The Matchday 1 Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim will take place on August 23 at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hoffenheim: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Bayer Leverkusen
Last season, Leverkusen failed to defend their championship title, finishing second with 69 points. The team struggled towards the end, securing only one win in their last six matches (4 draws, 1 loss). Nevertheless, Bayer finished in the Bundesliga top three for the third time in four seasons. The club ranked second in both goals scored (72) and goals conceded (43) last season, only behind Bayern Munich. During the offseason, Leverkusen played five friendly matches, winning three and losing two.
During the summer transfer window, the club acquired goalkeeper Mark Flekken, defenders Loic Bade and Jarell Quansah, midfielders Claudio Echeverri, Ibrahim Maza, and Malik Tillman, as well as forward Ernest Poku. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, defenders Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong, midfielders Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, along with forwards Victor Boniface and Amine Adli, left the team. Additionally, Bayer changed their head coach, with Erik ten Hag replacing Xabi Alonso.
- The team has not lost in 14 of their last 16 home matches in the Bundesliga (10 wins, 4 draws).
- The club has conceded no more than one goal in 9 of their last 11 home league games.
- Leverkusen has scored a maximum of two goals in 5 of their last 6 home Bundesliga matches.
Predicted lineup for Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3)
Mark Flekken – Piero Hincapié, Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba – Alex Grimaldo, Robert Andrich, Aleix Garcia, Ernest Poku – Nathan Tella, Patrik Schick, Ibrahim Maza.
Hoffenheim
Last season, the club recorded their worst finish in nine seasons, ending 15th. Hoffenheim collected just 32 points, only three points ahead of Heidenheim, who faced relegation playoffs. Notably, they had a poor end to the season, failing to win any of their last five matches (2 draws, 3 losses) and conceding 16 goals in that run. The club played eight friendly matches over the summer, winning each one.
In the offseason, the team added defenders Bernardo, Koki Matida, and Vladimir Coufal, midfielders Wouter Burger and Leon Avdullahu, and forward Tim Lemperle. The significant departure was midfielder Anton Stach.
- The club has failed to win 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Bundesliga (2 draws, 4 losses).
- At least four goals have been scored in 8 of their last 10 away league games.
- Both teams scored in 7 of Hoffenheim's last 9 away Bundesliga matches.
Predicted lineup for Hoffenheim (4-4-2)
Oliver Baumann – Bernardo, Koki Matida, Arthur Chaves, Vladimir Coufal – Basumana Toure, Wouter Burger, Leon Avdullahu, Muhammed Damar – Tim Lemperle, Fisnik Asllani.
Defender Valentin Jander and forward Adam Hložek are injured. Midfielders Dennis Geiger and Florian Grillitsch, along with forward Mergim Berisha, are suspended.
Referee
Daniel Siebert (Germany)
Matches – 17 (Bundesliga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 24%.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Hoffenheim: Match Prediction
In this encounter, I expect a high-scoring game from both sides. Bayer Leverkusen is always attack-minded and rarely fails to score at home, having found the net in 20 of their last 24 home Bundesliga matches. However, their defense is not reliable, as they have conceded in 14 of their last 19 home league games.
Hoffenheim, even away from home, focuses on creating chances and frequently finds the back of the net, as seen in 8 of their last 9 away Bundesliga matches. In five instances during this period, they scored at least twice. However, they often struggle to contain opponents' attacks, keeping a clean sheet in only one of their last 12 away league games, against Bochum.
I anticipate both teams to score in this match, so my prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
