RB Leipzig vs. VfL Wolfsburg preview: Fourth from top host fourth from bottom

Red Bull Arena will stage a tale of two seasons on Sunday when fourth-placed RB Leipzig welcome 15th-placed VfL Wolfsburg, the hosts desperate to tighten their grip on a Champions-League berth while the visitors scramble for the points that could keep them in Germany’s top flight.

Leipski’s 12-3-6 record leaves them nine points clear of seventh and in pole position for European qualification, yet Ole Werner’s side have wobbled of late. A mid-week DFB-Pokal exit to Bayern München followed draws with bottom-half duo FC St. Pauli and Mainz 05, meaning the Saxons have dropped four points against sides they would ordinarily expect to beat. With a top-of-the-table showdown against Borussia Dortmund looming next weekend, nothing less than victory will suffice on home soil.

History offers encouragement: Leipzig have won four of the last five league meetings with Wolfsburg, including each of the last three by a single goal. Werner, appointed last June through 2027, oversaw one of those victories and warned against complacency. “Wolfsburg have a very experienced team, particularly in the key areas,” the 37-year-old said. “They are good on the ball in midfield, dangerous from set pieces and look to attack with speed. Their new coach has a clear philosophy.”

Personnel issues complicate the task. Club captain David Raum sits out after collecting his fifth yellow card, with Max Finkgräfe poised to deputise at left-back. Dutch winger Ayodele Thomas (muscle), midfielders Forzan Assan Ouedraogo (knee) and Viggo Gebel (cruciate) remain sidelined, trimming Werner’s rotation options after a taxing English week. Brajan Gruda, on loan from Brighton, is set for only his second Leipzig appearance in an expected 4-3-3 that also features Rômulo, Nusa and Diomande in attack.

Wolfsburg arrive in near-crisis mode. Daniel Bauer’s men have taken four points from a possible 18 in 2026 and sit 17 adrift of the European places. A last-gasp defeat to Dortmund last time out extended a winless run against top-seven opposition to eight matches this term. “We are not winning the matches, and that is something we need to change,” Bauer admitted. “We must become more cold-blooded in front of goal and even tighter at the back.”

Injuries and illness have shredded the squad. Nine players are confirmed or doubtful casualties, while four—including American Kevin Paredes and Dane Jesper Lindstrøm—are battling illness. Patrick Wimmer trained partially, Aaron Zehnter faces a late fitness test, and long-term absentee Bence Dárdai will not see action until 2026-27. Bauer, 43, refused to lean on nostalgia, dismissing suggestions that November 2024’s 5-1 rout of Leipzig might serve as motivation. “Past results play no role; we focus on the here and now,” he said, though he welcomed any perception of disrespect as fuel. “No one cares about Wolfsburg anyway—that is exciting motivation for the boys.”

With 13 rounds remaining, every point is golden for the Lower-Saxony club. A positive result inside the Red Bull cauldron would not only nudge them clear of the relegation playoff spot but also prove to Bauer—and perhaps the doubters beyond—that Wolfsburg can still trade punches with the league’s heavyweights.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 CET, the same time Leipzig must demonstrate their top-four credentials and Wolfsburg their survival resolve. One club eyes Europe, the other escape; only one can leave happier.