Bayer Leverkusen vs TSG Hoffenheim Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Bundesliga 2025-26

Die Werkself will take on Die Kraichgauer on matchday 1 in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen will kickstart their new Bundesliga season campaign, as they will host TSG Hoffenheim at the iconic BayArena on Saturday. Surely, the atmosphere at BayArena will be electrifying as they will be eager to see their newly built squad play in the Bundesliga.

New boss Erik ten Hag is eager to help Bayer Leverkusen regain its domestic trophy and give a tough challenge to the Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, but his men are on a difficult quest. There have been numerous changes in the squad, with several key players departing the club, including Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Granit Xhaka.

The club management has a lot of expectations from the Dutch head coach, as the club is going through a period of transition. To achieve something positive this season, they will have to perform well and be at their best throughout the season.

TSG Hoffenheim, on the other hand, will have a mountain to climb in their Bundesliga season opener as they will face Leverkusen away from home. Hoffenheim’s results in the last few games against Leverkusen have been very poor, but they will hope to change it on Saturday. Some key players are already out for the first half of the season due to injuries, which makes the job even more difficult. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Leverkusen, Germany
• Stadium: BayArena
• Date: Saturday, 23 August
• Kick-Off Time: 07:00 PM IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Players to Watch

Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen)

A lot of key players left Leverkusen before the start of this season, and there were rumours of Patrik Schick leaving the club, but he decided to stay. He is a key player for the German outfit and has a huge responsibility to lead the attacking department of the club.

At 6’3, he can latch on to the lofted balls in the box, and he boasts awareness and intelligence to find gaps in between defenders and to exploit space. There are a lot of expectations from him and surely, under Ten Hag, we can see a new version of him on the pitch.

Fisnik Asllani (TSG Hoffenheim)

He can lead the forward line as a number nine and play slightly more withdrawnly as a second striker or even off the left wing. Asllani has a tall frame and is great at winning duels on the pitch. He used to play for Kosovo, then he switched his allegiance to Germany, and then played for youth teams. Once again, he switched his allegiance to Kosovo and has made seven international appearances for them. He has played his entire professional career in Germany as of now and is a key part of Hoffenheim’s squad. Asllani will have to be at his best this season and will hope to get good game time and help his team.

Match Facts

• Leverkusen has not lost to Hoffenheim in its last five meetings
• Average goals per game, Bayer Leverkusen: 2.1 and TSG Hoffenheim: 1.3
• Bayer Leverkusen has historically been the dominating side in this matchup

Bayer Leverkusen vs TSG Hoffenheim: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Bayer Leverkusen to win – 1/2 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

All the players are completely fit to play the upcoming fixture in the Bundesliga, and none of the players are suspended for the match.

Defender Ozan Kabak picked up a cruciate ligament tear injury, and he is set to miss a lot of games this season. Adam Hlozek is set for major surgery after breaking the scaphoid bone in his right foot during training. Valentin Gendrey is also out for a couple of months due to an ankle injury.

Head-to-Head Record

Matches: 34

Bayer Leverkusen: 21

TSG Hoffenheim: 7

Draws: 6

Predicted Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup (3-4-3):

Flekken (GK); Tapsoba, Quansah, Hincapie; Tella, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Schick, Adli

TSG Hoffenheim Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Baumann (GK); Coufal, Chaves, Machida, Bernardo; Avdullahu, Burger; Damar, Toure, Asllani; Moerstedt

Match Prediction

Despite many changes in the squad, Bayer are the favourites to win this fixture. This will be a close and competitive encounter for sure, as both teams will be aiming to start their new season with a win. Most probably, the home team will win this match.

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 TSG Hoffenheim

Telecast Details

India: Sony Liv, Sony Sports Network

UK: Sky Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: Star Times, Canal+

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