It’s first against second on Matchday 17 in the Google Pixel Bundesliga as defending champions FC Bayern Women face title rivals Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday. Kick-off is at 5.45pm CET. Here’s all you need to know ahead of this huge encounter in the German top flight.
State of play
Bayern continued their excellent form last weekend with a 5-0 win at home to RB Leipzig that saw them open up a four-point lead at the top. Alexander Straus’s side now have 42 points from their 16 games and are unbeaten in their last 33 league fixtures. However, they haven’t won in Wolfsburg for some 15 years now. It’s all set up for an enthralling encounter between Germany’s two top clubs of the last decade. Of the past 11 Bundesliga titles, seven have gone to the She-Wolves, four to Munich.
Katharina Naschenweng and Jovana Damnjanovic in training ahead of visiting Wolfsburg.
Opponent: Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg have scored 45 goals in the Bundesliga this season, meaning that Saturday’s clash is one between the division’s best attack and its best defence. However, one goal wasn’t enough for Tommy Stroot’s team last time out as they were beaten 2-1 by Hoffenheim, leaving them on 38 points and now four behind reigning champions Bayern. However, the current DFB Cup holders are still the most successful German team of the last 10 years, even reaching the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League just 10 months ago.
Team news
Straus remains without Weronika Zawistowska (cruciate ligament), Cecilia Ran Runarsdottir (kneecap), Ana Maria Guzman (knee), Tainara (illness), Franziska Kett (muscular). Carolin Simon has returned to training following her ACL injury but isn’t yet match fit. Jovana Damjanovic had to go off injured against Leipzig but has been able to train fully with the team this week.
Sam Kerr and Bayern have Wolfsburg in their sights.
Pre-match quotes
Alexander Straus: “Even though we’re in a very good position going into the game, that won’t change how we prepare for the game. We’re facing a very experienced team that’s won a lot of titles. They’ll attack a lot and will want to have the ball. We’re preparing for that.”
Mala Grohs: “We’re obviously going into the game with a good feeling. The good state of play backs us up. But it’ll be the same tough game as every time. Wolfsburg have a lot of different qualities they can bring. We want to try to play our game, cause Wolfsburg problems and win.”
Read up on the facts ahead of the game:
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