In a Bundesliga battle that will prove crucial in the race to secure Champions League football, Hoffenheim will welcome Bayer Leverkusen to PreZero Arena on Saturday.
The hosts come into the clash in fifth place with 30 points, two fewer than fourth-placed Stuttgart but they have played a game fewer, whereas Leverkusen's damaging 4-1 defeat against Stuttgart on January 10 left them in sixth place with 29 points.
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Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen: Fans to see numerous goals?
Key stats
- Hoffenheim have scored at least three goals in seven of their past 10 Bundesliga matches.
- Bayer Leverkusen have averaged two goals conceded in their last nine away league games.
- The hosts have conceded 10 goals in their 11 most recent Bundesliga outings.
Correct score prediction: Hoffenheim 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Hoffenheim's performances of late have been exceptional, and they will believe that they can exploit a vulnerable Bayer Leverkusen side.
Fans should expect goals at PreZero Arena, and it would not be surprising if the hosts edged a close and thrilling contest.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Hoffenheim predicted to win by the bookmakers
- HOME: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
- DRAW: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- AWAY: 17/10 (2.7) – 37%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Hoffenheim are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 42.1%, but the bookmakers have given Bayer Leverkusen a sizable 37% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Bayer Leverkusen's domination ending?
When the two sides clashed in August, Bayer Leverkusen were beaten 2-1 at home despite initially taking a sixth-minute lead.
While that defeat was disappointing, Saturday's visitors managed to win their previous five encounters with Hoffenheim, and they have also won their past four trips to PreZero Arena.
Germany Bundesliga I 23/08/25
Bayer Leverkusen
TSG Hoffenheim
Germany Bundesliga I 02/02/25
Bayer Leverkusen
TSG Hoffenheim
Germany Bundesliga I 14/09/24
TSG Hoffenheim
Bayer Leverkusen
Germany Bundesliga I 30/03/24
Bayer Leverkusen
TSG Hoffenheim
Germany Bundesliga I 04/11/23
TSG Hoffenheim
Bayer Leverkusen
Hoffenheim preview: Outstanding form at home
Hoffenheim boast an excellent home record, emerging triumphant in each of their past five matches at PreZero Arena, and they have also won five of their last eight games while only losing once.
With centre-back Koki Machida having been ruled out, fans can expect to see Ozan Kabak and Robin Hranac stationed together in the middle of a four-man defence.
Predicted lineup: Baumann (GK), Coufal, Hranac, Kabak, Prass, Kramaric, Avdullahu, Burger, Lemperle, Asllani & Toure
Last five results:
- Hoffenheim 5-1 Borussia Monchengladbach
- Stuttgart 0-0 Hoffenheim
- Hoffenheim 4-1 Hamburger SV
- Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Hoffenheim
- Hoffenheim 3-0 Augsburg
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Inconsistency plaguing their winter
Bayer Leverkusen's defeat at the hands of Stuttgart was the fourth time in seven fixtures that they failed to win, though they did win the two games prior to their loss against Stuttgart.
In the forward line, Martin Terrier is a candidate to feature as a number nine, while attackers Malik Tillman and Jonas Hofmann may play in supportive roles.
Predicted lineup: Flekken (GK), Quansah, Bade, Belocian, Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo, Hofmann, Tillman & Terrier
Last five results:
- Bayer Leverkusen 1-4 Stuttgart
- RB Leipzig 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 FC Koln
- Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Newcastle United
- Augsburg 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Player to watch: Tim Lemperle
Hoffenheim may have to rely on the services of forward Tim Lemperle if they are to take three points on Saturday given top scorer Adam Hlozek is not available.
Lemperle has scored six goals in the Bundesliga, two fewer than Hlozek, and he has scored two goals and provided one assist in his last three games for the club.