Borussia Dortmund vs. TSG Hoffenheim preview: The race for Europe heats up

Borussia Dortmund

As we wind our way down the home straight into the last three Bundesliga games of 2025, Borussia Dortmund find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. A mid-week Pokal exit in the last-16 requires a fight rather than flight response this Sunday.

Dumped out at the hands of Leverkusen, centre-half Nico Schlotterbeck conceded his side “lacked a bit of punch” in the 1-0 defeat. Furthermore, BVB’s only realistic chance of grabbing silverware appears to have passed them by. 

However, the visit of a high-flying TSG Hoffenheim this weekend ought to be a game where they can banish their own disappointment. A victory would greatly stabilise Niko Kovač’s side in the pursuit of Germany’s Champions League places.

If they can build on their previous Bundesliga victory under the BayArena floodlights last weekend, the squad would likely gain a massive lift to end the calendar year on a high. Especially against a savvy outfit from Sinsheim. 

Team news:

As has been the case in recent months to the relief of Kovač, the injury list has remained rather short at Dortmund. Niklas Süle (bruised toe) is the only absentee, while Maximilian Beier returned the field against Leverkusen midweek. 

With Kobel in goals, Aaron Anselmino may be rewarded with a start alongside Anton and Schlotterbeck. Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson ought to partner Sabitzer and Nmecha in the middle third behind attacking assets Adeyemi, Brandt and Serhou Guirassy. 

Predicted lineup: Kobel – Anselmino, Anton, Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson – Adeyemi, Brandt – Guirassy

TSG Hoffenheim

After their heartbreaking defeat to St. Pauli in a penalty shoot-out in late October, TSG Hoffenheim were graciously spared from German Cup duties. That may seem counterintuitive, but in a busy stretch of the season a rest can be beneficial. 

Since that DfB-Pokal exit, the Sinsheim club have been in remarkable form through the month of November. They bounced back with wins over VfL Wolfsburg (3-2) and RB Leipzig (3-1) before Mainz held them to a late 1-1 stalemate. 

Last Friday’s 3-0 trouncing of FC Augsburg proved to be the end of Sandro Wagner’s reign. In the other dugout, Christian Ilzer marvelled at his midfield trio of Grisha Prömel, Leon Avdullahu and Wouter Burger who continue to go from strength to strength. 

Making the trip to Westphalia poses a slightly trickier task this Sunday. However, the visitors have fared well here in recent editions of this fixture. In their last six games at the Westfalenstadion they’ve managed two wins, two draws and two narrow losses. 

Team news: 

Hoffenheim’s list of injuries is slightly more severe compared to their hosts. Koki Machida (ACL tear), Kelven Frees (broken ankle) and Hennes Behrens (torn muscle fibre) are all out, while Adam Hlozek is a slight doubt with fitness concerns. 

Little should change in Ilzer’s side with Baumann shielded by Coufal, Hajdari, Hranac and Bernardo. Leon Avdullahu ought to anchor the midfield with Prömel and Burger. In attack, Fisnik Asllani should slot in behind the pace of Lemperle and Toure. 

Predicted lineup: Baumann – Coufal, Hajdari, Hranac, Bernardo – Avdullahu – Prömel, Burger – Asllani – Lemperle, Toure