TSG Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen

PreZero Arena is the venue as out-of-sorts TSG Hoffenheim and underperforming Bayer Leverkusen lock horns in an exciting Bundesliga match-up.

TSG Hoffenheim cannot catch a break since the Bundesliga resumption in 2023, suffering four defeats in five domestic fixtures (D1), including back-to-back multi-goal margin league losses. And while their descent toward the relegation territory continues each passing week, ‘Die Kraichgauer’ have earned a reputation as entertainers. Each of their four post-World Cup league matches has seen over 3.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, producing an average of five goals per game. Another high-scoring contest could be in store, given that five of Hoffenheim’s last six top-flight meetings with Leverkusen have featured over 2.5 goals. But with 16th-placed Stuttgart lagging just three points behind, home fans would gladly trade another entertaining fixture for their side’s first top-flight double over Leverkusen since the 2018/19 season.

In the meantime, after an eye-catching run of five consecutive Bundesliga victories on either side of the World Cup break, Bayern Leverkusen have lost their last two league games without scoring. Another lackluster attacking performance may lead to three straight top-flight scoring blanks for the first time since 2018! But more importantly, it would likely halt Leverkusen’s European hopes for good, as they start this round a whopping ten points off sixth-placed Freiburg. Yet if you’re a fan of omens, ‘Die Werkself’ have won eight Bundesliga away matches against Hoffenheim, with only Bayern Munich recording as many top-flight triumphs at PreZero Arena. Xabi Alonso has to address his side’s scoring issues away from home, with Leverkusen averaging just 1.22 goals per game on their Bundesliga travels this term.