Wolfsburg failed to make their superiority count in the first leg but find themselves favourites at Paderborn.
I don’t think there will be much in this one, a draw and extra time on the cards in the Bundesliga playoffs.
HTH - Wolves Unbeaten
Wolfsburg have never lost against Paderborn, leading 3-0 alongside three draws.
Second Chance for Paderborn
Paderborn looked certain to secure automatic promotion to the Bundesliga before going four games without a win.
Ralf Kettemann’s side secured a 2-0 win at Darmstadt on the final matchday but missed out on goal difference. The victory was enough to overtake Hannover and sneak into the playoff position.
Goalkeeper Dennis Seimen was man of the match in a 0-0 draw a Wolfsburg in the playoff first leg. Paderborn were on the back foot throughout, ending with 37% possession and 0.10-1.49 xG.
Wolfsburg in Danger of the Drop
Wolfsburg suffered 19 defeats in the Bundesliga, conceding an alarming 69 goals in the process. Dieter Hecking became their third manager in March and has won two of his ten games in charge.
The Wolves ended the regular season with a 3-1 win at bottom club St. Pauli. Dzenan Pejcinovic scored his eighth goal of the season to avoid automatic relegation.
Wolfsburg dominated Paderborn in the playoff first leg but couldn’t find the net in a 0-0 draw. They enjoyed 63% possession, 1.47-0.10 xG and 17-2 shots, Christian Eriksen taking five of them.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Paderborn (3-4-2-1) Dennis Seimen; Mattes Hansen, Tjark Scheller, Calvin Brackelmann; Laurin Curda, Filip Bilbija, Santi Castaneda, Niklas Mohr; Ruben Müller, Steffen Tigges; Stefano Marino
Marcel Hoffmeier is out with a cruciate ligament injury and Raphael Obermair is dealing with an achilles tendon rupture. Jonah Sticker is suspended with Niklas Mohr to start on the left wing.
Wolfsburg (3-5-2) Kamil Grabara, Jeanuël Belocian, Denis Vavro, Kostas Koulierakis; Sael Kumbedi, Vinicius Souza, Mattias Svanberg, Christian Eriksen, Joakim Maehle; Mohamed Amoura, Dzenan Pejcinovic
Defenders Kilian Fischer, Jenson Seelt and Rogério are out alongside midfielders Maximilian Arnold, Bence Dardai and Patrick Wimmer.
Danish striker Jonas Wind is dealing with a muscle injury. Vinicius Souza returns from suspension and could come in for Yannick Gerhardt.