Hamburg hosts Wolfsburg for their 8th round match of the Bundesliga, played at the Volksparkstadion, home of Hamburger SV.
Facts
- In their last 10 meetings, the home team has led at halftime only once.
- Hamburger SV have a home record of 1-5-5 against Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, with four of the five draws finishing 1-1.
Betting Tip: Hamburg - Wolfsburg
Judging purely by recent form and performances, there’s no debate: Hamburger SV are the more convincing side. Unless Wolfsburg suddenly comes to life, or relies on their historically strong record in Hamburg, another defeat looks likely. The hosts aren’t the definition of consistency, but their current level of performance makes them the favourite here.
- Prediction: Hamburger SV (+0.25 A.H.)
- Odds: 1.61
- Stake: 3
Hamburger SV
Despite the 1-2 defeat away to RB Leipzig, Hamburg’s performance was encouraging. They didn’t create much going forward, even their goal came from a lucky deflection, but they maintained good balance and consistency, limiting Leipzig’s chances and keeping the match alive until the final whistle.
In the end, the loss was simply due to Leipzig’s superior individual quality in attack. It’s a defeat that doesn’t raise concerns for Merlin Polzin’s side. Hamburg looks settled in the division and is capable of comfortably retaining their Bundesliga status.
They’re not yet ready to beat top-tier opponents, but results against mid- and lower-table sides have been solid over the past month.
Now they return home, where they’ve shown improvement since the 0-2 loss to St Pauli. They’ve since won both home games, 2-1 against Heidenheim (somewhat by chance) and 4-0 over Mainz (clear and deserved).
That Heidenheim win seems to have been a turning point, boosting belief that their summer signings are starting to click and can keep them competitive.
Wolfsburg
Right now, they look like a sinking ship. The 0-3 home defeat to Stuttgart was alarming as they were completely outplayed. They couldn’t circulate the ball, couldn’t build from the back, and spent the first half as spectators.
After conceding a second goal (55’), they tried to respond but failed. They didn’t create a single clear chance from open play, only one half-opportunity from an opponent’s error and another from a set piece.
That was Pauli Simonis’ team's fourth consecutive league defeat. Their recent Bundesliga record is 0-2-4. Since winning 3-1 at Heidenheim on opening day, their form has worsened with each passing week.
They’ve scored just one goal in their last four matches and often look like a team without direction, unsure whether to defend deep or control possession. As a result, they end up doing neither effectively.
It’s only natural to wonder whether a managerial change is on the cards. For now, the club hasn’t made that move. The board described the performance of every player as dreadful and did not place the blame on the Dutch coach. However, it’s clear that if the situation doesn’t improve soon, they’ll have no choice but to act.
