The real interest in the Bundesliga is not for who finishes first, but actually which team can stick closest to Bayern Munich is the longest and finish second. Wolfsburg managed it last season, but prior to that Dortmund had finished in the two top in each of the previous four campaigns. Thomas Tuchel’s men already hold a seven point advantage over Wolfsburg, but that gap can be reduced to just four when both teams meet on Saturday evening.
But which team dominates the the combined XI taking into consideration those to have made at least seven appearances in the league this season and from those who are not injured or suspended?
Unsurprisingly, the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan take centre stage as the two highest rated players in the XI. No player has scored more goals across Europe’s top five leagues this season than Aubameyang (17) whereas only a select few have garnered a higher rating than Mkhitarayan on the continent (7.88). The Armenian international is playing a telling contribution every 110 minutes in the league this season, which is nothing to be scoffed at.
Injuries and suspensions to the likes of Dante, Mats Hummels and Sokratis means that Sven Bender has to step into the backline to partner Naldo, where he is expected to play when these two teams clash as the Volkswagen Arena.
.jpg "Who dominates the Wolfsburg and Dortmund combined XI?")
Shinji Kagawa failed to prove himself during his time at Manchester United but he has picked up where he left off at Dortmund since rejoining in 2014. The 26-year-old has played a direct part in eight league goals in 14 appearances this season and has already been named the WhoScored man of the match on two occasions. Added to that, no Dortmund player has created more chances than Kagawa (29) this season.
The winner of this match will take a huge stride towards claiming second place even before the winter break and Dortmund look favourites to do so, dominating this combined XI with seven players.
For more stats on Wolfsburg vs Dortmund, click here to visit the detailed WhoScored match preview
