Hoffenheim vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen will meet at the PreZero Arena in the third round of the Bundesliga. With another significant obstacle against the champions, Hoffenheim will look to avenge their 3-1 setback to Eintracht Frankfurt. Though injured players like Grischa Promel, Ihlas Bebou, David Jurasek, Finn Ole Becker, and Ozan Kabak continue to sit on the bench, fit-again striker Mergim Berisha is eyeing a starting role.

In contrast, the defending champions had many defensive issues in their 3-2 defeat to Leipzig. Nevertheless, Bayer Leverkusen remains a more formidable squad than Hoffenheim, and an away victory should be seriously considered, considering their three-game winning streak in encounters with the PreZero Arena club. For the benefit of the guests even more, t

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Last season, Hoffenheim had success under Pellegrino Matarazzo, who had previously managed Stuttgart. Matarazzo returned TSG to European tournaments with a seventh-place result, which ensured their participation in the Europa League. Even though the hosts stunned Bayern Munich at home (4-2) to close their last season, things were not going as planned during summer preparations.

On the other hand, Hoffenheim faced formidable opponents in Fulham, Ipswich, and Norwich to gauge its mettle. Ipswich (1-0) and Fulham (2-0) defeated Hoffenheim after playing in a thrilling 2-2 tie with Norwich.

Even though Hoffenheim had some reservations about the summer preparations, they put those fears to rest with a flawless opening to the season.

Even though the lower-tier Wurzburger Kickers were on the verge of eliminating the host in the first round of the German Cup, the host's flawless record in penalty shootouts ensured their victory. With their confidence boosted by their German Cup victory, TSG took on newly promoted Holstein Kiel in their debut Bundesliga match. The home team just edged out the visiting team in a close game, 3-2, being heavy favorites to win easily.

After a solid start to the season, Pellegrino Matarazzo's Hoffenheim team lost 3-1 away to Frankfurt, putting them in eleventh place in the league. In addition, Hoffenheim has to keep an eye on player health if they don't want to dip later in the season since they have a hectic schedule with both domestic and Europa League games.

Xabi Alonso had a historic season last year with Bayer Leverkusen. After winning the Bundesliga championship in spectacular fashion—going undefeated—the young Spanish coach got his club back to compete with Europe's finest.

In addition to their home-field advantage, which helped them win the double, the visitors kept their European stage level after being undefeated in 51 matches across all competitions.

But the Black&Reds' collapse began at the worst possible time: last season's Europa League final, when Atalanta thrashed them 3-0.

But Xabi Alonso's players failed to wow early in the current season, even though he addressed the greatness of the previous term's finale. Coming back from behind to win the German Super Cup on penalties and scoring a late victory in the Bundesliga season opener away at Monchengladbach (2-3) were evident signs of deterioration, solidifying their Neverlusen moniker at the beginning of the season.

Although advancing to the next round in the Germany Cup was enough of a victory (1-0) against lower-tier team Jena, Bayer Leverkusen's domestic invincibility was shattered in their next home match against RB Leipzig. Leipzig scored twice in the second half after the Red&Blacks took a 2-1 lead into halftime, resulting in a total score of 2-3 and dropping the champions to eighth place in the standings with three points from two rounds.

Xabi Alonso's squad will face stiff competition in the Champions League from the top teams in Europe and fierce competition at home from Bayern Munich, aiming to reclaim the Bundesliga title they lost last season.

Hoffenheim x Bayer Leverkusen Team News

Hoffenheim will not play with Grischa Promel, Ihlas Bebou, David Jurasek, Finn Ole Becker, and Ozan Kabak. Before this weekend's match, the hosts were eleventh in the Bundesliga after a heavy loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in their previous league outing.

Xabi Alonso has many choices throughout the field, as Bayer Leverkusen is almost healthy going into the weekend. After taking a 2-0 lead against RB Leipzig at home just before the international break, Die Werkself let it slip away.

Our Predictions

Away win & both teams to score @ 2.35 on Sky247.ng

We anticipate Leverkusen recovering from their loss to RB Leipzig at BayArena last round and coming out on top at PreZero Arena. However, the hosts' goal-scoring talents, as they delighted their supporters, suggested a recurrence of the same pattern from the previous three meetings at Hoffenheim.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.