Prediction: Wolfsburg vs Bayern Munich

Verdict: Harry Kane to score anytime

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Getting a new era underway on Sunday afternoon, Bayern Munich will travel to the Volkswagen Arena when they meet Wolfsburg.

Wolfsburg

Starting with the hosts, forced to settle for another disappointing bottom-half finish among Germany’s elite last season, Wolfsburg drastically struggled to find any kind of stability. Signing off the 2023/24 campaign with a 3-1 drumming at home against Mainz, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men also gained a reputation for their extended issues at the Volkswagen Arena. In fact, the Wolves recorded just a pair of wins from any of their final 11 Bundesliga appearances in front of their own supporters – a rut that stemmed all the way back to November 25th. Pencilled in as a real underdog when they get proceedings underway on Sunday afternoon, Wolfsburg should also be concerned by a nightmare record against the former German champions. Including a 2-0 loss when they last met Bayern back on May 12th, they have lost all of their previous four meetings by an aggregate score of 10-3.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Wolfsburg will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Lukas Nmecha, Mohamed Amoura, Kevin Behrens and Denmark international Joakim Mæhle this weekend. Likewise, struggling to find match fitness ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga opener, 17-year-old Mathys Angely is not expected to feature in the Wolves squad.

Recording 11 Bundesliga goals last season and registering a further seven assists, Denmark international Jonas Wind will lead Wolfsburg’s attack here. Linked with a potential Premier League switch over the past week, it remains to be seen if Maxence Lacroix will play any part.

Bayern Munich

As for the visitors, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last season as they eventually limped their way to a bronze medal finish, Bayern Munich are getting a new era underway this time around. Shockingly appointing Vincent Kompany over the summer, the former Burnley boss appears to have a real job on his hands at the Allianz. However, enjoying what was an impressive flurry during their pre-season preparations, the German giants will be desperate to lay down an early marker on Sunday afternoon. With their sights firmly set on recapturing their Bundesliga crown this year, Bayern will know that defensive stability is key. In fact, Kompany’s new squad could only record a pair of clean sheets from any of their final 16 consecutive top-flight appearances last season – a run that stemmed all the way back to January 24th.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent pelvis injury, Bayern Munich are expected to be without former Manchester City star Leroy Sane this weekend. Despite continued speculation over his future this summer, Leon Goretzka could play some part at the Volkswagen Arena.

Enjoying what was a record-breaking campaign at the Allianz last season and recording 44 goals in as many appearances across all competitions, England skipper Harry Kane will play a leading role in the final third. Making a summer move from Crystal Palace, Michael Olise will partner Kane in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich last met back on May 12th, the Bavarians collected a 2-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Bayern Munich have won all of their previous four meetings against the Wolves by an aggregate score of 10-3.
• Wolfsburg recorded just two wins from any of their final 11 Bundesliga matchups at the Volkswagen Arena last season.
• Each of Bayern’s final seven Bundesliga showdowns away from the Allianz finished with both teams finding the net.
• England international Harry Kane recorded 44 goals in as many appearances across all competitions last season.

Conclusion

Getting a new era underway this weekend, Bayern Munich will be looking to lay down an early marker. Enjoying what was an eye-catching summer flurry under Kompany’s guidance, the German giants will also be excited by a dominant record against Sunday’s hosts. Including a 2-0 win when they last met Wolfsburg back on May 12th, Bayern have won all of their previous four battles by an aggregate score of 10-3. Watching Kane break a string of domestic records following his arrival from Tottenham last season, the England skipper will be looking to test a leaky Wolfsburg defence here.

Verdict: Harry Kane to score anytime

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Dachbet