Wolfsburg vs. Union Berlin: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Kruse was one of the surprise movers during the winter transfer window, returning to Wolfsburg for a second stint at the club. The Wolves won their first two fixtures with the 14-time former Germany international back in the side to end a nine-game barren run, but have since lost to Hoffenheim and drawn with Borussia Mönchengladbach from winning positions. Fellow new signing Jonas Wind scored in both of their most recent matches, and is expected to continue in the central striker's role, despite six-goal leading marksman Lukas Nmecha's recovery from an ankle injury. Maxence Lacroix is suspended after being sent off against Gladbach, however, with Kevin Mbabu set to deputise in the back three. Florian Kohfeldt's side begin the weekend in 12th place, five points clear of the relegaton play-off spot.

Union are seven points better off in seventh, only three behind fourth-placed RB Leipzig. Die Eisernen lost their first three games of the post-Kruse era, but returned to winning ways against Mainz last time out. Urs Fischer's men followed up that 3-1 triumph with a 2-1 victory over Bundesliga 2 outfit St. Pauli in the DFB Cup quarter-finals. Taiwo Awoniyi scored from the bench last weekend, drawing a line under a run of six league matches without a goal. The Nigerian started in the cup in midweek, but it was his second-half replacement, Andreas Voglsammer, who proved the match-winner. Andreas Luthe should return between the goalposts, while Dominique Heintz will hope to start in defence ahead of Paul Jaeckel. There could also be changes in the wing-back positions.

Match stats

Kruse produced 19 goals and 12 assists across 45 competitive appearances for Union. He has 10 and 12 in 47 for Wolfsburg.

Wind is averaging a goal every 168 minutes in the Bundesliga.

The Wolves nevertheless have the biggest xG deficit among Bundesliga teams this season. According to the metric, they should have scored 10 more than their 26 goals.

Awoniyi has 10 Bundesliga goals this season, eight of which fell in games involving Kruse.

Union have 37 points on the board after 24 matches - a club record at this juncture since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019.

The Berliners have lost their last two away games without scoring, however. Three straight win- and goalless showings on the road would be a club first in the top flight.

Probable line-ups

Wolfsburg: Casteels (c) - Mbabu, Bornauw, Brooks - Baku, Arnold, Vranckx, Roussillon - Kruse, Gerhardt - Wind

Out: Lacroix (suspended), Otavio (knee), Van de Ven (thigh), William (knee)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Florian Kohfeldt

Union: Luthe - Baumgartl, Knoche, Heintz - Trimmel (c), Haraguchi, Khedira, Prömel, Gießelmann - Becker, Awoniyi

Out: Endo (leg), Schäfer (knee)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Urs Fischer