Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

BVB will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Bundesliga

Hoffenheim are just one point above their opponents, but they've lost one match and Dortmund are yet to lose a single match this season. They both have a strong attacking philosophy, and they both love to play possession football. However, there are some key differences between the two sides.

Hoffenheim are more patient in their build-up play. They like to create overloads on the wings, and they are always looking for a way to play through the middle. Dortmund, on the other hand, are more direct in their approach. They like to play quick, counter-attacking football, and they are always looking to exploit the space behind the opposition's defense.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 30 September 2023 at 6:00 PM GMT (12:00 AM IST)

Location: Rhein-Neckar Arena

Form

Hoffenheim (in Bundesliga): L-W-W-W-W

Borussia Dortmund (in Bundesliga): W-D-D-W-W

Players to watch in Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund:

Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim):

The Croatian attacking midfielder has been in form since the start of the season. He has scored 5 goals in all the 6 games that he has played this season. He is a prolific goalscorer who can provide a spark of creativity in the final third. Not only a goalscorer, he is also a good creator of chances for his teammates. Kramaric's best season for Hoffenheim was in 2019-20, when he scored 24 goals in 29 appearances.

Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund):

Brandt is having a solid season so far, and he is expected to continue to contribute to Borussia Dortmund's success. He has six goal contributions in all competitions this season. He is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions, including attacking midfielder, left winger, and right winger. He is a good dribbler, and he has a good vision of the game. He can finish with both his feet.

Match facts:

• Borussia Dortmund are undefeated in their last 13 Bundesliga matches, while Hoffenheim have won their last 4 matches.
• Borussia Dortmund have dropped points in four of their last six Bundesliga away fixtures since last season.
• Borussia did the double over Hoffenheim last season, winning both by the narrowest of margins 1-0.

Injury & team news

Thomas Meunier suffered a muscle injury in pre-season and will be out for several weeks. Injury-prone Mateu Morey will be out for several weeks with his next knee injury, while Marcel Sabitzer is struggling with his adductors. Borussia will miss some key players in this fixture.

Hoffenheim will miss some players due to injury as well, Dennis Geiger has problems with his adductors, while Marco John and Conte are not being rushed back from an injury.

Head to Head

Total matches – 31

Hoffenheim wins – 7

Borussia Dortmund wins – 14

Draws – 10

Predicted lineup for Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund:

Hoffenheim Predicted lineup: 

Baumann; Brooks, Vogt, Kabak; Skov, Promel, Kaderabek, Stacxh, Beier; Kramaric, Weghorst

Borussia Dortmund Predicted lineup:

Kobel; Bensebaini, Hummels, Sule, Ryerson; Can; Adeyemi, Brandt, Reus; Malen, Fullkrug

Match prediction for Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund:

Unbeaten Dortmund have scored in their last 25 Bundesliga games and have not featured in a goalless Bundesliga draw in 132 games, since October 2019. No matter how the season has been for Hoffenheim, Dortmund are still the better team on paper. If they can play to their potential, they should be able to secure a comfortable victory. Hoffenheim's record in the past four matches put them in a strong competition against the Black and Yellow. It is going to be an interesting match to watch.

Prediction: Hoffenheim 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Telecast

India – Sony Network, SonyLIV

UK – Sky Sports

US –  ESPN+

Nigeria – Sporty TV