- Date and Time: September 14, 14:30 GMT+1
- Venue: PreZero Arena, Sinsheim, Germany
Hoffenheim vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Preview
Hoffenheim
Since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge of Hoffenheim in February of this year, the team’s performance has improved with an increase in goals scored. However, there are still serious issues in defense, which have been a consistent problem for the side.
During the off-season, Hoffenheim managed only two wins out of five matches. The team suffered losses against tough opponents like Fulham and Ipswich and drew with Norwich from the English Championship. These pre-season struggles carried over into the new campaign.
new week. let’s go. pic.twitter.com/evp1dNjPHn
— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) September 9, 2024
At the beginning of the season, Hoffenheim only narrowly defeated the third-division side FC Würzburger Kickers in a penalty shootout. They then won 3-2 in a challenging match against Holstein Kiel in the opening round of the new Bundesliga season.
It’s worth noting that despite the victory, the Bundesliga debutant created multiple goal-scoring opportunities near Hoffenheim’s goal.
Andrej: 17 ⚽️ 4 🅰️
Ishak: 16 ⚽️ 5 🅰️
you just had to be there. pic.twitter.com/HEQqyFnmpZ
— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) September 6, 2024
In the second round, Matarazzo’s team lost 1-3 to Eintracht Frankfurt, once again highlighting Hoffenheim’s significant issues in transitioning from attack to defense, leading to large gaps between players and allowing the opponent ample space.
Hoffenheim might soon become the league’s worst team in terms of goals conceded, and it remains unclear what Pellegrino Matarazzo will do to address the situation.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Surprisingly, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have conceded five goals at the start of the season – matching Hoffenheim’s record.
Last season, Leverkusen conceded only 24 goals, the best defensive record in the Bundesliga. However, their defensive frailties were evident in pre-season, when they allowed nine goals across five matches.
If we take into account the results of the first two matches of the season, Alonso’s team has conceded 14 goals in the last eight games.
Another day closer 🇦🇷💪 pic.twitter.com/1hHYqE7snO
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 9, 2024
The main problem, as with Hoffenheim, lies in the poor organization of rest defense when transitioning from attack to defense. This starkly contrasts with the exceptional defensive structure they displayed last season.
Leverkusen attacks with great force, but if they lose the ball, they cannot quickly regain possession, which gives opponents ample space for counterattacks.
Furthermore, Xabi Alonso’s team has struggled with maintaining a solid offside line, which their opponents have successfully exploited.
😁 Grinning in the rain 🌧️ pic.twitter.com/frjEvakHPE
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 9, 2024
Of course, there were matches last season where Leverkusen conceded many goals, but at the start of the current season, it seems the team is facing systematic problems that the Spanish coach has yet to resolve.
Bet hereHoffenheim vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction
- Pick: Bayer 04 Leverkusen to win
- Odds: 1.55 (22Bet)
- Score prediction: Hoffenheim 1-3 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Despite their defensive problems, Leverkusen continues to be one of the strongest attacking teams in both the Bundesliga and European football. Bayer is absolutely unpredictable in lightning-fast attacks, making it extremely difficult for opponents to organize their defense.
We just wanted to watch it again 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NHW4tsAqGQ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 9, 2024
Xabi Alonso’s team excels at overloading the ball zone and is always ready to attack through quick combinations or passes behind the defenders.
Against a poorly organized opponent like Hoffenheim, Leverkusen could easily score several goals and even secure a victory.
Hoffenheim is also capable of playing in a highly attacking style, but they lack the same variety and coordination in their attack as their opponents. Andrej Kramarić is in excellent physical condition and has already scored four goals at the start of the season. Still, his efforts are unlikely to be enough to even score a goal in the match against the visitors.
Hoffenheim vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Bayer 04 Leverkusen Total Over 1.5
- Odds: 1.36 (22Bet)
In their last three matches, Bayer 04 Leverkusen have consistently scored more than one goal against Hoffenheim, and I expect the same in the upcoming match.
Baller. ✨🪄 pic.twitter.com/jcb5raL6QS
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 8, 2024
Moreover, the home team has conceded goals in each of their last nine matches, further supporting the expectation that Leverkusen will score more than one goal in this fixture.
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