Preview: Hoffenheim vs. B. Leverkusen - prediction, team

Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to bounce back from their first league defeat since May 2023 when they travel to PreZero Arena on Saturday when they will face Hoffenheim in their third Bundesliga game of 2024-25.

The hosts are currently 11th with three points after two matchweeks and lost 3-1 last time out on August 31 against Eintracht Frankfurt, while the visitors are eighth with three points after they were beaten 3-2 by RB Leipzig on the same date.

Match preview

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Hoffenheim were comfortably beaten by Eintracht Frankfurt in their last league game, with the Eagles producing 13 shots in the penalty area compared to Die Kraichgauer's three.

If there was one positive from the match, it was that Andrej Kramaric continued his goalscoring form with a goal in the 54th minute, adding to his three from the opening matchday against Holstein Kiel on August 24.

Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo will be concerned that his side have already conceded seven times in their first three competitive games of the 2024-25 season.

Matarazzo's team have also only kept one clean sheet in their last 31 Bundesliga matches, though it should be noted that they have won three of their last four fixtures in the top flight.

Hoffenheim's record at PreZero Arena has been strong of late, with the club winning four and drawing one of their last five league games at home, and these results include an impressive 4-2 win against Bayern Munich on May 18.

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Opponents Bayer Leverkusen come into the clash deflated after their loss against RB Leipzig ended their unbeaten domestic streak, which had lasted 43 games and began in August 2023.

Xabi Alonso's side were leading 2-0 in the 45th minute when Alejandro Grimaldo scored his side's second, but the champions eventually lost due to a Kevin Kampl goal in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time, and two strikes from Lois Openda in the second half.

Although Alonso will be disappointed that his team lost, it is difficult to suggest that a defeat was not coming considering they had conceded seven goals in the five competitive games prior to their loss against RB Leipzig.

In fact, in their last seven Bundesliga fixtures, Leverkusen have kept just one clean sheet and have conceded 10 goals.

Alonso's side have an excellent record on the road and have won 15 of their last 18 Bundesliga matches away from home, including their most recent three by a cumulative score of 13-3.

Leverkusen also rank first for expected goals in the top flight in 2024-25, so while they have been vulnerable defensively, they have at least created numerous chances.

Team News

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The hosts have numerous absentees, including forward Ihlas Bebou, as well as midfielders Finn Ole Becker and Marco John.

Defenders David Jurasek, Ozan Kabak and Grischa Promel are also expected to be unavailable for Hoffenheim, while midfielder Umut Tohumcu is a doubt.

As for the visitors, they come into the game without any injury concerns, and they should be able to name a full strength XI.

Leverkusen could start Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo as wing-backs, while Granit Xhaka could be partnered in midfield by Aleix Garcia.

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:
Baumann; Drexler, Grillitsch, Akpoguma; Kaderabek, Geiger, Stach, Prass; Kramaric; Hlozek, Berisha

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Terrier; Boniface

We say: Hoffenheim 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen

Though Hoffenheim have a strong home record in recent Bundesliga matches, Leverkusen will be looking to bounce back after their historic unbeaten streak came to an end.

It would not be surprising if Alonso's side emerged as comfortable victors, although given their recent defensive frailty, they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.


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