 games vs Wolfsburg
• New boss Peter Stoger won both games in charge of BVB
• Dortmund won only one of their last eight home matches
• Wolfsburg won only one of their last six games in Dortmund
• Over 3.5 goals were scored in 3 of two team’s last 4 matches

Conclusion

Borussia Dortmund look a new side under the guidance of Peter Stoger. The shock therapy seems to be giving results as the managerial change sparked a turn in fortunes for Bundesliga heavyweights who are considered firm favourites in this clash. Both Dortmund and Wolfsburg have struggled to keep their nets still over the past couple of weeks and if there’s one thing we expect to see on Sunday then that’s goals.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 6/13

Bookmaker: 888sport