Match Preview: VfL Wolfsburg vs. FC Carl Zeiss Jena

Photo credit: VfL Wolfsburg

VfL Wolfsburg face FC Carl Zeiss Jena on Saturday. Wolfsburg are in the top half of the table and want to stay on top while Jena are in a difficult season and desperately need points.

VfL Wolfsburg are currently in fourth place under coach Tommy Stroot. They are top of the table with 28 points from 12 games (9 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses). Only one point separates Wolfsburg from the top three teams in the table. 

The Wolfsburg women have a strong offense that is characterized by goals from Lineth Beerensteyn (10 goals) and Alexandra Popp (4 goals, 4 assists). 

Wolfsburg have also qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women's Champions League, but suffered a defeat in the last group game against Lyon. During the winter break they defeated B.K. Häcken 4-0 in a test match to give a clear view of their form.

FC Carl Zeiss Jena is currently in 11th Place (out of 12) with 3 points from 12 games (0 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses). The 3:23 goal ratio shows the problems of the promoted side, both offensively and defensively. However, there have been several close defeats, with the exception of an emphatic 5-0 loss to Bayern Munich. 

Coach Florian Kästner's side have fought hard, but have lacked the last bit of luck in many matches. In the winter break they tested against AC Sparta Prague and lost 3-2, but also managed to record a 4-0 win against the second team of Eintracht Frankfurt. 

The last meeting between these two teams ended in a narrow 1-0 win for Wolfsburg. The goal of the day was scored by Alexandra Popp in the 67th minute. Wolfsburg were the dominant team throughout the game but Jena held up well and showed a strong defensive performance.

For Wolfsburg, it's about staying on top and not giving away any points. Jena, on the other hand, will do everything possible to reward themselves for the hard season and take something from the close games. It's going to be an exciting duel, with Wolfsburg going into the game as clear favourites.