Match Overview

The opening match of the Bundesliga season, featuring Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, is scheduled for August 23rd at the BayArena in Leverkusen. This preview offers an in-depth prediction, considering team form, transfers, and key statistics for this exciting encounter.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Form and Season Summary

In the previous championship, the Leverkusen squad narrowly missed out on defending their title, securing a second-place finish with 69 points. Their end-of-season form was somewhat shaky, with only one victory in their final six league matches (4 draws, 1 defeat). Nevertheless, Bayer secured a top-three finish in the Bundesliga for the third time in the last four seasons. Notably, they were second only to Bayern Munich in both goals scored (72) and goals conceded (43) during the last campaign. In the preseason, Leverkusen played five friendly matches, recording three wins and two losses.

Bayer Leverkusen: Squad Changes and New Leadership

During the summer transfer window, the club strengthened its roster by acquiring goalkeeper Mark Flekken, defenders Loic Bade and Jarell Quansah, midfielders Claudio Echeverri, Ibrahim Maza, and Malik Tillman, as well as forward Ernest Poku. Concurrently, several key players departed, including goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, defenders Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong, midfielders Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, and forwards Victor Boniface and Amine Adli. Furthermore, Bayer Leverkusen announced a change in management, with Erik ten Hag taking over as head coach from Xabi Alonso.

Bayer Leverkusen Home Performance Trends

• The team remained unbeaten in 14 of their last 16 home matches in the Bundesliga (10 wins, 4 draws).
• The club conceded no more than one goal in 9 of their previous 11 home league fixtures.
• Leverkusen scored a maximum of two goals in 5 of their last 6 home Bundesliga encounters.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Predicted Starting XI (3-4-3)

Mark Flekken – Piero Hincapié, Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba – Álex Grimaldo, Robert Andrich, Aleix Garcia, Ernest Poku – Nathan Tella, Patrik Schick, Ibrahim Maza.

Hoffenheim’s Past Season and Current Trajectory

Last season, Hoffenheim registered their worst performance in nine seasons, finishing in 15th place. They accumulated merely 32 points, just three points clear of Heidenheim, who faced relegation playoffs. Their end to the season was particularly poor, with no wins in the final five matches (2 draws, 3 defeats) and conceding a staggering 16 goals during that period. In contrast, the club had a perfect preseason, winning all eight of their friendly fixtures.

Hoffenheim: Summer Signings and Departures

Over the summer, the team brought in defenders Bernardo, Koki Machida, and Vladimír Coufal, alongside midfielders Wouter Burger and Leon Avdullahu, and forward Tim Lemperle. A notable departure was midfielder Anton Stach.

Hoffenheim Away Performance Trends

• The club failed to win in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Bundesliga (2 draws, 4 defeats).
• At least four goals were scored in 8 of the team’s previous 10 away league games.
• Both teams scored in 7 of Hoffenheim’s last 9 away Bundesliga matches.

Hoffenheim’s Predicted Starting XI (4-4-2)

Oliver Baumann – Bernardo, Koki Machida, Arthur Chaves, Vladimír Coufal – Bazoumana Touré, Wouter Burger, Leon Avdullahu, Muhammed Damar – Tim Lemperle, Fisnik Asllani.

Team News: Injuries and Suspensions

Defender Valentin Gendrey and forward Adam Hložek are currently injured. Midfielders Dennis Geiger and Florian Grillitsch, as well as forward Mergim Berisha, are suspended for the match.

Match Official: Daniel Siebert

The referee for this encounter is Daniel Siebert from Germany.

His statistics from 17 Bundesliga matches (2024/25 season) include:

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.5;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 24%.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim: Final Prediction

This clash is expected to be a high-scoring affair from both sides. Bayer Leverkusen consistently maintains an attacking mindset, rarely failing to score at home: in their last 24 Bundesliga home matches, the team only four times left the field without finding the net. However, their defensive reliability at home is questionable, as they have conceded in 14 of their previous 19 home league fixtures.

Hoffenheim, even on the road, prioritizes offensive play and frequently scores against opponents, having done so in 8 of their last 9 away Bundesliga matches. In five of these instances, they managed to score at least twice. Despite their attacking prowess, the club seldom manages to keep opponents from scoring; in their last 12 away league encounters, Hoffenheim kept a clean sheet only once, against Bochum.

Based on these factors, I anticipate both teams will find the back of the net. My prediction is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes” with odds of 1.64