Ahead of the first away game in 2019, we look at the stats for the works club encounter at the Volkswagen Arena – here are 04 facts on #WOBB04.
#Shooting permit
The permit has been lodged with the relevant authority: As there is a wolf problem in the Holstein area of Pinneberg, hunters may soon be given the green light to go shooting. Such a severe fate does not threaten the Wolves in the Lower Saxony motor city – even though they have the prospect of the fourth best season in the history there may be one or two people who are not so pleased. The Wolves are currently in the top third of the table. To be more exact: in sixth place. And that is a position that qualifies a team for a place in the Europa League – the declared minimum target for Bayer 04. VfL Wolfsburg are currently four points ahead of the Werkself. That means the Wolves are a direct rival for the Black and Reds with the team under Peter Bosz – lying in wait for a European qualification position – automatically assuming the role of the hunter as they prepare to attack the Wolves on their own turf on Saturday.Hopefully there will be a goal fest. A shooting permit has been applied for with the DFL…
#Hunting records
After the impressive but unfortunately unsuccessful opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Werkself are waiting for the first competitive win in 2019. And also for the first three points under the new head coach Peter Bosz. The fact that last weekend's game against Gladbach failed to produce a victory is still the source of disbelief at Leverkusen – above all taking account the 21 shots at goal. No other team has had as many shots against the opposition goal without scoring – sad but true. This weekend there is a solid reason to be encouraged: In only four of the previous 43 Bundesliga meetings have the Werkself been able to find the back of the VfL Wolfsburg net – incredibly all at away games in Lower Saxony. The last time was 16 years ago. And vice versa: The Werkself have scored at least once in the last 32 league games. Leading the way is Stefan Kießling (10 goals) who made his 400th Bundesliga appearance at the Volkswagen Arena last year. But that's just a side issue. A similar consistency in goalscoring has only been achieved previously by Borussia Mönchengladbach against FC Köln (from 1965 to 1981). If the Werkself score on Saturday then Bayer 04 will be the sole record holders. Come on the Black and Reds…
#Susceptiblewolves
A win would take the Black and Reds within one point of Wolfsburg. In spite of that possible proximity (also in terms of the threat of ice cold weather) the Werkself will definitely not want to snuggle up to Wolfsburg – definitely not after the 3-1 defeat earlier in the season... So there is still something to make amends for. The last two seasons have seen 2-1 wins for the Black and Reds in Lower Saxony. And this time? Will the run continue? At least this season, Wolfsburg appeared to be susceptible at home: While the team managed by Bruno Labbadia (16 points) – who suffered a first defeat in six games in the 2-1 reverse at Schalke last weekend – achieved an impressive third place in the away form table behind Bayern Munich (24) and Borussia Dortmund (17), there has been less reason for celebration for the Wolves at their own ground: The Lower Saxony team have 'only' picked up 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 3 defeats) In front of their own crowd. But beware: Recently, not Leipzig (1-0) nor Hoffenheim (2-2) nor Stuttgart (2-0) were able to win at Wolfsburg. It's fortunate all good things come in threes...
#onehundredandfifty
Saturday's match could prove to be very special for at least one Werkself player. That is Julian Brandt who played for the VfL Wolfsburg U17 and U19 teams in the Bundesliga youth league from 2011 to 2014 before his move to Bayer 04. Ahead of the game against his former club, the Werkself number 10 has made 149 appearances in Germany's top flight and he could celebrate reaching a milestone against his former club: 150 Bundesliga games for Leverkusen. Perhaps there could be another reason to celebrate: The Bremen-born player is on the verge of being involved in his 50th goal (28 goals, 21 assists). He has scored two goals in his previous nine games against VfL. And his namesake Julian Baumgartlinger is also about to reach a milestone: The Austrian is about to play his 50th league game for Bayer 04.
Result in first half of season: 1-3 (H)
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Berlin)
Weather forecast: 4 degrees, rain
TV Broadcaster: Sky
