Darmstadt 98 vs Wolfsburg Predictions, Betting Tips, & Match Preview

Darmstadt 98’s eventual survival in the Bundesliga last season came as a huge surprise to many who thought that back-to-back promotions with very little investment would almost certainly see their demise. Darmstadt’s performances so far this season without “superstar” Sandro Wagner, who scored 14 goals over 32 appearances and signed for TSG Hoffenheim during the transfer window, however, were unsurprisingly bleak. Wagner was, by %, not only Darmstadt’s most involved player, when combining assists and goals scored, but one of the most vital players for any team in the Bundesliga last season. Darmstadt are slowly starting to develop without him, however, and were unlucky to take nothing away from the 2-1 defeat at rivals Mainz 05 last weekend; striker Antonio Colak’s saved penalty kick ultimately costing them a point.

Last season was thought to be something of an anomaly for the 2014/2015 runners up, with their best ever year in European competition contrasted against season-long inconsistency in the Bundesliga. Now, that’s not so sure. Wolfsburg said goodbye to coach Dieter Hecking following their 1-0 defeat at home to RB Leipzig last weekend and replaced him with interim coach Valerien Ismael from the U23’s. No doubt Wolfsburg are hoping he will be able to get the ball rolling after their six match winless streak, a sub-par run of form that leaves them closer to the relegation zone than the European places, and finally get the best out of their summer signings: Striker Mario Gomez, who scored 26 goals in 33 appearances for Besiktas last season, is yet to open his account and the pressure is building on him with every passing week.

Though Wolfsburg are the stronger side on paper and come into this as favourites for the bookies at 4/5, we feel that Darmstadt or draw double chance is the better bet here for a few reasons: Wolfsburg’s poor run of form and lack of confidence is not something that can be remedied over a few days preparation by a newly installed interim coach. As a side that should be fighting for a spot in European competition, Wolfsburg have also become notorious for struggling on the road – Wolfsburg have drawn or lost in 9 of their 12 (75%) away matches in 2016 (W3 D2 L7). Meanwhile, Darmstadt have taken away at least a point in each of their three home matches so far this season (W1 D2) and have won or drawn in 6 of their last 8 (75%) home matches (W2 D4 L2). Seeing as they have only kept a clean sheet in 2 of these 8, however, we’d expect Wolfsburg to nab a goal here too.

As such, Darmstadt or Draw at 21/20 and a 1-1 draw at 11/2 with bet365 are our choice bets for this match.