Bundesliga Play Offs 2025-2026: Paderborn-Wolfsburg, likely lineups

Ninety minutes remain to decide an entire season and decree the final Bundesliga verdict. At 8:30 p.m. in the Home Deluxe Arena the decisive return match of the promotion-relegation playoff between Paderborn and Wolfsburg is staged, after the 0-0 first leg at the Volkswagen Arena. A deadlocked result that leaves the talk to participate in the top league 2026-2027 in perfect balance, promising a very high-tension challenge.

On the one hand, the hosts are dreaming of returning to the Bundesliga after a six-year absence, strengthened by the home factor; on the other hand, Dieter Hecking’s Wolves are condemned to win in order to avoid a historic and dramatic relegation from the German top flight, of which the Wolves have been a continuous member since the 1997-1998 season.

Kettemann is aiming to accomplish the feat in front of his own public. In front of Seimen, the three-man defensive line will consist of Hansen, Scheller and Brackelmann. In the midfield, with the heavy absence of Sticker, who was sent off in the first leg, the keys to the midfield will be handled by Klaas and Castaneda, while Muller and Bilbija will act in the three-quarter in support of the only striker Marino.

Hecking must lessen the pressure on his players to try in the final victory. In front of Grabara, the trio Belocian-Vavro-Koulierakis will be protected by Vini Souza to help in recovering the ball. In the middle, Eriksen will direct with Svanberg, while Kumbedi and Maehle will act on the outside lanes to assist the Pejcinović-Daghim offensive tandem.

Probable formations

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

WOLFSBURG (3-1-4-2): Grabara; Belocian, Vavro, Koulierakis; Vini Souza; Kumbedi, Svanberg, Eriksen, Maehle; Pejcinović, Daghim. All. Hecking.