Bundesliga Playout 2025-2026: Wolfsburg-Paderborn, likely lineups

The final verdict for staying in the Bundesliga comes through the double playout playoff between Wolfsburg and Paderborn. Tonight at 8:30 p.m. the first leg of this very delicate challenge is staged. The hosts arrive at the decisive appointment after having snatched the third-last place thanks to the victory on the field of St. Pauli, ending a difficult season characterized by several changes on the bench, but straightened out in the championship finale. On the other hand, Paderborn comes to the challenge after clinching third place in the second division at the end of a thrilling head-to-head match with Hannover, even coming close to direct promotion, blurred only by goal difference in favor of Elversberg. The first ninety minutes will therefore be crucial in directing qualification, pending the return match that will finally award the last pass to the top division.

Hecking relies on the experience of Christian Eriksen in the box, flanked in midfield by Svanberg and Gerhardt, with Kumbedi and Maehle on the outside lanes. In defense, in front of Grabara, space is given to the trio Belocian-Vavro-Koulierakis, while the attack is all on the shoulders of youngsters Pejcinović and Daghim.

Kettemann responds with a more solid set-up, but ready to break into the open field. Three-man defensive line with Hansen-Scheller-Brackelmann protecting Seimen. In the middle of the field Klaas and Castaneda will manage the rhythms, while Muller and Bilbija will act in the three-quarter, with the task of supporting the only forward Marino.

Probable formations.

Wolfsburg (3-5-2): Grabara; Belocian, Vavro, Koulierakis; Kumbedi, Svanberg, Gerhardt, Eriksen, Maehle; Pejcinović, Daghim. Trainer Dieter Hecking.

Paderborn (3-4-2-1): Seimen; Hansen, Scheller, Brackelmann; Curda, Klaas, Castaneda, Sticker; Muller, Bilbija; Marino. All. Ralf Kettemann.