Bayer 04 are unbeaten in their last five league games against Wolfsburg. Leverkusen won both meetings last season, including a first home win against VfL since 2016.
The Wolves, meanwhile, haven't beaten the reigning German champions since January 2015 (4-1 at home to Bayern Munich). Since then, they've collected just two points from 18 of these fixtures. Their last away win against the champions came in December 2012 (3-2 at Dortmund).
When it comes to duels, there are few teams who can match the Lower Saxony side. Wolfsburg are relying on a physical, aggressive and tough-tackling style of play again this season. This robust approach is not least reflected by their 10 yellow cards from three games. VfL are lacking precision in other areas, though. Ralph Hasenhüttl's side rank quite lowly when it comes to shooting and crossing accuracy, while their pass completion and chance conversion rates also require improvement. Check out the full analysis of our opponents.
The German Football Association (DFB) has assigned Sascha Stegemann for this fixture. The 39-year-old referee has taken charge of five competitive games involving the Werkself to date. Assisting Stegemann today are Christof Günsch and Christian Gittelmann on the sidelines and Benjamin Cortus as the VAR.
Today's match is being broadcast live on DAZN in Germany and on Sky in the UK. As ever, there's also live text and radio commentary via bayer04.de and the Bayer 04 app (in German).
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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