A cagey affair in Berlin
Hertha Berlin look to follow up an impressive 2-2 draw away to reigning champions Bayern Munich with a strong display as they await the visit of Wolfsburg. Berlin capped an excellent pre-season with a 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace, getting a lot of people talking about their 2019/20 prospects under Ante Covic. The Wolves on the other hand got off to the best possible start beating newly promoted Koln 2-1 at home, to kickstart what could be a promising campaign for Oliver Glasner’s men.
Key stats
Wolfsburg had the sixth best away record in the Bundesliga last season, demonstrating though underdogs that they do have the pedigree to get a positive result on Sunday evening. Having said that they have lost four of their last five on the road. It could be a cagey affair with all of the last five head-to-head meetings at the Olympiastadion Berlin bringing under 2.5 goals.
Opening weekend
Hertha’s draw at the Allianz Arena was arguably the result of the first round of Bundesliga fixtures, having gone into half time 2-1 to the good thanks to goals from two new recruits, striker Dodi Lukebakio and Marko Grujic who have joined the ranks from Watford and Liverpool respectively. Young defender Lukas Klunter also caught the eye playing on the right side of a back three, breaking up play with seven tackles including a crucial last-ditch effort.
Goals from Maximilian Arnold and Wout Weghorst helped Wolfsburg get over the line on the opening day before a late consolation strike from Simon Terodde for the visitors. They also set up with a back three and should they mirror each other in this matchup a low scoring encounter could certainly be on the cards. 21-year-old Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager caught the eye, assisting the second goal and controlling the centre of the park with three tackles and two aerials victories.
Transfer business
Lukebakio was the summers’ big coup for the hosts, joining from the Hornets for an initial £18million, he can also be deployed in wide areas should Covic look to mix it up in the course of what is a very evenly matched fixture. Wolfsburg were able to increase their defensive depth by splashing over £8million on Kevin Mbabu, the former Newcastle man appeared in last season’s Champions League for Swiss side Young Boys.
A very tactical contest will ensue however in that the trend will continue of this fixture not setting the world alight in Berlin
Hertha Berlin – Wolfsburg Betting Tip
Under 2.5 goals with Bethard at odds of 8/7.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Josip Brekalo and Jerome Roussillon scored second half goals for Wolfsburg to compile the misery on Hertha who lost 3-0 in front of their home faithful.