Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim
Bundesliga
Sunday
4th February 2024
Volkswagen Arena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim.
Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim: Preview
Wolfsburg form analysis
Die Wölfe ended 2023 with a solid 1-0 away win at promotion chasing Darmstadt thanks to Lovro Majer’s second half strike. However a 2-1 home loss to champions Bayern Munich followed as defensive issues were exposed despite Maximilian Arnold pulling one back before the break. The new year brought battling 1-1 draws away at struggling Mainz and at home to Heidenheim as Wolfsburg struggled for attacking fluency.
Most recently, a 1-1 home draw with FC Cologne displayed similar issues as Wolfsburg relied on Kevin Paredes’ equalizer to claim a point after another individual defensive error cost them. Overall, Wolfsburg’s form paints the picture of an inconsistent side overly reliant on moments of individual brilliance in attack, undermined by defensive fragilities. A shaky backline continues leaking goals at key moments. For coach Niko Kovač, continuing to shape a well-drilled. Organized unit and establishing a clearer attacking identity is crucial during the winter break for Wolfsburg to push up the congested Bundesliga table in 2024.
Hoffenheim form analysis
Hoffenheim ended 2023 with a 3-1 away loss to RB Leipzig after Ozan Kabak’s equalizer was rendered irrelevant by two second half strikes despite decent spells of pressure. A remarkable six goal thriller at home to Darmstadt followed. Hoffenheim led twice through Kramaric and Bebou but conceded three equalizers in an end-to-end clash. The new year brought familiar defensive issues in a 3-0 loss away at Bayern Munich. Solid spells of play were punctured by three clinical Bayern finishes. A seven goal thriller away at Freiburg followed as Weghorst and substitute Mergim Berisha twice brought Hoffenheim level after trailing twice but Freiburg had the final say despite another battling display.
Most recently, a 1-1 home draw with Heidenheim saw Hoffenheim fall behind to Erik Dinkci before Kramaric equalized from the penalty spot. Overall, Hoffenheim’s form paints the picture of an entertaining but flawed side. Excellent attackers make them a threat but defensive inconsistencies continue undermining their good work. Addressing these chronic defensive weaknesses is essential for manager Pellegrino Matarazzo to help Hoffenheim’s lethal attack translate thrilling play into points.
