Hoffenheim vs Bayer Leverkusen: Champions look to bounce back on the road
| Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Hoffenheim
The hosts suffered a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt prior to the international break, conceding 13 shots to the Eagles whilst producing only three themselves.
Pellegrino Matarazzo's side has already conceded seven goals across their opening two Bundesliga matchdays, keeping up with the less-than-desirable stat showing just one clean sheet in the side's last 31 league matches.
The hosts look to build upon their positive start at home this season after dispatching Holstein Kiel by three goals to two on opening weekend.
Team News
TSG carry multiple absentees into Saturday's fixture, including forward Ihlas Bebou alongside midfielders Finn Ole Becker and Marco John. Umut Tohumcu is also a doubt in midfield for the hosts.
Defenders Ozan Kabak, Grischa Promel and David Jurasek are also all expected to be sidelined.
Bayer Leverkusen
The visitors enter the clash having suffered their first domestic defeat in 43 games, after a home defeat to RB Leipzig.
Despite the obvious disappointment, it is hard not to suggest that a defeat was on the way for Die Werkself after conceding seven goals in the last five fixtures before the defeat against Leipzig. With this in mind, Leverkusen have kept just one clean sheet in their last seven games.
However, Alonso's side has an excellent record on the road, coming out on top in 15 of their last 18 Bundesliga matches away from home.
Team News
Leverkusen go into this weekend without any fresh injury concerns and will likely be at full strength in Sinsheim.