Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction & Tips
There is a real sense that attack has been the best form of defense for Hoffenheim this season, as they outscored Stuttgart by another three goals over the weekend to win 3-2 away in impressive fashion. As a result, they have scored three or more goals in five of their six league wins, an offensive output that has lifted the Baden-Württemberg side into sixth place in the table prior to the start of this round of fixtures.
Their total of 18 points from nine Bundesliga games puts them four points better than their start in 2022/23, a campaign that ultimately ended with a disappointing 12th place finish, their worst season in seven years. Qualifying for European competitions will be the goal this time around, but much more improvement is still needed in defense, as Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side have only kept one clean sheet in the league this season and have conceded far more league goals (16) than any other Bundesliga side currently ranked in the top seven.
A hard-fought 2-1 home win over Freiburg at the weekend enabled Bayer Leverkusen to retain top spot in the Bundesliga title race after winning eight of their first nine league games (E1). That result, in turn, extended their unbeaten run to 13 official matches (G12, E1) as “Die Werkself” seek their first title since lifting the DFB Cup in 1992/93.
Their great start has been helped in particular by a total of 27 goals in nine league games, while they also remain the only side in the division to have scored in both halves of every game so far this season. More success in this fixture is the goal, then, and the visitors appear to have things in their favor, having lost just three of their previous 15 Bundesliga visits to Hoffenheim (G9, E3).
Players to watch: Wout Weghorst scored his first Bundesliga goal for Hoffenheim at the weekend, although he has scored just one goal in six previous meetings. Leverkusen’s Jonas Hoffman also scored in the last league game, taking him to five Bundesliga goals this season – four of which came between the 60th and 70th minutes.
Key stat: In eight of Hoffenheim’s nine Bundesliga matches this season both teams scored, the most in the competition prior to this date.
Hoffenheim – Bayer Leverkusen FREE TIPS
Bayer Leverkusen – Win @ 1.75
