Bayern Munich vs Wolfsburg predictions: Hosts facing Euro hangover
- Bayern will finish the season trophy-less for the first time since 2011-12
- Wolfsburg have moved clear of the relegation zone after three straight wins
- Recommended bet: Tie/Bayern Munich Half Time/Full Time
Bitter disappointment and more than a dash of anger will be the prevailing emotions as Bayern Munich come to terms with their European elimination before running out to face Wolfsburg on Sunday and it could take 45 minutes before the hangover subsides.
The German giants looked set for a famous win over Real Madrid in the Spanish capital on Wednesday, an outcome that would have sent them into an all-Bundesliga Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund, but a late brace from substitute Joselu turned the tie around.
Bayern host a resurgent Wolfsburg at the Allianz Arena on Sunday with the visitors having alleviated any relegation concerns with three successive wins, and they can make life tough for Thomas Tuchel's battle-weary troops.
Team news
After their dramatic dismissal from the Champions League, soon-to-be former Bayern boss Tuchel has a job on his hands to lift Bayern's spirits.
Serge Gnabry went off with a thigh injury in Madrid, while Harry Kane was removed late on and his boss suggested post-game 'his back froze up' and the England skipper 'couldn't keep going'.
Leroy Sane continues to have a pelvic issue, while Matthijs de Ligt has a knee worry and Kingsley Coman has suffered a muscle tear.
Raphael Guerreiro, Tarek Buchmann, Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr are all set to miss out.
Wolfsburg have Sebastiaan Bornauw available after suspension but injury worries linger over Koen Casteels (shoulder), Lukas Nmecha (thigh) and Aster Vranckx (knee).
The stats
Bayern will finish the season trophy-less for the first time since 2011-12.
Harry Kane has scored 44 times in all competitions in his maiden season at the club.
Bayern's second highest scorer, Jamal Musiala, has just 12 goals in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 31 of Bayern Munich's last 36 Bundesliga games.
The reverse fixture ended 2-1 in Bayern's favour.
Wolfsburg have won three games on the spin for the first time in the Bundesliga this season.
Only three teams have lost more games than Wolfsburg (15) after 32 rounds of games.
Prediction
Bayern will have to be superhuman for the lingering dejection of Wednesday's loss in Madrid not to be playing on their minds.
Tuchel suggested a last-gasp offside call that prevented a potential leveller in the Spanish capital and, with it a place in the final, felt like a 'betrayal' from the officials.
Tuchel later confirmed referee Szymon Marciniak, who took charge of the 2022 World Cup final, had apologised.
Self-pity could be a problem for Bayern, with Bayer Leverkusen now confirmed as champions and their Champions League dream shattered.
They have lost three of their last six in the German top flight and seven times overall this season.
Wolfsburg were in a relegation battle for most of this season but four wins in six recently have moved them to safety.
Bayern have won five of the last six meetings and may well do so again, but it could take some time to find their groove.
With their talisman Kane a possible doubt given the back problem Tuchel referred to in Madrid, this could be a game in which they take some time to warm to the task and it may end with an unconvincing win.
Bayern are 1/3 with LiveScore Bet to win but a better option is to take them for all three points after being level at the interval.
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