Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich will kick off their 2024-25 Bundesliga season with an away game against Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena on Sunday.
Wolfsburg had a challenging 2023-24 season, finishing 12th with just 37 points from 34 matches 12 points fewer than the previous season and their lowest tally since 2017-18.
Their performance was only slightly better than Bochum, who ended up in the relegation playoff spot. Scoring 41 goals while conceding 56, Wolfsburg ranked 14th in offense and 10th in defense last season.
After sacking Niko Kovac in March, Wolfsburg brought in former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, who managed to secure a win against Koblenz in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 19, despite the team ending last season with two consecutive losses.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, are eager to start the new season strong after finishing third last year, marking the first time they failed to win the Bundesliga title since 2011-12.
Their defensive struggles were evident, conceding 45 goals, the most since 1995-96, under previous managers Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann. However, their attack remained potent, led by Harry Kane, who contributed to 44 goals in 32 matches.
The Bayern leadership hopes for a smoother season under Kompany, especially after a tumultuous process in securing him as head coach following unsuccessful attempts to land other top candidates.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Wolfsburg is dealing with a number of injuries, with Mohamed Amoura, Rogerio, David Odogu, and Kevin Paredes all sidelined until September. They’ll also be missing goalkeeper Mathys Angely, forwards Kevin Behrens, Lukas Nmecha, Bartosz Bialek, and midfielders Joakim Maehle and Aster Vranckx.
On the Bayern Munich side, they won’t have defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt available, as both were recently sold to Manchester United. However, new signings Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha might make their Bundesliga debuts.
Additionally, Bayern will be without defenders Tarek Buchmann, Josip Stanisic, and Hiroki Ito, as well as forwards Arijon Ibrahimovic, Leroy Sane, and goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, all due to injuries.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:
Grabara; Lacroix, Bornauw, Zesiger; Baku, Svanberg, Arnold, Kaminski; Wimmer, Majer; Wind
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Boey, Kim, Upamecano, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Tel; Kane
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Wolfsburg 1-4 Bayern Munich
