Hansa Rostock will play the first round of the DFB Pokal at home against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on August 16, in a bid to get to the next round.
The Hoffe head into the clash in strong form following dominant preseason friendly wins, making them clear favourites.
On the other hand, the Cog have started their 3. Liga campaign, winning their second game of the new season. They will be looking to build on their performance when they take on the Bundesliga side.
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Rostock vs Hoffenheim prediction: Hoffenheim to cruise past the Cog
Key statistics
- Hoffenheim have defeated Rostock in two of their last three encounters.
- The Hoffe have won their last five games.
- Christian Ilzer’s side have scored two or more goals in two of their last three meetings against Rostock.
Correct score prediction: Rostock 0-3 Hoffenheim
The Hoffe have won all five of their recent friendlies in style. They have scored 21 goals in those games and kept four clean sheets. In past DFB-Pokal meetings, Ilzer’s team have beaten Rostock twice, with Daniel Brinkmann’s side winning only once.
Given Hoffenheim’s current confidence, a 0-3 prediction looks realistic, as they should control the game, keep things tight at the back and take their chances to win comfortably.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bookmakers tip Hoffenheim for victory
- Home: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- Draw: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
- Away: 1/2 (1.50) – 66.7%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Hoffenheim are clear favourites for the match at decimal odds of 1.50, with a 66.7% chance of winning. A draw is priced at 3.90 (roughly 25.6% probability), meaning it is seen as possible but less likely. Rostock, at 4.20, with about a 23.8% chance of winning. The bookmakers think they have a much smaller chance of winning.
Head-to-head: Hoffenheim edge meetings
In their three previous DFB-Pokal meetings, the Hoffe have had the upper hand with two wins to the Cog’s one. The most recent clash saw Ilzer’s men run out emphatic 4-0 winners away from home.
They also defeated Brinkmann’s team 2-1 in 2008, while Rostock’s only success came back in 2004 with a 2-1 away victory. Overall, the head-to-head record shows Hoffenheim’s dominance in recent years, underlining why they go into the upcoming tie as favourites.
After reviewing our key Rostock vs Hoffenheim predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Rostock preview: Full squad availability
Rostock head into the DFB Pokal game with a fully fit squad. The manager will have all his players available for selection and will pick his strongest possible lineup for the clash.
Predicted lineup: Uphoff (GK), Neidhart, Mejdr, Wallner, Carstens, Stock, Kraub, Pfanne, Fatkic, Schuster & Voglsammer
Club Friendly List 05/07/25
W
Greifswalder SV 04
2
Hansa Rostock
3
Club Friendly List 28/06/25
W
Anker Wismar
2
Hansa Rostock
3
Club Friendly List 26/06/25
W
Rostocker FC
0
Hansa Rostock
7
Germany 3. Liga 17/05/25
L
Hannover II
2
Hansa Rostock
1
Germany 3. Liga 10/05/25
L
Cottbus
3
Hansa Rostock
1
Hoffenheim preview: Defensive injuries
Ilzer’s team have just one injury issue ahead of the game. Ozan Kabak is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, a serious knee issue that typically requires a lengthy recovery period. He is expected to return by late August 2025, meaning Hoffenheim will be without one of their key defensive players for the start of the new season.
Predicted lineup: Baumann (GK), Kaderabek, Akpoguma, Ostigard, Arthur Chaves, Bischof, Stach, Prass, Geiger, Hlozek & Kramaric
Germany Bundesliga I 09/05/25
D
Wolfsburg
2
TSG Hoffenheim
2
Germany Bundesliga I 03/05/25
D
Borussia M'gladbach
4
TSG Hoffenheim
4
Germany Bundesliga I 26/04/25
L
Borussia Dortmund
3
TSG Hoffenheim
2
Germany Bundesliga I 19/04/25
L
SC Freiburg
3
TSG Hoffenheim
2
Germany Bundesliga I 12/04/25
W
Mainz
0
TSG Hoffenheim
2
Player to watch – Andrej Kramaric
Andrej Kramaric is one of the players to look out for following his outstanding form in the preseason. The forward has scored four goals during their friendly games, including a hat-trick against Darmstadt.
The experienced Croatian forward operates both as a central striker and in deeper attacking roles, linking play and drawing defenders out of position. Kramaric’s sharpness in preseason not only shows his confidence but also signals that he is ready to carry that momentum into the new season.