Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The final round of the German Bundesliga features a clash between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Wolfsburg. The match is set for Saturday, May 17, with kickoff scheduled for 15:30 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this encounter.
Match preview
Compared to last season, Borussia have taken a step forward, but it’s still hard to call this campaign a success. The team has already lost its chance to qualify for European competitions, showing inconsistent form throughout.
The Mönchengladbach side has secured 11 more points than a year ago and improved its position in the league table. However, the current tenth place doesn’t excite the fans, and defensive issues remain unresolved. Borussia continue to concede far too many goals, even compared to some teams fighting for survival.
Kleindienst and Pléa have shown decent attacking form, but the team still has a negative goal difference. They haven’t won since late March, and Seoane’s men haven’t managed a clean sheet in that span either.
Borussia have stumbled at the finish line, collecting just two points from their last six matches. While defeats to Bayern or Borussia Dortmund are understandable, slip-ups against Hoffenheim, St. Pauli, and Holstein could have been avoided.
Since finishing fourth in the 2020/2021 season and clinching a Champions League spot, Wolfsburg have slipped into a mild crisis. While their recent performances can’t be called a disaster, they’ve been unable to challenge for top positions.
This campaign sees them once again finishing mid-table, with no chance of climbing higher than 11th. The team lacks a standout striker, with Mohamed Amoura leading the attack on 10 goals.
The Wolves’ recent form has been dire. The Green-and-Whites have managed just two clean sheets this year and haven’t tasted victory in over two months.
The DFB-Pokal was Wolfsburg’s only remaining hope, but they crashed out to Leipzig in the quarterfinals. This final Bundesliga fixture holds little significance for either side. Expect both teams to play for pride at Borussia-Park and aim to break their winless streaks.
Match facts
- Borussia have conceded 10 goals in their last three matches.
- Mönchengladbach have won just one of their last six home games.
- Wolfsburg are winless in nine consecutive matches.
- Borussia average 1.85 goals per home game, while Wolfsburg score an average of 1.5 goals away from home.
Probable lineups
- Borussia Mönchengladbach: Omlin, Lainer, Elvedi, Ulrich, Chiarodia, Sander, Weigl, Steger, Hack, Pléa, Kleindienst.
- Wolfsburg: Grabara, Mæhle, Vavro, Koulierakis, Rasmussen, Gerhardt, Vranckx, Skov Olsen, Amoura, Kaminski, Wind.
H2H
- The last three Bundesliga meetings between these sides have seen at least four goals scored.
- Wolfsburg haven’t won in Mönchengladbach since 2019.
Prediction
Bookmakers are struggling to pick a favorite, but the hosts are given a slight edge. With neither team under pressure to get a result, expect an open and entertaining contest. Given that Wolfsburg and Borussia often produce thrilling battles, this one promises to be lively as well. I’m backing the hosts with a +0.5 goal handicap.
