Match for the 1st round of the Bundesliga at the BayArena, home of Bayer Leverkusen.
Match Facts
- Only six home wins in the last 19 meetings between these teams.
- Goals have flowed: 14/16 of their clashes finished Over 2.5 (including the last 8 in a row), and 6 of the last 8 went Over 3.5.
- Leverkusen have won the last five meetings, scoring at least twice in each.
Betting Tip Bayer Leverkusen - Hoffenheim
The odds lean too heavily on Leverkusen’s past strength. Given their departures and current state, they cannot be backed at such a short 1.42. Hoffenheim are no model of consistency, but the number flatters the hosts. The value is with the visitors on the Asian Handicap.
- Prediction: Hoffenheim +1.5 Α.Η
- Odds: 1.71
- Stake: 3
Bayer Leverkusen
A new era begins in Leverkusen. The key figures of the last two successful seasons are gone, from coach Xabi Alonso to Hradecky, Tah, Wirtz, Frimpong and Xhaka.
New boss Erik ten Hag is looking to get his career back on track after Manchester United and inherits a weaker squad that needs reinforcements in at least three positions: In defence, midfield and attacking midfield.
A creative attacking midfielder is considered a priority. Monaco’s Akliouche is the main target, though the asking price for his services will probably force the club to settle for his teammate Ben Seghir.
If signed, he would allow Tillman to drop into Xhaka’s old role as a six. This is what ten Hag wants, with the hope that Seghir and newcomer Maza (from Hertha) will help to fill the void left by the departure of Wirtz. If that happens, Adli is expected to move to Bournemouth, while Sevilla centre back Badé is close to joining.
Until then, the squad looks unconvincing. The 4-0 Cup win over Regionalliga side Sonnenhof Großaspach flattered them, with defensive concerns still evident.
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim advanced comfortably in the Cup with a 4-0 win at Hansa Rostock. Once they went ahead (37’), the game opened up, the spaces appeared, and they exploited them. The opposition were a side with limited creativity, but Christian Ilzer’s team still earned credit for balance and patience while the score was 0-0.
Pre-season work focused on their defensive weaknesses. On paper, the back line looks improved, though judgment is reserved until tougher, official tests. If they achieve greater defensive stability as a unit, they should avoid the worries of last season. In attack, they still have enough options to produce the required goals.
Two new holding midfielders, Avdullahu and Burger, drew praise in friendlies and should be important for overall balance. The real assessment will come in more demanding fixtures.
One trend to monitor is their away form. Under Ilzer, last season they collected most wins on the road (4/6), and they may again prove more comfortable away from Sinsheim.
