Hoffenheim vs. RB Leipzig preview: Can the visitors continue their red-hot form?
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim will be looking forward to home surroundings after suffering a fourth consecutive away defeat in last Friday’s clash with Bochum. After conceding three goals, Hoffenheim attempted to stage a fightback through Andrej Kramarić. The 32-year-old scored in the 73rd and 84th-minute effort to pull his side back into the contest, but his brace ultimately proved fruitless as Bochum held on to condemn die Kraichgauer to a narrow defeat.
Despite experiencing disappointment last weekend, Hoffenheim are still in the race for European qualification, with just one point separating them from the top seven.
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side will now return to the PreZero Arena, where they have won three of their last four matches. They also have the chance to record a third consecutive home victory after scoring two goals across their last two home wins against Augsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Team News
The hosts are expected to be without Stanley Nsoki, Dennis Geiger, Marco John and Mërgim Berisha. Meanwhile, Umut Tohumcu will serve a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.
RB Leipzig
Leipzig have already secured Champions League qualification after the Bundesliga were awarded an additional place in Europe’s premier club competition following Borussia Dortmund’s midweek win over Paris Saint-Germain. Although they may have little to play for, fourth-placed Leipzig will still be keen to maximize their position and continue their fine run of form.
Die Roten Bullen fought back from a goal down to claim a dominant 4-1 win over Dortmund last weekend. Loïs Openda, Benjamin Šeško, Mohamed Simakan and Christoph Baumgartner all got on the scoresheet to fire Leipzig to a fourth consecutive win, extending their unbeaten run to eight league matches.
Marco Rose’s side are now five points clear of Dortmund and just two points adrift of Stuttgart in third position. As a result, they will move into third spot if they can beat Hoffenheim for the sixth consecutive time.
Team News
The visitors are unable to call upon Elif Elmas and Christopher Lenz due to illness and injury respectively.