Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs Hoffenheim - prediction, team news, lineups

Bayer Leverkusen's battle for the Bundesliga title will start on Saturday at BayArena against away side Hoffenheim.

The hosts were dethroned from their place at the pinnacle of German football by Bayern Munich last term, while Hoffenheim ended the season in 15th place, one place above the relegation playoff spot.

Match preview

Though a second-placed finish was in isolation not a poor outcome for Leverkusen - they had only finished higher once in their prior 13 seasons - it represented a 21-point step back from their title-winning campaign of 2023-24.

There are fears amongst supporters that the progress made under Xabi Alonso could dissipate given the Spaniard has joined Real Madrid, with new boss Erik ten Hag taking on his first managerial role since being sacked by Manchester United in October 2024.

Die Werkself began 2025-26 with a 4-0 win in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against Sonnenhof Grossaspach on August 15, and they have now netted at least two goals in each of their past five competitive outings.

At the other end of the pitch, Leverkusen conceded eight times in their final three fixtures last season, and they kept just three clean sheets in their final 14 matches of 2024-25.

Die Schwarzroten's triumph was only their second in their seven most recent games excluding friendlies, with the club held to four draws across that stretch.

The hosts lost once and won twice in their last four matches at home in the past campaign, but they did enjoy large periods of success at BayArena, winning 10 consecutive games at the stadium between November 11, 2024 and February 5.

Hoffenheim totalled 32 points in the prior campaign and only finished three points in front of 16th-placed Heidenheim.

Manager Christian Ilzer's side conceded on 68 occasions in the Bundesliga, and their record at the back made them the league's second-worst defensive team.

Die Kraichgauer's recent performances against Leverkusen have been poor having been defeated in each of their last five meetings with their hosts.

Ilzer oversaw a 4-0 triumph over Hansa Rostock in the DFB-Pokal on August 16, and that was their first competitive victory in six, with his side losing twice.

Hoffenheim have also been beaten in three of their six most recent away outings, with their win against Hansa Rostock their first on the road in that period.

Bayer Leverkusen form:

Hoffenheim form:

Team News

Leverkusen have lost a number of players, including centre-back Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich, but they have brought in Jarell Quansah from Liverpool this summer.

With the departure of Granit Xhaka to Sunderland confirmed, Robert Andrich and Aleix Garcia will almost certainly be asked to play in midfield.

Striker Victor Boniface is close to moving to AC Milan, leaving Patrik Schick as the club's most senior option up front.

Hoffenheim attacker Gift Orban will play no part on Saturday as a result of a foot injury, and his absence could lead to a start for Tim Lemperle as his side's number nine.

Midfielder Leon Avdullahu joined from Basel in the transfer window, and the midfielder is likely to be joined by Wouter Burger.

Centre-back Ozan Kabak struggled with injury issues for much of 2024-25, and until he returns to action next month, Robin Hranac, Koki Machida and Bernardo should be expected to feature.

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Tapsoba, Quansah, Hincapie; Poku, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tella, Maza; Schick

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Hranac, Machida, Bernardo; Coufal, Avdullahu, Burger, Toure; Kramaric, Asllani; Lemperle

We say: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Hoffenheim

Bayer Leverkusen have lost a number of the stars that made them such a formidable opponent under Alonso, and they may struggle to break Hoffenheim down.

The hosts have often found success at BayArena, while the visitors' record on the road was poor at the end of 2024-25, so it would be surprising if the away side left with any points.

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