Hoffenheim vs Leverkusen Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Bundesliga, September 14, 2024

Hoffenheim vs Leverkusen Preview

• Tournament: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, Sep 14
• Kick-off Time: 01:30 pm GMT
• Venue: Rhein-Neckar Arena

After a quick international break, the Bundesliga is set to resume again. Defending champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be hosted by TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in what will be the third match in the league for both sides. The teams have both won one and lost one match each, and are currently having three points.

It’s been a usual start for hosts TSG Hoffenheim, who have one win and a loss to begin their league campaign for the third consecutive season. With home fans being a plus, Hoffenheim will look to shock the defending champions in this one.

The invincible winners from last time Bayer 04 Leverkusen faced a sudden defeat at the hands of RB Leipzig on the last matchday. They will now look to turn things back in their favour. A win here will bolster their confidence again in successfully defending the shield.

Hoffenheim Team News

Hosts TSG 1899 Hoffenheim have a series of injuries, which will be a huge concern for coach Pellegrino Matrarazzo. The injuries include confirmed absentees Bebou, Becker, John, Kabak, and Prömel, due to knee-related problems, while  Jurásek for injury in his arm.

Leverkusen Team News

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have no reported injuries as of now. This means that champion manager Xabi Alonso will have the luxury of a full squad to choose from.

Also Read: Dortmund vs Heidenheim Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Bundesliga, September 14, 2024

Hoffenheim vs Leverkusen Predicted Lineups

Hoffenheim predicted lineup:

Baumann (GK) – Drexler, Grillitsch, Akpoguma – Kadeřábek, Geiger, Stach, Prass – Kramarić – Hložek, Berisha

Leverkusen predicted lineup:

Hrádecký (GK) – Mukiele, Tah, Hincapié – Frimpong, Xhaka, García, Grimaldo – Wirtz, Terrier – Boniface

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have faced off 32 times in the past, with Hoffenheim winning only seven of those games. Leverkusen have won 19 games, whereas the remaining 6 games ended in a draw.

Key Players to Watch in Hoffenheim vs Leverkusen

Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)

The Croatian veteran forward is expected to take the field as a false 9 in this game. Kramaric has been the best player of the team in the ongoing league and has scored all the goals single-handedly for TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Fans will expect him to have his 100% goal participation tally maintained in this mighty fixture too.

Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen)

The ace defensive midfielder continues to be a pivot of the club’s tactics, even at the age of 31. The midfielder needs to continue performing his defensive duties from their own half, and also cater the forwards when left with empty spaces. He scored the first goal for the team in this competition, and his coach, teammates, and fans will expect him to have more.

Hoffenheim vs Leverkusen Prediction

Defending Champions Bayer 04 Leverkusen are speculated to be the favourites to win this fixture. They have been invincible for a long time, except for the last game lost. The Xabi Alonso-coached side are the favourites also because they will have a fully fit squad available, free from injuries.

Hosts TSG Hoffenheim are expected to put up a tough fight, as they are playing at home. However, with an array of injuries to cope up with, they are predicted to have a game of lessons. 

Predicted Score: Hoffenheim 1-3 Leverkusen (Watch Live)

Also Read: Holstein Kiel vs Bayern Munich Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Bundesliga, September 14, 2024

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