Wolfsburg vs Darmstadt 98 Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Interim coach Andries Jonker has made an immediate impact since taking over the reigns at Wolfsburg. Last weekend’s impressive, and much needed, 1-0 win away to 2nd placed RB Leipzig makes if four points in two matches under his guidance, following the prior 1-1 draw away to Mainz. Wolfsburg aren’t out of danger just yet, though. Wolfsburg’s 26 point total – their worst ever total at this stage in the campaign – is equalled by two other sides: Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV – the latter of which sits in the relegation play-off spot due to goal difference alone.

Darmstadt earned a much-need win at home to Mainz last weekend and coach Torsten Frings will be desperate for his side to get their first points on the road. 11 points separate his side from Werder Bremen and safety – the biggest gap there’s ever been at this stage of the season since the relegation play-off was reintroduced for the 2008/09 season – and things are starting to look ominous for the Lilies.

Wolfsburg are the favourites here at 8/15 with bet365 and though we feel Wolfsburg are the team worth backing, there’s better value to be had in “Goal Line – Under 2.5” for the following reasons:

First and foremost, neither Wolfsburg nor Darmstadt are known for scoring tonnes of goals. In fact, in the Bundesliga, only Darmstadt (17) have scored fewer goals than the Wolves (22) this season. Darmstadt’s problem, and consequent 100% defeat record in matches on the road (L11), lies in their inconsistency in front of goal – Darmstadt have failed to score in 73% of their matches on the road and, notably, in each of their last five. Meanwhile, though Wolfsburg’s form is certainly turning for the better, Jonker’s style seems to dictate a much more conservative style of play, with Wolfsburg scoring just two goals under him (a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 win).

Where Wolfsburg will get further goals from, however, seems clear. Jonker seems to know how to get the best out of striker Mario Gomez (8 goals so far this season). Jonker managed Bayern Munich and Gomez for five matches at the end of the 2010/2011 season, during which Mario Gomez scored 9 goals (at least one in every match). When adding these to the goals Gomez has scored in each of Wolfsburg’s last two matches, the German forward has scored 11 goals in 7 matches under his guidance. For those fancying an anytime scorer bet here, Mario Gomez is the one to look out for at 1/1 with bet365.

Regarding a correct score bet, we wouldn’t be surprised if Darmstadt fail to score again here. Wolfsburg have kept a clean sheet in 33% of their home matches and even managed to keep one against the Bundesliga’s 3rd best offense (RB Leipzig) last weekend. Hence, Wolfsburg to win to nil at 7/5 would be an alternate option for backing the hosts. Though Wolfsburg are not too wild in terms of scoring, scoring two goals (for only the second time in 2017) seems a probability against a side as weak as Darmstadt. As such, Wolfsburg to win 2-0 at 6/1 is a decent shout here.