Werder Bremen vs Hoffenheim Preview: Team News & Prediction

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Two clubs with momentum lock horns as a Werder Bremen side unbeaten in their last six league games take on Hoffenheim, who have won their last two in the Bundesliga.

Kick-off date/time: 31 October 2026 at 2:30 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Not televised / USA – ESPN+

Werder Bremen preview: Pushing for Europe

Only goal difference currently keeps Werder Bremen outside the top six after a run of six matches unbeaten has left them in an excellent position. Their most recent Bundesliga fixture was a thriller, as they won away at Mainz by three goals to two.

Although they were beaten late on by Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal midweek, that shouldn’t dampen the optimism starting to spread across the club, as Daniel Thioune’s men continue to play exciting, attacking football and picking up positive results.

Hoffenheim preview: Recent resurgence

Hoffenheim have turned things around in a big way after finding themselves among the relegation mix at one point. Consecutive wins, one against bottom-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and most recently a fantastic 3-0 victory over a strong Bayer Leverkusen side has propelled them up the table.

However, they did suffer a setback in midweek, losing on penalties to Holstein Kiel following a 1-1 draw, eliminating them from the DFB-Pokal. But in the long run, this may not turn out to be a bad thing as they can focus on both the Bundesliga and Europe.

Werder Bremen team news: Squad still depleted

Werder Bremen are still without Agu, Stage, Stark and Topp to name just four, and will wait to see if Deman and/or Njinmah will join what is an already stacked injury list.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hein; Arthur, Pieper, Friedl, Schmetgens; Reis, Regeer; Weiser, Chuki, Grull; Fullkrug

Unavailable: Agu (Injured), Alvero (Injured), Erevbenagie (Injured), Musah (Injured), Ndiaye (Injured), Stage (Injured), Stark (Injured), Topp (Injured)

Questionable: Deman (Injured), Njinmah (Injured)

Hoffenheim team news: Change required

Christian Ilzer will be forced to make at least one change due to Alexander Prass’ suspension, while De Cat, Gendrey, Hajdari and Wimmer are injured.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Baumann; Coufal, Kabak, Machida, Rots; Avdullahu, Burger; Hlozek, Kramaric, Daghim; Asllani

Unavailable: De Cat (Injured), Gendrey (Injured), Hajdari (Injured), Prass (Suspended), Wimmer (Injured)

Questionable: Conte (Injured), Lemperle (Injured), Moerstedt (Injured)

Key stats

• Hoffenheim have won the last three Bundesliga meetings, keeping clean sheets in the last two (2-0 in Bremen on 27 January 2026 and 1-0 at home on 9 May 2026). 
• Hoffenheim have won nine of the last 12 meetings (D1 L2), although the overall Bundesliga record since 1995/96 is level: 12 wins each and ten draws in 34 meetings. 
• Werder Bremen are winless in their last 11 home games against Hoffenheim (D5 L6) and have lost the last four – their last home win in the fixture was 3-1 on 19 April 2014. 
• The first Bundesliga meeting, at the Weserstadion on 27 September 2008, finished 5-4 to Werder Bremen – still the highest-scoring game between the sides. 
• Bremen are sixth with 12 points coming into Matchweek 8 – their highest total after seven games since 2018/19 (14). 
• Bremen are unbeaten in six (W3 D3) since a 1-4 opening-day defeat at Freiburg, and won 3-2 at Mainz last time out. 
• Bremen have scored in all seven league games this season but have conceded in 14 consecutive Bundesliga matches since 4 April 2026. 
• Bremen are unbeaten at home this season (W2 D1), beating Leipzig 3-1 and Augsburg 3-2 and drawing 2-2 with Paderborn. 
• Hoffenheim are tenth with nine points and have won their last two games, 2-1 at Gladbach and 3-0 at home to Leverkusen – their only clean sheet of the season. 
• Hoffenheim have scored in all seven games this season but have conceded in each of their last ten away games. 
• Both sides' matches have been high-scoring this season: Bremen's have averaged 4.14 goals and Hoffenheim's 4.00. 

‘Key stats’ are Bundesliga only (not all competitions)

Werder Bremen vs Hoffenheim prediction

Whenever Hoffenheim take to the field, goals usually follow. All seven of their matches in the Bundesliga has seen over 2.5 goals scored, regardless of the final outcome. Don’t expect Ilzer’s side to change their attacking philosophy here, especially on the back of such a resounding victory last weekend, which means Werder Bremen will need to be on their toes from a defensive perspective.

The same can be said of Werder though, with over 2.5 goals in six of seven league games. All the ingredients are in place for a contest full of chances for both teams and a nightmare for each backline. Regardless of which way the points go, back plenty of goals to be scored.

Werder Bremen vs Hoffenheim tip: Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score