TSG Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen

TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen are set to square off in a handsomely-looking Bundesliga clash at the PreZero Arena.

Hoffenheim’s goal-glutted 3-2 home victory against newly-promoted Holstein Kiel on the opening Bundesliga weekend fell into oblivion following a 3-1 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt on the stroke of September’s international break. However, as both matches featured precisely two goals on either side of halftime, fans in attendance look destined for a treat, not least because the last three top-flight encounters between Hoffenheim and Leverkusen on this ground have featured over 3.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet (L3). Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo is desperate to halt Hoffenheim’s dismal home run against this opposition. But, a poor record of one win on home turf against any team that finished above them last season cannot inspire much confidence (D1, L4). Against this backdrop, the hosts have excelled at the PreZero Arena, racking up a five-game unbeaten league run on this turf (W4, D1).

With Hoffenheim netting 3+ goals in all four victories during that stretch, Leverkusen’s porous backline will likely have to improve on a leaky Bundesliga start. Following a last-gasp 3-2 triumph at Borussia Monchengladbach on matchday one, ‘Die Werkself’ found themselves on the receiving end of that same scoreline against RB Leipzig on home soil despite going 2-0 up in the first half. In doing so, Xabi Alonso’s side relinquished the third-longest unbeaten streak in Bundesliga history of 35 matches. As a result, the reigning German champions take this trip with redemption on their minds, looking to extend a three-game winning H2H streak against Hoffenheim. Late action could be on the cards, considering the visitors have bagged a mind-blowing 41 goals beyond the 80th minute since the beginning of last season.