Football Bet of the Day: Leipzig won't have the energy to contain rampant Wolves

Wolfsburg have had plenty to celebrate this season

Our Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard is focusing on Germany today, and a cup tie involving one of 2015's most impressive teams...

RB Leipzig v Wolfsburg
Wednesday March 04, 18:00

As I came out of the cinema after watching Jupiter Ascending (far better than the critics would have you believe), I realised my profits hadn't ascended. A Catania side with the worst away record in Serie B managed to hold Bari to a 1-1 draw, and they were actually just moments away from sealing their first road victory of the season.

We take it on the chin, and move on to round three this week. Having taken in matches in France and Italy, we'll continue our western European jaunt with a visit to Germany.

The German Cup's round of 16 has brought together two clubs who are often derided for not having enough tradition. A glittering history only takes you so far - both RB Leipzig and Wolfsburg are having successful campaigns, while the likes of Hamburg and Stuttgart certainly aren't.

Funded by the Red Bull energy drink empire of Dietrich Mateschitz, RB Leipzig were promoted from the third tier of German football last season, and they are a respectable eighth in 2.Bundesliga. Dreams of back-to-back promotions haven't quite been dashed, with only eight points separating them from third place.

The club's vaulting ambition was showcased by the ruthless sacking of coach Alex Zorniger, who won promotion last term. It was painted as an amicable separation, but Zorniger paid the price for a run of one win in six games which straddled the winter break.

While RB Leipzig have hit a sticky patch, with two wins in nine, Wolfsburg are absolutely flying. The Wolves are second in the Bundesliga, through to the last 16 of the Europa League, and they have won six of the eight games they have played in 2015.

Dieter Hecking's men have rattled in 26 goals in their last ten games in all competitions, and in Dutchman Bas Dost, they have one of Europe's hottest strikers. Dost has netted 13 goals since the turn of the year, and he is profiting from the incredible supply line of chances being served up by the outstanding Kevin De Bruyne, who has set up 18 goals this season.

Although Hecking is likely to rotate his squad, with Dost expected to be on the bench, Wolfsburg have the personnel to win this handily. RB Leipzig are a solid team, but even though they have an impressive stadium, Wolfsburg won't exactly be walking into an intimidating atmosphere. I expect a comfortable away win.

Recommended Bet
Back Wolfsburg -1.0 on the Asian Handicap at 2.0811/10

2015 P/L (1 pt per bet)

Points Staked: 29

Points Returned: 26.62

P/L: -2.38 points