Hamburg vs Wolfsburg

April 10, 2015
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Out-of-sorts Hamburg were pretty fortunate not to slip to the bottom two after three straight defeats, but they could be in all sorts of problems unless they soon start winning. Wolfsburg have long ago cemented the first position in the standings but the Wolves will want to continue the rich vein of form ahead of the Europa League tie against Napoli.

No light at the end of the tunnel

Hamburger SV have been flirting with relegation for several years now, only to somehow keep their Bundesliga status intact, but everything could change this term. The Red Shorts have been utterly disappointing over the last two months, taking just two points from last seven fixtures, and they currently occupy the relegation play-off place. They are, however, just one and two points clear of Paderborn and Stuttgart respectively, meaning Peter Knabel’s side could easily suffer automatic relegation. And while the Red Shorts were never too impressive at the back, it is their shocking scoring record that could cost them dearly this term. Hamburg have now failed to score in four consecutive league matches, with January recruit Ivica Olic yet to register his first goal since returning to the club. And with arguably team’s most creative player Rafa van der Vaart not getting any playing time, chances are the poor run is going to continue. Coach Peter Knabel doesn’t have such a poor squad to choose from, but the serious lack of confidence is preventing his players from playing to their potential, so I seriously doubt they can match second-placed Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon.

Full-back Dennis Diekmeier is the only unavailable player at the moment, while Lucas Holtby could be recalled to the side.

No signs of slowing down

Wolfsburg are on the road to become one of Germany’s top sides and this is clearly a breakthrough season for the Volkswagen Arena outfit. The Wolves were unable to mount a serious title challenge in Bundesliga, but the mere fact they are ten points behind Bayern Munich, much closer than anyone have been over the past few years, speaks volumes about their performances. On top of that, Wolfsburg are almost certain to qualify for the DFB Pokal final seeing as they face third division side Armenia Bielefeld in the semis, while their Europa League campaign is also progressing according to plan. It is perfectly clear that the team are playing with a great deal of confidence at the moment, as witnessed by five wins in last six matches on all fronts. Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne remains the star of the show, but the most important thing is that Wolves work really well as a team, with all the individuals fully dedicated to the cause. Wolfsburg will be hosting Napoli in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals after the Hamburg game, but given that the players will have five days between the two fixtures, the Wolves can be trusted to give their best at Imtech Arena.

Aaron Hunt and Luiz Gustavo miss out through injury and suspension respectively, but Ivan Perisic should be recalled.

Verdict

Hamburg have been thoroughly disappointing over the last couple of months and having failed to score a single goal in last four games, they cannot be trusted to stop high-flying Wolfsburg in their tracks. The Wolves are eager to secure the second place in the standings as soon as possible and I can see them recording a comfortable triumph at Imtech Arena.

Top pick: Away win   1.85 (17/20) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 1: Wolfsburg to win to nil   3.50 (5/2) @ Coral

Alternative pick 2: Wolfsburg -1.5 AH   3.20 (11/5) @ Unibet

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