VfL Wolfsburg vs SC Freiburg
Freiburg have been the surprise team of the Bundesliga season thus far. They are currently flying high in fourth place in the table and are the only undefeated team left standing after eight games.
Freiburg will be keen to keep that unbeaten run going as they visit struggling Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena this weekend. The Wolves, who finished fourth last season, are three points back in eighth and have seemingly forgotten how to win in recent weeks.
Nevertheless, the Bundesliga 2021 betting odds give them the edge at home. Can they successfully end their winless run? Read on below for a full preview of this intriguing Bundesliga battle.
Talking Points
Slumping Wolfsburg badly need a win
After a promising run of Bundesliga 2021 results to start to the season under new coach Mark van Bommel – four league wins in a row – Wolfsburg are suddenly struggling.
The Wolves have failed to win any of their last six competitive matches, which includes three consecutive losses in the Bundesliga to Hoffenheim, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Union Berlin.
Wolfsburg’s steep decline has coincided with the start of playing midweek Champions League football. They’ve drawn their first two games in Europe at Lille and at home to Sevilla, going down to 10 men on both occasions.
Like most middling clubs with limited squad depth, the added strain of playing Champions League football may be taking its toll on van Bommel’s side. And Wolfsburg will once again be coming off another European assignment at Salzburg before returning home to face Freiburg.
Wolfsburg’s defence, which was a key part of their success last season, has come back down to earth after slightly good fortune. They have conceded 10 goals in their first eight games.
Meanwhile, top marksman Wout Weghorst – three goals this season – has come off the boil in recent matches and was dropped to the bench last time out against Union Berlin. But he will look to get back in form against Freiburg, which has been a favoured opponent of his in recent time. He has four goals and a couple of assists in six matches against them.
Van Bommel will also have to wait to see whether the midfield duo of Xaver Schlager and Yannick Gerhardt can shake off their injury concerns and return to the lineup.
Freiburg having fantastic start
Freiburg have had a flying start to the season. They are unbeaten in their first eight games, with four wins and four draws.
After a goalless draw in their surprising top-five clash against Mainz, they reeled off two consecutive wins Augsburg and Hertha Berlin. But their winning run came to an end last time out as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by RB Leipzig.
Freiburg’s success has been built upon a strong defence. They have conceded a mere six goals thus far, the best defensive record in the league.
Nico Schlotterbeck, their 21-year-old centre-back who spent last season on loan at Union Berlin, has been outstanding in leading the Freiburg backline upon his return. He is among the league leaders in tackles (21) and tackles won (15), interceptions (19), and clearances (61), and his fine form has seen him earn a Germany call-up.
And on the other end of the pitch, Jeong Woo Yeong has been one of the team’s bright spots. The 22-year-old South Korean is the team’s leading scorer with three goals, which includes the equaliser against Leipzig.
However, Freiburg continue to rely on the collective to get their goals in the absence of a true star. The likes of Lucas Holer, Vincenzo Grifo, and veteran goal-getter Nils Petersen – who has transitioned as a super sub – will provide their share of goals over the course of the season.
History
Matchups between Wolfsburg and Freiburg have been quite competitive over the years. In their last 34 matches, Wolfsburg have a slight 14-12 edge in wins over Freiburg, while there have been eight draws.
Wolfsburg thumped Freiburg 3-0 in this matchup last season. However, Freiburg had had the upper hand prior to that match. They had two wins and three draws over the previous five games.
Betting Tip
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VfL Wolfsburg vs SC Freiburg | SC Freiburg Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.78 |
| October 23, 21:30 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Wolfsburg installed as 2.17 favourites to end their winless run at home. Freiburg are priced at 3.40, while a draw is not too far behind at 3.20.
Freiburg should have a decent shot at getting at least a point in this match. They have shown to be quite solid defensively and will be a threat to steal the odd goal.
With Wolfsburg struggling for form, coupled with the fact that they will be busy in midweek, it will be a tough ask for the Wolves to then go up against a tough Freiburg side.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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