With Bayern Munich crowned Bundesliga champions last weekend, the time has come to determine the remaining key outcomes in Germany's top flight—starting with who will stay in the Bundesliga next season. The three-day matchweek kicking off on Friday, May 9, could prove decisive in the relegation battle. Hoffenheim, if they manage to get a positive result away at Wolfsburg, would secure their place in the Bundesliga for another year. It’s a bittersweet consolation for the team coached by Austrian manager Ilzer, who had started the season with loftier ambitions after finishing seventh last year and qualifying for the Europa League. The current table is clear: with only two games left, the Kraichgauer are not yet safe, holding a five-point advantage over third-bottom Heidenheim. A win at the Volkswagen Arena would allow them to face Bayern Munich in the final match without any pressure. The mission is far from impossible, considering that Wolfsburg has little left to play for—safely clear of relegation and out of European contention. However, Hoffenheim's plans could be disrupted by a potential reaction following the sacking of coach Ralph Hasenhüttl, who was dismissed after the heavy 4-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund last Saturday. His place has been taken by young coach Daniel Bauer, previously in charge of the Under-19 squad, who now faces the difficult task of ending this disastrous season on a dignified note—ideally by winning the last home match of the campaign.

Wolfsburg Recent Form and Key Stats

Wolfsburg’s struggles continue, with the 4-0 defeat in Dortmund marking their eighth straight winless match—six losses and two draws. Their last Bundesliga win dates back to March 1, a 2-1 victory at Werder Bremen. Over the last five games, the Wolves have suffered four defeats and one draw, averaging 0.8 goals scored and 2.2 conceded per match.

Ahead of the clash with Hoffenheim, interim coach Daniel Bauer will have to make do without the injured Bornauw, Paredes, Rogerio, and Svanberg, as well as suspended captain Arnold.

Wolfsburg have earned 39 points this season, but only 15 of those came at home (3 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses). They’ve lost their last three home matches—against Heidenheim, RB Leipzig, and Freiburg. In 2025, they have just one home win, a 5-1 result against Borussia Mönchengladbach on January 14. Since then, four defeats and three draws have followed at the Volkswagen Arena.

Hoffenheim Recent Form and Key Stats

In their most recent Bundesliga outing, Hoffenheim played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach, conceding the equalizer in stoppage time. Under Ilzer’s guidance, the team has recorded 3 losses, 1 draw, and 1 win in their last five matches, averaging 2.2 goals scored and 2.6 conceded—highlighting both their attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities.

As for absentees, Hoffenheim will be without right-back Gendrey and long-term injuries to Bebou, Kabak, Lenz, and Promel.

Away from home, the Kraichgauer have been the third-worst team in the Bundesliga, collecting just 14 points (3 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses). The silver lining? Ten of those points have come in 2025 thanks to wins over Holstein Kiel, Werder Bremen, and Bochum, along with the recent draw at Mönchengladbach.

Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim Prediction and Tactical Overview

Wolfsburg may have nothing left to fight for in terms of standings, but pride is on the line in what will be their final home appearance of a forgettable season. However, the data paints a bleak picture: they have conceded in 12 straight matches and have fallen behind first in 7 of their last 8 games.

Hoffenheim hasn’t fared much better defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches and conceding the opening goal in 5 of their last 7. This trend has resulted in matches filled with goals at both ends. The key difference from Wolfsburg? Hoffenheim still have something to play for—a win would officially confirm their survival in the top flight, which could lead them to take more risks and open themselves up to counterattacks.

Given that both teams are struggling at the back and seeking redemption, the prediction for Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim is for goals on both sides, a trend seen in 12 of the last 14 head-to-head meetings between these two sides.

• BetMines' algorithm prediction for Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim predicts that both teams will score at least one goal at 64%
• BetMines' algorithm prediction for Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim predicts that at least one of the two teams will not score any goals at 36%

Wolfsburg vs Hoffenheim Predicted Lineups

WOLFSBURG (4-3-3): Grabara; Roerslev, Odogu, Kouliarakis, Mæhle; Majer, Vranckx, Gerhardt; Kamiński, Wind, Amoura. Manager: Bauer

HOFFENHEIM (3-4-2-1): Baumann; Chaves, Østigård, Nsoki; Kadeřábek, Stach, Bischof, Bülter; Touré, Kramarić; Hložek. Manager: Ilzer