Bayern Munich resume their Bundesliga title charge on Sunday afternoon as they welcome Wolfsburg to the Allianz Arena, aiming to further extend an already commanding lead at the summit. Vincent Kompany’s side head into Matchday 16 with a nine-point cushion over their nearest challengers, while Wolfsburg find themselves hovering just above the relegation picture after a turbulent first half of the campaign.
Before the winter break, Bayern once again underlined their firepower with a ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Heidenheim, marking the 19th time in 25 competitive outings this season that they have scored at least three goals.
Under Kompany, the Bavarians have blended attacking fluidity with long spells of control, embarking on a six-game unbeaten run that has yielded five victories. While defensive standards dipped slightly toward the end of December, Bayern remain formidable at home, having won 10 and drawn one of their 11 matches at the Allianz Arena so far this term.
That said, there are small areas Kompany will want to tighten. Bayern have conceded 14 goals across their last ten fixtures and failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four home games, including a surprising 2-2 draw with Mainz. Even so, with Borussia Dortmund facing a tricky trip to Frankfurt, this weekend presents another opportunity for Bayern to consolidate their grip on the title race.
Wolfsburg, by contrast, arrive in Munich searching for defensive stability and consistency. Daniel Bauer’s side suffered a frustrating 4-3 defeat to Freiburg last time out, despite holding the lead twice during the second half. That loss brought an end to a brief three-match unbeaten spell, although there have been encouraging signs in attack, with Wolfsburg scoring three goals in each of their last three league games.
The problem has been at the other end of the pitch. Wolfsburg have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight consecutive matches and have conceded at least twice in four of their last seven outings, a worrying trend ahead of a visit to Germany’s most prolific attack. History also offers little comfort: Wolfsburg have lost 45 of their 56 Bundesliga meetings with Bayern and are currently on a six-game losing streak against the Bavarians.
Still, there is a sliver of optimism for the visitors. Wolfsburg are unbeaten in their last two away games and could make it three on the bounce with a positive result, while a rare victory in Munich would mark their third win in five road matches. However, given Bayern’s dominance at home and relentless scoring record, the task facing the Wolves is immense.
Sunday’s clash pits Bayern’s title-chasing machine against a Wolfsburg side still searching for balance. Unless the visitors can find a way to shore up their defence, this looks set to be another afternoon where the Bavarian outfit’s quality tells decisively. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Bayern Munich approach Sunday’s fixture with only a handful of selection concerns, most of them concentrated in midfield and defence. Joshua Kimmich is unavailable after picking up an ankle injury, removing one of the side’s primary tempo-setters and forcing Vincent Kompany to adjust his midfield balance.
At the back, Alphonso Davies remains sidelined with a long-term issue, continuing his absence at left-back. Otherwise, Bayern Munich are in strong shape, particularly in attacking areas, where Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz are all expected to start after finding the net in the emphatic win over Heidenheim.
From a tactical perspective, Bayern Munich are set to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation against VfL Wolfsburg, designed to maximise attacking fluency and territorial dominance. Manuel Neuer should start in goal, with a back four featuring Konrad Laimer at right-back, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah as the central defensive pairing, and Josip Stanisic continuing on the left in Davies’s absence.
In central midfield, Aleksandar Pavlovic is likely to sit deepest alongside Leon Goretzka, with the duo tasked with controlling transitions and progressing the ball without Kimmich. Ahead of them, Michael Olise should operate on the right wing, Serge Gnabry through the central attacking midfield role, and Luis Diaz attacking from the left. Leading the line will be Harry Kane, who remains Bayern’s focal point in attack and the division’s most reliable source of goals.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Pavlovic, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Wolfsburg travel to Munich without two important attacking options, as Mohamed Amoura is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Algeria, while first-choice striker Jonas Wind is unavailable, leaving Daniel Bauer short of firepower up front. Those absences place greater responsibility on the supporting cast to provide goals and creativity, particularly against a Bayern side that dominates possession.
In midfield, Bauer still has experience to call upon, with Yannick Gerhardt and captain Maximilian Arnold both in contention to anchor the centre of the pitch ahead of a defence that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
Tactically, Wolfsburg are expected to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, aimed at staying compact while offering attacking outlets on the counter. Kamil Grabara should start in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Sael Kumbedi at right-back, Jenson Seelt and Konstantinos Koulierakis as the central defensive pairing, and Aaron Zehnter operating from left-back.
In midfield, Maximilian Arnold is likely to partner Yannick Gerhardt in the double pivot, tasked with shielding the defence and launching transitions. Ahead of them, Christian Eriksen is expected to play in the central attacking midfield role, flanked by Lovro Majer on the left and Patrick Wimmer on the right. Leading the line will be Dzenan Pejcinovic, who should operate as the lone striker and act as Wolfsburg’s focal point against Bayern’s high defensive line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Grabara; Kumbedi, Seelt, Koulierakis, Zehnter; Gerhardt, Arnold; Majer, Eriksen, Wimmer; Pejcinovic
The former Liverpool star has quickly become one of Bayern Munich’s most explosive attacking weapons, and this matchup looks tailor-made for his strengths. Operating from the left flank, the Colombian thrives in 1v1 situations, combining relentless pressing with direct running and an eye for goal.
His strike against Heidenheim before the winter break underlined both his confidence and his growing influence in Vincent Kompany’s system. Against a Wolfsburg defence that has struggled to contain wide players and has gone eight games without a clean sheet, Díaz’s pace and aggression could prove devastating.
With Harry Kane occupying centre-backs and creating space between the lines, Diaz should find plenty of opportunities to isolate his marker and attack the box. If Bayern are to turn territorial dominance into another emphatic home win, Diaz is well placed to be one of the main protagonists.
Given Bayern Munich’s overwhelming home form, attacking depth and Wolfsburg’s ongoing defensive issues, this looks set to be a one-sided affair at the Allianz Arena. Wolfsburg may offer moments of threat on the counter, but sustaining resistance for 90 minutes against the league’s most prolific side appears unlikely.
