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Hoffenheim vs Dortmund: Bundesliga Preview
With the Bundesliga season entering its decisive phase, both Hoffenheim and Borussia Dortmund have plenty on the line when they face off at the PreZero Arena on Saturday.
by Berba
Hoffenheim enter the weekend looking to secure their Bundesliga safety for another season. Sitting 15th with 30 points, they are comfortably above the immediate relegation danger but still need a few more points to mathematically guarantee survival. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, currently seventh with 45 points, are fighting to climb back into the European places, with just six points separating fourth-placed RB Leipzig and tenth-placed Augsburg heading into this round.
Recent Form
Hoffenheim
- Last match: 3-2 loss vs Freiburg (away)
- Recent home form: 1 win in last 2 home matches (beat Mainz 2-0)
- League position: 15th
Christian Ilzer's side have found some attacking rhythm recently, scoring four goals across their last two outings. However, defensive issues persist, with six goals conceded in their last three games. They have won just once in their last six Bundesliga fixtures, but importantly, are unbeaten in their last four home games.
Borussia Dortmund
- Last match: 3-2 win vs Borussia Monchengladbach (home)
- Recent away form: 1 win in last four away games (D1, L2)
- League position: 7th
Niko Kovac’s men responded well to their UEFA Champions League exit with a narrow win over Gladbach. Dortmund have now picked up three wins and a draw from their last four Bundesliga outings, showing signs of gathering momentum at a crucial time.
Head-to-Head
Dortmund have dominated recent meetings between the two clubs, winning seven of the last ten matches across all competitions (D2, L1).
At the PreZero Arena, the Black and Yellows have also been strong, winning each of their last four visits.
The reverse fixture this season ended in a 1-1 draw back in December, in a game where Dortmund struggled to create clear chances.
Key Stats
- Hoffenheim ended a long home drought with their 2-0 victory over Mainz earlier this month, their first home Bundesliga win in nine attempts.
- Dortmund have scored 12 goals in their last four league matches, but have conceded six in that span.
- Only the Bundesliga’s bottom two sides have kept fewer away clean sheets than Dortmund, who have managed just two shutouts in 15 road games.
- Hoffenheim have not beaten Dortmund at home in their last four attempts.
- Dortmund have failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 of their 15 Bundesliga away games this season.
Team News
Hoffenheim
- Suspended: Tom Bischof
- Injured: Diadie Samassekou, Grischa Promel
- Likely changes: Anton Stach and Dennis Geiger could feature in midfield.
- Defence: Arthur Chaves, Kevin Akpoguma, and Stanley N'Soki are expected to continue as the back three, with Anel Husic returning to the fold.
- Attack: With Ihlas Bebou still sidelined, Haris Tabakovic is likely to lead the line.
Borussia Dortmund
- Injured: Pascal Gross (out for season), Nico Schlotterbeck (knee, long-term absence)
- Doubtful: Maximilian Beier (ankle injury)
- Possible lineup notes: Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi could support Serhou Guirassy in attack.
- Defence: Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, and Ramy Bensebaini may form a back three.
Players to Watch
- Hoffenheim: Bazoumana Touré has emerged as a key creative outlet recently, assisting three of Hoffenheim’s last five Bundesliga goals.
- Dortmund: Julian Ryerson has been influential away from home, delivering assists in each of Dortmund’s last two Bundesliga away matches.