Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Sarwar ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Hoffenheim look to end what has been a huge week for them with a third straight victory, this time against Bayer Leverkusen.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Amazon Prime Video / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – Amazon Prime Video / USA – ESPN+
Hoffenheim preview: Fighting back
After coming out on top in the bottom of the table between themselves and Borussia Monchengladbach, Hoffenheim followed that up another crucial win, this time in the Europa League. Taking on French side Lyon, Christian Ilzer’s men emerged as resounding 3-0 winners, making it an excellent week for a side who had started the campaign so poorly.
It’s key that this turns out not to be a flash in the pan for Hoffenheim, especially as they could easily find themselves back in the bottom three following Saturday’s Bundesliga action. Therefore, victory here would be huge for them.
Bayer Leverkusen preview: On fire right now
Bayer Leverkusen are in menacingly good form, winning each of their last three Bundesliga games. The most recent of those came against high-flyers Freiburg, Leverkusen coming out on top by two goals to one at the BayArena. They’ve also racked up eight goals across those last three league victories.
The next target for Bayer Leverkusen is to chase down the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, while also remaining competitive in Europe. Speaking of Europe, they were also winners this past Thursday in the Europa League, beating OFI Crete on the road.
Hoffenheim team news: Three absences
Hoffenheim will be without all three of De Cat, Hajdari and Wimmer, all through injuries. De Cat has a knee issue, Hajdari a foot problem and Wimmer a hamstring injury.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Machida, Rots; Avdullahu, Prass; Hlozek, Asllani, Daghim; Lemperle
Unavailable: De Cat (Injured), Hajdari (Injured), Wimmer (Injured)
Questionable:
Bayer Leverkusen team news: No fresh returns
The likes of Ben Seghir, Kofane and Terrier all remain out for Bayer Leverkusen, with Doue and Eichhorn also set to miss this game.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Quansah, Tapsoba, Medina, Gutierrez; Garcia, Fernandez; Diaby, Maza, Moreira; Schick
Unavailable: Ben Seghir (Injured), Doue (Injured), Eichhorn (Illness), Kofane (Injured), Terrier (Injured)
Questionable: Culbreath (Injured)
Will both teams score in this match?
Open poll and resultsHoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Two teams who come into this match full of confidence despite their differing positions in the table. Hoffenheim look to be turning their fortunes around, whilst Bayer Leverkusen have been strong now for an extended period of time. Both are finding goals easy to come by, although keeping them out at the other end is a different story.
Whilst Leverkusen have kept just one clean sheet across their last four league matches, Hoffenheim are still yet to shut out any of their Bundesliga opponents this season. With that in mind, back both teams to score, along with over 2.5 goals.
Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score
