VfL Wolfsburg vs Energie Cottbus: In‑form Reese hosts Cottbus
VfL Wolfsburg face newcomers Energie Cottbus at the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday afternoon as Matchday 4 of the 2. Bundesliga season gets under way in Wolfsburg. The hosts arrive buoyed by a thrilling 4‑3 win at Karlsruhe, while Cottbus are looking to put a leaky defensive run behind them.
Team News and Injury Latest
Wolfsburg reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of a high‑scoring trip to Karlsruhe and are expected to be close to full strength. Summer arrival Fabian Reese, the former Hertha Berlin attacker, was directly involved in four of Wolfsburg’s goals in that seven‑goal contest, taking his tally to three goals and an assist across the first three league outings. Captain Hauke Wahl also got on the scoresheet. Centre‑back Denis Vavro has departed the club, but the backline that kept two clean sheets in the opening fixtures remains largely intact.
Cottbus have not flagged any major selection issues either, though their DFB‑Pokal exit at Augsburg – where they started a strong side – underlined how quickly confidence can drain from a newly promoted squad. Head coach will likely stick with the core that collected a 3‑1 win on the opening day, but the back four is under pressure after shipping five goals in the next two competitive matches.
VfL Wolfsburg Form Guide
Wolfsburg began the campaign with a 1‑0 home victory and a 0‑0 draw, keeping two clean sheets. Their attacking unit really ignited at the Wildparkstadion, where Reese’s double and goals from Wahl and another summer recruit sealed a statement result. Reese has quickly become the division’s most in‑form forward, turning a side that had looked solid but unspectacular into one that can outscore any opponent. The Volkswagen Arena has not been a fortress yet – they have only played once there – but the Wolves will expect to dictate tempo against a newly promoted side.
Energie Cottbus: Defensive Fragility
Energie Cottbus announced their return to the second tier with a 3‑1 home win over Hannover, but the story has changed dramatically. A 3‑0 loss at Arminia Bielefeld exposed their defensive organisation, and a 2‑0 cup defeat to FC Augsburg made it five goals conceded in those two outings. Across their last five competitive fixtures – including friendlies – Cottbus have conceded 12 times. On the road they will need to be far more compact if they are to avoid an early season deficit in the standings.