Hoffenheim vs. Bayer Leverkusen :Bundesliga Live Match Preview, livescore, predictions, predicted lineup, betting tips, odds and live stream

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Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to recover from their first league defeat since May 2023 when they travel to the PreZero Arena on Saturday to face Hoffenheim in their third Bundesliga fixture of the 2024-25 season. 

The hosts, Hoffenheim, sit in 11th place with three points after two matchweeks, having lost 3-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in their previous game on August 31. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen are eighth, also with three points, following a dramatic 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig. 

Hoffenheim were outclassed in their 3-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt, managing just three shots inside the penalty area, compared to 13 from their opponents. The silver lining was Andrej Kramaric’s continued goalscoring form, finding the net in the 54th minute, adding to his tally of three goals from the opening matchday against Holstein Kiel.

However, manager Pellegrino Matarazzo will be concerned with his side's defensive fragility, having conceded seven goals in their first three competitive matches of the season. Hoffenheim’s defense has been a longstanding issue, with just one clean sheet in their last 31 Bundesliga outings. Despite these struggles, they have won three of their last four Bundesliga fixtures, and their home form has been impressive, with four wins and one draw in their last five league games at the PreZero Arena. This run includes a standout 4-2 victory over Bayern Munich in May.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, saw their 43-match unbeaten run in the Bundesliga come to an end in their thrilling 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig. Xabi Alonso’s side were leading 2-0 by halftime, with Alejandro Grimaldo doubling their advantage, but they capitulated after Kevin Kampl scored deep into first-half stoppage time, and Lois Openda netted twice in the second half for Leipzig.

While Leverkusen have been creating plenty of chances—ranking first in expected goals this season—their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, with 10 goals conceded in their last seven Bundesliga matches. Nonetheless, their away record is outstanding, with 15 wins from their last 18 Bundesliga matches on the road, and they will be confident of bouncing back in this fixture. 

 Team News:

Hoffenheim:  

The hosts have a number of key absentees, including forward Ihlas Bebou and midfielders Finn Ole Becker and Marco John. Defenders David Jurasek, Ozan Kabak, and Grischa Promel are also expected to miss out, while Umut Tohumcu is a doubt with a muscle injury. 

Bayer Leverkusen:  

Leverkusen have no injury concerns and are expected to field a full-strength lineup. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo could start as wing-backs, with Granit Xhaka partnering Aleix Garcia in midfield. 

 Key Players:

Hoffenheim:  

- Adam Hlozek: The young forward will be key in providing creativity and linking up with Kramaric. His movement and technical ability could unlock Leverkusen’s defense.  

- Mergim Berisha: With Hoffenheim’s attacking options depleted, Berisha’s ability to lead the line and his eye for goal will be crucial. 

Bayer Leverkusen:  

- Florian Wirtz: The talented playmaker will look to pull the strings in midfield, providing the creative spark for Leverkusen’s attack. His vision and dribbling ability make him a constant threat.  

- Victor Boniface: The powerful forward has been in good form and will be the focal point of Leverkusen’s attack. His physical presence and finishing ability could prove decisive. 

 Possible Lineups:

Pellegrino Matarazzo , the Hoffenheim  manager ,  will likely go with the 3-4-1-2 formation with  Baumann in goal . A defensive backline of  Drexler, Grillitsch,  and Akpoguma. Kaderabek, Geiger, Stach,  and Prass in midfield. Kramaric in attacking midfield  with  Hlozek, and  Berisha upfront in attack. 

Xabi Alonso , the Bayer Leverkusen  manager , is likely to go with the 3-4-2-1 formation with   

Hradecky in goal . A defensive backline of  Mukiele, Tah,  and Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, and  Grimaldoi in midfield . Wirtz and Terrier will be attacking from the wide area  with Boniface attacking from the center as the striker.

  Prediction:

Though Hoffenheim have a solid home record, Bayer Leverkusen will be eager to respond after their unbeaten streak came to an end. While Xabi Alonso’s side is defensively vulnerable, their attacking quality should see them through to a win. Hoffenheim may get on the scoresheet, but Leverkusen are likely to emerge victorious.