Match preview

The Wolves were fortunate that the scoreline against Bayern was respectable considering the victors created eight big chances and conceded twice despite only facing one big chance.

Wolfsburg are just one point from sixth-placed Mainz 05, who occupy the league's Conference League qualification spot, and have just 10 points fewer than the total they achieved last term.

Ralph Hasenhuttl's side beat Holstein Kiel 2-0 away from home in the Bundesliga on August 31, a game in which both teams produced seven shots from inside the box but neither of them created many threatening opportunities in front of goal.

The home team won the two fixtures prior to their loss against Bayern, though they have been beaten in three of their past five matches, scoring 11 and conceding 10 in that period.

Wolfsburg's home form is excellent, with the club achieving victory in four of their most recent outings at Volkswagen Arena, losing just one of their last seven at home.

Opponents Holstein Kiel did not face a single big chance against Hoffenheim yet trailed 3-0 by the 56th minute.

Boss Marcel Rapp will be concerned that his team only managed to produce one big chance of their own, though his side do rank joint 13th in the Bundesliga in that metric.

Though Rapp's side are second last - six points and two places from safety - but they are only three points from 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the division's relegation playoff spot.

It should also be noted that they have triumphed in two of their last four Bundesliga fixtures – losing the other two – and have collected more points in that time than they did in their first 14 league games.

However, Holstein Kiel have failed to win away from home this term in the top flight, succumbing to defeat in their past five on the road and six of their eight away matches in the league.

Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:

Grabara; Fischer, Vavro, Koulierakis, Maehle; Gerhardt, Arnold, Dardai; Tomas, Wind, Amoura

Holstein Kiel possible starting lineup:

Weiner; Ivezic, Geschwill, Komenda; Rosenboom, Remberg, Knudsen, Porath; Bernhardsson, Machino; Harres