Preview: Mario Gotze likely to make return for Bavarians
After missing almost a month of action, star summer signing Mario Gotze could finally return to the fold. The young German suffered an ankle injury during the UEFA Super Cup win against Chelsea but returned to full training this week and could feature at some point in the game.
Although he did not feature in Wednesday’s 4-1 thumping in the DFB Pokal of Hannover, the former Borussia Dortmund star might return to the substitutes’ bench.
The young midfielder’s return will certainly boost Pep Guardiola’s side who are already missing the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez apart from Holger Badstuber who might miss a big chunk of the season due to a knee injury.
Due to injury concerns, Philipp Lahm, a full-back by trade, has been used as an emergency midfielder on several occasions. However, the experienced German international is very pleased with the way his side has coped in challenging conditions. As things stand, the reigning German champions are level on points with Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table.
"I think we can be very pleased with our recent performances," Lahm said after Wednesday's Pokal win.
"We're definitely heading in the right direction."
Bayern Munich will definitely be feeling confident about their chances of winning against Dieter Hecking’s side. In the past 10 meetings between the two sides, the Bavarians have won nine times while drawing the other. However, the Lower Saxony side will surely be looking to make sure that they provide stiff resistance at the Allianz Arena.
Odds might be against them but Hecking has not ruled out the possibility of springing a surprise.
"We'll do everything to keep the game open as long as possible," he said.
"That it will be very difficult is clear.
"But you can always do it in any game, we have this hope."
Luiz Gustavo has returned from suspension and played a big role in his team’s DFB Pokal win over Aalen. The Brazil international will be eager to do well against his former employers for whom he played such a huge role last season when the team did an historic European treble. The Brazilian will be given the task of making life as difficult as possible for Munich’s attacking talents but would also be looking to avoid another red card after already being dismissed twice in two of his three Bundesliga appearances.
Wolfsburg have blown hot and cold so far this season, winning three and losing three games.
Consistency is of the essence for the Lower Saxony giants whose fans are keen on seeing the team return to the top of German football.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Bayern Munich vs VfL Wolfsburg live on Saturday, September 28, 2013:
In Canada at 9:30 EDT on GolTV Canada
In USA at 9:30 ET on Gol TV USA
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Germany can watch the match live on Sky Bundesliga 1 and Sky Bundesliga 2.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Bayern Munich vs VfL Wolfsburg match page.
