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TSG Hoffenheim, much like Wolfsburg and Gladbach, has a strong chance of qualifying for the Champions League, especially with the Bundesliga securing five qualifying spots. Regularly finishing in the top half of the table, Hoffenheim is eager to return to the Champions League, as they did in the 2018-19 season. Their 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign started with a 3-2 win over Holstein Kiel, but they struggled on the second matchday, losing 3-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt. Currently, Hoffenheim sits 11th in the standings.
On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen has had a shaky start to their season. Despite winning the Bundesliga title for the first time in their history last year under Xabi Alonso, their performances in the 2024-25 season have been inconsistent.
After winning the German Super Cup with a 3-2 victory over Stuttgart, Bayer narrowly defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-2 in their opening league match and scraped past fourth-division team Jena 1-0 in the first round of the DFB Pokal. However, they suffered a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig, their first Bundesliga defeat in over a year, and now sit in 8th place.
Hoffenheim had a strong transfer window, with Max Beier (who scored 16 goals last season) leaving for Borussia Dortmund. Other departures included Weghorst (7 goals), Brooks (Hertha Berlin), and Skov (free transfer).
Hoffenheim spent around €60 million on new signings, bringing in Czech striker Hlozek (from Bayer Leverkusen), Valentin Gendrey (Lecce), striker Tabakovic (Hertha Berlin), and defender Hranac (Viktoria Plzen). Croatian forward Andrej Kramaric, despite being 33 years old, remains in top form, having scored all four of Hoffenheim’s goals this season. However, they are still dealing with injuries to Bebou, Kabak, Jurasek, Tohumcu, Bischof, and Becker.
Bayer Leverkusen’s starting lineup is nearly identical to the one Xabi Alonso fielded last season. While Borja Iglesias (Betis) was not retained, key player Josip Stanisic (Bayern) is the only significant absence for Bayer. On the plus side, they signed winger Martin Terrier (Rennes), midfielder Aleix Garcia (Girona), and young defender Belocian (Rennes).
Midfielder Exequiel Palacios is sidelined with a knee injury, but goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký has returned from illness. Midfielder Robert Andrich missed the Leipzig game, likely due to physical issues. Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s most sought-after players, has already contributed two goals and one assist this season.
Hoffenheim scored five goals against Bayer Leverkusen in their last Bundesliga meeting, and five of their previous six encounters in the league have featured over 2.5 goals. Similarly, four of Bayer Leverkusen’s last six matches in the Bundesliga have seen over 2.5 goals. Given these trends, another high-scoring game is expected.
Prediction: Hoffenheim 3 : 2 Bayer Leverkusen**
