Hoffenheim vs Freiburg Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Hoffenheim welcome Freiburg to Sinsheim with Christian Ilzer hoping for a repeat of his first home fixture as head coach, a memorable 4-3 win over RB Leipzig.

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 8th December 2024: UK – 4:30pm / US ET – 11:30am / US PT – 8:30am

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – Some matches will be televised on ESPN channels so it is worth checking their schedules

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – ESPN+

Hoffenheim Preview: Honeymoon period over

Many expected Hoffenheim to kick on following that thrilling triumph against RB Leipzig under the command of Christian Ilzer, but that has not been in case. Instead, Hoffenheim have fallen to three consecutive defeats across three separate competitions, failing to score in each game.

The hosts continue to ship goals at an alarming rate and are averaging just under three goals conceded per game since Ilzer took charge. This needs to be addressed immediately if results are to improve long-term.

Freiburg Preview: Response expected following cup elimination

After losing 4-0 to Borussia Dortmund, Freiburg would’ve been delighted to have bounced back last weekend with a 3-1 victory at the expense of Borussia Monchengladbach. However, Julian Schuster’s side suffered a shock loss in the week, having been knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by 2.0 Bundesliga club Arminia Bielefeld.

The result feels like a missed opportunity for Freiburg, especially when considering that Bayern Munich were knocked out of the tournament in the same round.

Hoffenheim Team News: Bulter and Grillitsch among main injury casualties

It would be no surprise if Hoffenheim were to match Freiburg’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation with Kramaric operating just behind Tabakovic, whilst both Kaderabek and Prass play a more conventional full-back role. 

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Kaderabek, Akpoguma, Nsoki, Prass; Stach, Bischof; Hlozek, Kramaric, Bruun Larsen; Tabakovic

Unavailable: Bebou (Injured), Becker (Injured), Bulter (Injured), Grillitsch (Injured), Kabak (Injured), Lenz (Injured), Promel (Injured), Tohumcu (Injured)

Questionable: 

Freiburg Team News: Dinkci in race against time to be fit

Junior Adamu remains suspended, whilst Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is still out injured. However, there is hope that Eren Dinkci could play some part in this one despite a knee problem.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Atubolu; Kubler, Ginter, Lienhart, Gunter; Eggestein, Osterhage; Doan, Holer, Grifo; Gregoritsch

Unavailable: Adamu (Suspended), Kyereh (Injured)

Questionable: Dinkci (Injured)

Hoffenheim vs Freiburg Prediction

Despite the obvious offensive threat that Freiburg bring, Hoffenheim certainly aren’t expected to back down under Ilzer and may well look to trade blows with them from an attacking point of view. Hoffenheim fixtures regarding Ilzer have been entertaining so far, over 2.5 goals being scored in three of four across all competitions and with them being at home, it would be no surprise to see Hoffenheim break their recent scoring duck. With that in mind, back both teams to score in this contest.

Hoffenheim vs Freiburg Tip: Both teams to score